Even though the culinary offerings, entertainment factor and star-studded lineup in Ischgl are great, winter sports are and remain the most compelling argument for visitors to Ischgl. The Silvretta Arena ski area, which is connected to Samnaun in Switzerland, is considered particularly snow-sure and can also score points with its generosity: 239 kilometers of slopes are part of the area, and the 45 lifts are all equipped with modern facilities. The Piz Val Gronda lift, which opened in 2013, has added a great deal of value. It opens up untouched deep snow slopes directly from the mountain station and thus ensures perfect deep snow descents. Ischgl also scores with freeride areas and one of the largest connected snow parks in Europe. With its wide range of offers, Ischgl is not only popular with young winter sports enthusiasts, but also with families and passionate ski tourers. In addition, the destination offers numerous winter sports alternatives: Starting from Ischgl, cross-country skiers can take advantage of 73 kilometres of trails and pursue their passion up to 2036 metres in altitude. There are also 60 kilometres of winter hiking trails. Those who prefer a more leisurely pace can enjoy the snow-covered landscape from a horse-drawn carriage. Another recurring highlight: the snow sculpture competition "Forms in White", where creative people demonstrate their artistic skills every year by building figures out of ice and snow. The next event will take place from 10 to 14 January under the motto "Winter Sports". (The icy works of art can be admired until the end of April, by the way.) Also worth noting: Ischgl is home to the largest climate-neutral ski resort in the Alps - since January 1, 2021, all cable cars, mountain restaurants and snow-making facilities have been powered by green electricity. Ischgl is a pioneer in this area and acts as an innovative and positive role model for other ski regions.

Entertainment at its best

From a former mountain farming village, Ischgl has gradually advanced to become a ski resort of superlatives: for example, with the highest density of gourmet restaurants. From gourmet cuisine to mountain hut fun: it's all in the mix. And Ischgl offers this like hardly any other winter sports destination. The culinary selection is huge and ranges from fast food snacks to gourmet restaurants. Scallop carpaccio with tuna tartare and caviar or Arctic char with mashed potatoes and gentian foam are served here as a matter of course. And no one needs to be told how superlative events work here: World stars such as Sir Elton John, Lenny Kravitz, Mariah Carey and Robbie Williams have already given concerts at the Idalp, which is a good 2300 metres above sea level. This winter - pandemic permitting - there will also be "Top of the Mountain" events. To mark the start of the season on 25 November, international stars will be attracted two days later: the operatic pop trio Il Volo and the Italian pop singer Alice.

Seasonal highlight in spring

Spring skiing has been a special highlight in Ischgl for years, especially as there is guaranteed snow until May. From now on, with the "Spring Blanc", the season extension will be celebrated in keeping with its status, not only with the best snow conditions, but also with top events and culinary delights. With mild temperatures and perfectly groomed slopes, guests enjoy the spring on fantastic runs in the glistening snow. First-class events such as the "Top of the Mountain" spring, easter and closing concerts and the "grenz.konzerte" on the Flimjoch round off the event spring in the Paznaun Valley. April can also score in terms of culinary delights. The "sun.downer" on the Pardatschgrat, the "berg.Frühstück" on the Idalp and the "dine.around" in the Silvretta Arena attract guests to the summit of pleasure - of course with a panoramic view of the surrounding mountains.

Good to Know

Perfect for ...

Gourmets (the density of gourmet restaurants is higher than anywhere else), music fans and skiers of all levels. There are about the same number of blue as black marked slopes, the vast majority are marked medium difficulty.

Route network and lifts

Ischgl's pistes stretch over 239 kilometers (including the neighboring Swiss area of Samnaun), and there are 45 lifts. The two-kilometer-long ski slope 14a is the steepest in the area with a gradient of 70 percent.

Duration of the ski season

Thanks to the high altitude and powerful snow cannons, snow is guaranteed until May in this cross-border destination.

Best of Ischgl: Hotel tips

Zhero Hotel

Alpine luxury meets avant-garde lifestyle

The 79 rooms of the five-star hotel score with modern and noble design, the spa area with 20-meter pool, several saunas and massage services. The in-house restaurant "The Saint" has the best open grill in town. After dinner, guests like to end the evening in the "Minotti Lounge". Double room from € 250,-.

Zhero Hotel*****, zherohotelischgl.com
Meadow 687, 6555 Ischgl, Austria
T: +43 5445 61 200

Elizabeth Arthotel

The Art of Living in the best location

With only 39 rooms, the "Elizabeth" is a charming hideaway in the mountains. Art and design run through the entire house - from the elegant spa to the fantastically furnished rooms. Art lovers will be amazed by the numerous works of art on display in the house - like in a gallery. Traditional and experimental dishes are served in the "Eliza", the culinary heart of the house. The "Schatzi Restaurant", probably the best pizzeria in Ischgl, is located directly on the slopes. The best "ski-in, ski-out" location guarantees true fun on the slopes, and on bad weather days you can work out in the gym or in the counter-current system of the spa. Afterwards you can relax in the infinity pool and enjoy a massage or one of the numerous beauty treatments. Double room incl. half board from € 250,- per person.

Elizabeth Arthotel*****, elizabeth.at
Fimbabahnweg 4, 6561 Ischgl, Austria
T: +43 5444 5411

Restaurant tips

Paznauner Stube

It was this gourmet restaurant in the Trofana Royal Hotel that first put Ischgl on the gourmet map in 1997. The chef in the kitchen is Martin Sieberer, who has a large following with his penchant for down-to-earth Tyrolean cuisine and first-class international specialities and has already won a number of awards. trofana-royal.at

Bar

Champagne hut

Exquisite champagne varieties in a stylish hut atmosphere - these are the ingredients needed to create a tingling atmosphere and a sophisticated party feeling. The "Champagnerhütte" stands for an extraordinary party with an exclusive character. schlosshotel-ischgl.com