Ischgl

Ischgl is a high resort, therefore the snow is generally in good condition, and certainly a good bet for an early or late season trip. The main gondolas from the resort take you to the Idalp area which tends to be the main meeting place for skiers. There are also ski lockers here, and whilst these aren’t free they are very popular as skiers can walk to the gondolas in their trainers and get the gondola back down to Ischgl at the end of the day. There is also a large and great value for money restaurant here. The skiing is mostly blues and reds with a smattering of nursery slopes and a handful of black rated pistes.

BEGINNERS:

The nursery slopes around the Idalp, at the top of the gondolas, are perfect. They are very gentle, and because they are up the mountain, the snow is generally very good – certainly in comparison to the main resort level nursery slopes in similar Austrian resorts. The slight negative for a beginner is that they do need to purchase a lift pass because they need the gondola access. Other resorts do offer a free nursery slope, which is not the case here.

INTERMEDIATES:

Ischgl is the perfect resort for intermediate skiiers and boarders thanks to the enormous selection of blues and reds which are all linked by a truly world class lift system. It is difficult to pick a highlight as there are so many, but try the run down to Samnaun on the Swiss side of the resort. Make sure you give yourself enough time though, getting stuck in Samnaun is an expensive mistake to make!

EXPERTS:

There are some good black runs although some of them are not as challenging as black runs we have encountered in other resorts. Ischgl does offer some incredible off piste terrain, and whilst most of it isn’t particularly steep, the sheer amount on offer will put a smile on the face of even the most picky expert skier.

There really isn’t many better for lively après-ski and raucous nightlife than in Ischgl. The main port of call is the Trofana Alm in the resort centre but at the foot of the slopes. This is the Ischgl equivalent to the Mooserwirt in St. Anton. A real Tirolean après-ski event. Do not expect a wide choice of eclectic music, it will be Austrian Euro-Pop in all its finery. The Hotel Elisabeth also has a popular bar at the foot of the slopes although it is not to everyone’s tastes due to the scantily clad dancing girls. It is a huge amount of fun though.

After dinner, head down to town and try the Kuhstall which was our favourite by a distance. We also recommend the Kiwi bar which is slightly above town but a very good starting point for an evening out. There are clubs too, the main ones being Pascha (yes, the same people as the ones in London and Ibiza…) as well as the enormous Trofana Arena. If you like to party into the wee hours, both of these places should be checked out. One is a glamorous and chic place to be seen, the other is a lot more down to earth, typically Austrian and a lot of fun. We’ll leave you to work out which one is which!

SCHNEESPORT AKADEMIE