| ||
Ischgl |
||
Set in the Tirol, visit Ischgl for access to the beautiful Paznau Valley - and for some of the best après-ski in the Alps. Whether you're skiing or snowboarding there's over 200km of marked pistes and miles more off-piste to enjoy this winter. Read our review to find out more.
Where?
If you choose to ski in Ischgl, you'll be based in a high-altitude Tyrolean village in the beautiful Paznau Valley - another gem amongst the Austrian ski resorts we've reviewed. Ischgl's 40 lifts serve 238km of runs and with 90% of skiing over 2000m snow is virtually assured. There's a further 65km of piste via a bus link to Galtür. Access is via Innsbruck or Zurich.
On the Slopes
The first thing you'll find here is easy access to the mountain from the village centre, there are three gondolas that will take you up to the ski area above this resort. The slopes are mostly North facing and at this altitude - you are guaranteed good snow. There's not really any learner slopes down at village level - so you will need to take the gondola up too. Intermediates will find the most in Ischgl, with over 40 pistes and some good long 7km runs down to the Valley floor.
With access to the Silvretta ski arena, ski holidays here enable you to ski or snowboard to six interconnecting valleys. There's top class grooming and extensive snow-making just in case, making this resort ideal for long days on the slopes - which can then lead to long nights off. Extensive off piste and some great bowls are available for advanced skiers and boarders - all that's really lacking is challenging on-piste routes. Snowboarders will find a championship half-pipe and excellent terrain featuring a timed racecourse.
Ski Area
If you ski Ischgl you are also in the ski region of Silvretta Arena.
Off the Slopes
The Austrian ski resort of Ischgl is one of the liveliest resorts in the Alps - a snow-bound Ibiza - with a great selection of clubs, bars and restaurants. For eating out you can choose from Tyrolean specialities to gourmet cuisine, but it's the après-ski that sets this resort apart. Favourite destinations include the Trofana Alm and Schatzi bar, Hollboda bar for live music, and the late night scene at Pacha. There's even a casino! The only problem is the resort does come in a lot more pricey than some other Austrian destinations - but you'll have a great time.
Who's it Best For?
Ischgl is great for intermediates and particularly for snowboarders, oh and also party lovers!
TOURIST OFFICE
Hnr. 320
Phone: +43 (0) 50990 100
Fax: +43 (0) 50990 199
Click here for website
Email them
Ischgl seems to tick a lot of boxes. It has luxury hotels, great pistes but also amazing nightlife. It has often been referred to as the Ibiza of ski resorts! It is also linked to Samnaun in Switzerland and there's a free shuttle bus to Galtur.
If you are looking for a great package deal to Ischgl we can get you some great deals through leading UK ski operators. Or you may want to organise it all yourself and merely be looking for a hotel room, chalet or apartment. Whatever your ideal ski holiday let us help you.
Why Choose Ischgl in Austria
1. Easy access to the Silvretta ski area.
2. Good intermediate pistes, some up to 7km in length.
3. Great for snowboarders.
4. Amazing apres ski.
Is Ischgl Right For You?
If you think Ischgl is right for you then check out a ski holiday there or see what great accommodation we can help you find.
Chalets can come in all shapes and sizes and can be catered or uncatered. For many they are what a ski holiday is all about. Many are old wooden structures whilst others reflect more modern architecture. In Ischgl the accommodation is more upmarket than you may expect a party town to be and it's a bit more expensive than other Austrian resorts.
Another point to remember is that this is not really a resort for families. That isn't to say that children aren't welcome but it targets the luxury upmarket couples and singletons. It is therefore no surprise to discover that it has 33 4* hotels and a 5* that is one of Austrias finest hotels.
Where Will I Find a Ski Chalet?
This is a resort that is really about luxury hotels. You will also find good guest houses and self catering apartments. Catered chalets with flights and transfers are available but they are not covered in as much detail as other resorts in Austria.
You will find ski in ski out chalets, catered and non catered. But if you want more choice do check out the guesthouses and hotels . And remember that this is a party town so try to avoid the centre of the resort if you are looking for peace and quiet.
CHALETS
Apartments can be a great idea on a ski holiday. They often work out cheaper than a chalet or a hotel and yet many offer amazing facilities. Many of the newer apartments offer swimming pools, saunas and spas. They are also not the concrete eyesores that blighted many of the purpose built French resorts so don't discount apartments.
Accommodation in Ischgl tends to be quite upmarket and is more expensive than you will find in other Austrian resorts. Whilst children are welcome this is a resort that targets upmarket wealthy couples and groups.It is also a resort that is predominantly hotel based but there are some good apartments here.
Apartments worth checking out include the Golfais which are good. Also Gasthof YSCLA also has good apartments and a spa. The restaurant here is also good. So as well as the apartments you may have more choice if you check out some of the good hotels on offer.
Are Apartments Really a Good Idea?
As we have said apartments can work out very good value for money. Their facilities are often very impressive and match what many good hotels offer. Apartments can also be a great idea for families travelling together and for large groups.
Hotels can be a great choice on a ski holiday. Many offer great facilities, great restaurants and ski in ski out convenience. Ischgl is a good resort to look for a hotel in, as the majority of accommodation on offer here is hotel based, but do expect to pay more than you would elsewhere in Austria.
There are 33 4* star hotels in Ischgl which give you some idea of the market Ischgl is pitching for. In addition there is the 5* Trafana Royal which is one of Austrias top hotels. There are also 8 3* hotels. In fact the guesthouses are also pretty amazing with 77 boasting 3 or 4 stars. So if it's comfort and luxury you are looking for and your budget is good you will find some great accommodation here.
What Hotels Are In Ischgl?
The Trofana, which we have already mentioned, well earns its 5* status. It has a fitness studio and wellness centre and also a kids club for children from the age of 3. For those of you wanting a spa check out the Hotel Madlein. If swimming is your bag there is an amazing pool in the Elisabeth Arthotel.
The key point about hotels in Ischgl is that you will have great choice but you probably wont find bargain budget hotels here. The number of 4* hotels highlights that. Do remember that this is a major party town so if you are staying in the centre you probably wont get much peace and quiet.
Ischgl is easily reached from Innsbruck airport which is 62 miles away. The transfer usually takes about 90 minutes. Munich and Zurich are the next best choices, the transfer from these airports is about 3 hours.
Driving to Ischgl
It is relatively easy to get to Ischgl by car. Do remember however that there are motorway tolls in Austria. Also check out all the driving legislation in Austria, for example high visibility vests are compulsory here. Another added bonus is that the scenery driving here is simply stunning.
You can also hire a private taxi to Ischgl. We would strongly advise that you pre book this before you leave home as you will get significant savings. many of these private minibuses seat up to 8 people but if you are not in a party of 8 look into the possibility of a 'shared transfer' where you share with people going to the same resort.
There is no direct railway link to Ischgl, you can take public transport but this will require a number of changes and so can get a bit fiddley. For example, from Innsbruck airport you would need to take the train from Innsbruck city centre(30 minutes from the airport) to Landeck and then take a bus to Ischgl. Our advise would be to hire a car or pre book with a transfer company!
Compare Ischgl ski schools and then book or reserve your ski and snowboard lessons before you arrive in resort! Reserve your spaces in group or private lessons in Ischgl so saving yourself a lot of hassles!
Ski Schools in Ischgl
Whether you want to have ski lessons or snowboard lessons, most Ischgl ski schools offer a wide range of options including half day lessons, private or group lessons. Use GoSki.co.uk to find out more.