Resort Information
Ischgl is the favourite resort for a huge number of Germans and as such, whilst more Brits are travelling there, there are few UK tour operator offerings. That being said, much of the accommodation offering in the resort comprises luxury family run hotels with exquisite offerings.
As for the slopes, they are extensive, snow-sure, sunny and mostly above the treeline, with some magnificent scenery.
The 239km Silvretta Arena ski area extends across the Swiss border to the Engadin resort of Samnaun, and best suits mileage-hungry intermediates who enjoy covering lots of ground each day before returning to the resort for some of the wildest table-dancing in the Alps. The uplift is modern and whisks you up the mountain at speed; the piste grooming is done to an impeccable standard, and there is sufficient artificial snow-making to top up what normally is a very snowy winter.
Ischgl’s is becoming a more internationally recognised resort as a result of their famous start- and end-of-season Top of the Mountain concerts. These concerts are hugely popular and have attracted stars such as Elton John, Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Mariah Carey, the Beach Boys and Kylie Minogue.
Key Facts
Ski Area
239km
Ski Range
1377m – 2872m
Blue Runs
20%
Red Runs
60%
Black Runs
20%
Season
December – April
Accommodation
Hotel Fliana
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Hotel FlianaFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis hotel boasts 56 rooms and suitesLocationDistance to...
Hotel Madlein
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Hotel MadleinFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis hotel boasts 73 rooms and suites LocationDistance to...
Hotel Elizabeth
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Hotel ElizabethFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis hotel boasts 42 rooms and suites LocationDistance to resort...
Hotel Garni Litzner
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Hotel Garni LitznerFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis hotel garni boasts 33 bedrooms LocationDistance...
Hotel Albona
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Hotel AlbonaFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis accomodation...
Hotel Seiblishof
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Hotel SeiblishofFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis accomodation...
Hotel Zhero
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Hotel ZheroFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis accomodation sleeps 4-10...
Chalet Hotel Abendrot
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Chalet Hotel AbendrotFacilitiesSleep CapacityThis accomodation sleeps...
Useful Information
Beginners
Although there are many other resorts with more expansive and village level slopes, the nursery slopes are at high altitude, meaning that they are snow-sure and sunny. They are served by their own dedicated drag and chair lifts and are suitably adjacent to pleasant blue runs for easy progression.
Intermediates
On both sides of the ridge marking the border between Ischgl and Samnaun lies a wealth of blue and red runs. On a quiet morning – and before the crowds, you’ll find some of the finest piste skiing in the Alps. For adventurous intermediates, we suggest exploring the the runs between Idalp and the village, but not at the end of the day (it can be crowded) . The valley run from Idalp can be tricky in places. The Paznauner Taya area is also very easily accessible by intermediates via the Sassgalunbahn chairlift a few hundred metres below Idalp. There are some great easy-ish reds on offer on the way the Paznauner Taya restaurant. Intermediates should also take a trip to Samnaun, taking the Hollkarbahn lift from Idalp, then the Zeblasbahn up to just below the Palinkopf. From here it’s downhill all the way to Switzerland, via the long and scenic piste No 80 – with 81 a variation at the top if you like.
Advanced
The Val Gronda opened up a new area for advanced skiers in Ischgl. But there are also black pistes and ungroomed official ski routes descending from Greitspitz, the Palinkopf, Pardatschgrat and the Paznauer Taya, and plenty of backcountry skiing that can be explored with a guide.
Snowboarding
Ischgl has one of the best terrain parks in Europe. The nursery slopes are also very wide and very suitable for boarding beginners, and the lifts are sympathetic to the boarder. And when it snows, the lift accessible powder fields are boarder heaven. The Rennstrecke Funpark is located between Idjoch and Idalp and has a championship standard half-pipe, with jumps, a quarter-pipe, rails, a boarder-cross course and a timed race course. There is also a separate snowboard area for smaller children, and a smaller funpark on the Swiss side.
Snowshoe Hike
A snowshoe hike through the mountains of Ischgl is the perfect option if you want to combine enjoying nature with getting some exercise. You can boost your fitness and get the blood pumping. Snowshoe hiking is without a doubt a mountain adventure in nature.
By the way: Groomed and marked trails guide you through the pristine landscape. Individual tours, like the moonshine hike, are also offered. If you’d like to know more, please contact someone at your accommodation or one of the holiday experts at the tourism office Paznaun-Ischgl. Why not take advantage of this opportunity to discover places that might have otherwise remained hidden from you?
Cross-country skiing at the Paznaun
In Ischgl, everyone can find the perfect cross-country skiing trail for themselves. ‘Pleasure-skiers’ just as well as endurance athletes. The entire network of cross-country skiing trails spans more than 70 kilometres between 1,377 metres and 2,040 metres above sea level. It’s no mistake that the Paznaun can call itself the ‘Tyrolean cross-country skiing specialist’ and is amongst the top cross-country skiing regions in Tyrol. The high elevation ensures snow well into spring and the perfect infrastructure for gentle gliding or to improve aerobic fitness.
Night tobogganing in Ischgl, Mountain hut charm and tradition
With seven kilometres and 950 metres of elevation, the night toboggan run in Ischgl is one of the longest runs of its kind in the Alps. From the middle of December to the beginning of April, the floodlit fun on runners delights adventure-seekers. Additionally, the mountain restaurant Idalpe offers hut ambience including music and delicacies. You’ll see: Hardly anything promises more fun and action than a tobogganing evening with friends and family during your winter holiday!
Winter sports on the ice
Ice skating in Ischgl is the perfect option if you want some variety during your winter sports holiday, for both children and adults. Whether it’s a few laps on the ice in warm winter sunlight or, for true romantics, under the starlit sky of Tyrol: ice skating never goes out of style!The ice rink in Ischgl is located near the town centre at the Silvrettabahn cable car parking lot. Equipment can be rented directly on site. So, get on your way!
Horse-drawn sleigh rides through Ischgl: truly romantic
A horse-drawn sleigh ride through the snowy Paznaun is THE classic when it comes to winter holidays. Sitting all snuggled up in a sleigh, while listening to the stories of the coachman, is the perfect way to romantically end your ski day. He’ll have plenty to tell you about!
Wellness at the Silvretta Center Ischgl
If you want to relax and unwind after a day on the slopes, you should visit the Silvretta Centre. This water park with sauna world is located at the town’s centre and is the ideal alternative to the activities on and off the slopes. If you want to prevent aching muscles, you should treat yourself to a massage or to a visit at the finnish wood sauna.
View the live snow report for Ischgl here
Ischgl, for those who know even just a little about skiing or have seen the terrible film “Downhill”, will know that the resort is not known as being family friendly. We tend to agree with this statement, however, it can still be done and done very well.
Ischgl is both a fun-loving, and child-friendly resort. If a resort with a real buzz is high up in the priority list, we say do it! A few pointers however are below if the kids are in tow!
All about the hotel
We feature the Hotel Seiblishof and it is this hotel and this hotel alone that we suggest. Not only does it have its own mini train to transport kids to and from the piste; two neighbouring indoor pools, one for us adults, one for the kids; a multi -level creche area joined by slide; and didi we mention the full 7-day programme of games, activities and entertainment for all ages from 3 months to teens and they can arrange babysitting 24/7. What’s not to like?
Family Deals
The resort offers free VIP ski passes and free ski rental for all children up to 10 years if accompanied by an adult, now that’s a HUGE big saving.
Kinderland
For learners and young ones, the ski school is located a few paces from the top of the cable car at Idalp, just beside Kinderland, a devoted nursery slope area, and there are instructors aplenty in resort.
Traditional Fondue
Families love the top-notch pizzeria right beside the hotel. Also, it’s hard to beat Kitzloch, a wonderfully rustic inn famed for its meat and traditional cheese fondues, for a special treat.
Area Map
Hotel Fliana
Hotel Madlein
Hotel Elizabeth
Hotel Garni Litzner
Hotel Albona
Hotel Seiblishof
Hotel Zhero
Chalet Hotel Abendrot
Getting There
Ischgl is most easily reached via Innsbruck, Zurich or Munich international airports. Transfer times by road are about 1 hours 15 minutes (Innsbruck), 2 hours 35 minutes (Zurich) and 3 hours (Munich). Alternatively take the train to Landeck, then continue by bus or taxi to Ischgl.
Ischgl is easy to reach by plane as well. The nearest airport is in Innsbruck. From there, you can take the bus, train or a taxi to Ischgl. You can also rent a car, of course.
By Plane
Munich 160 km, Innsbruck 95 km, Salzburg 80 km
About 90 minutes with the train, bus, airport shuttle or hire car to Kitzbühel
By Road
Arriving by Car from Germany
You’re travelling south via the German A7 or A95 motorways? Then you should take Fernpassbundesstrasse B197 in Tyrol. Continue to the A12 via Imst and Landeck and then take Arlbergschnellstrasse S16. Take exit Pians and follow Silvretta Bundesstrasse B188 to Ischgl.
You’re starting your journey on the German A93 motorway towards Innsbruck? Take the Austrian Inntal motorway A12 via Kufstein, Innsbruck and Landeck. Continue on the Arlbergschnellstrasse S16 and take exit Pians. Then follow Silvretta Bundesstrasse B188 towards Ischgl. The German A96 motorway towards Lindau takes you to Ischgl as well. Follow the Austrian motorway A14 in the direction of Bregenz, Feldkirch. Via the Arlbergtunnel, continue on to the S16. Take exit Pians and follow Silvretta Bundesstrasse B188 to Ischgl.
Tip: In summer, it’s well worth leaving the motorway in Bludenz to enjoy the stunning view from the Silvretta High Alpine Road.
Arriving by car from Italy
You’re starting northbound on the A22 motorway? The Brenner Pass takes you onto the Austrian A13 motorway. In Innsbruck, take motorway A12 and then Arlbergschnellstrasse S16 to the exit in Pians. Via Silvretta Bundesstrasse B188, head towards See, Kappl, Ischgl and Galtar. Let’s go to Ischgl! Take the SS40 heading north. Via the Reschen Pass, you’ll get to the B180 in Austria. Continue past Nauders and Landeck and stay on the S16 towards Bregenz. Then take exit Pians and continue on Silvretta Bundesstrasse B188 towards See, Kappl, Ischgl and Galtar.
Arriving by car from Switzerland
Coming from Switzerland, take the A3 to Feldkirch or the A1 to Lustenau and Dornbirn. Once you’re there, continue on the A14 towards Innsbruck. Then follow the S16 via the Arlberg tunnel until exit Pians. You’ve almost made it to your destination, via the Silvretta Bundesstrasse (B188), you’ll be in Paznaun-Ischgl in no time.
By Bus
From Landeck-Zams station, there’s only a short bus ride between you and the slopes. Simply take Bus No. 260 which leaves the train station towards the Paznaun region every hour. The ride takes about an hour, plenty of time to enjoy the view of the stunning mountain scenery!
Our tip: Winter sports athletes even get to use the direct bus between Landeck station and Galtar Wirl for free (except for arrival and departure from your accommodation)!
By Train
From Germany: You only need to change trains once to get from Hamburg or the Ruhr region to the direct bus to Ischgl.
From Switzerland: It’s particularly convenient and easy to get to Landeck station from Switzerland, just take the direct train from Zurich.
From Italy: Change trains in Innsbruck to get to Landeck-Zams station.
From Landeck: Once your train arrives at Landeck, simply hop on the hourly bus to Ischgl.
Our tip: For any train connections to Ischgl, please consult the website of the Federal Austrian Railways (OBB). For instance, how about taking the extra convenient Nightjet night train.