Accommodation
Ischgl Ski Club Reps
Ischgl is a large but traditional Tyrolean village below one of Austria’s greatest and highest ski areas, crossing the border to be linked with Samnaun since 1978, making a unique Austro-Swiss ski area. Considering its status today as one of the best and largest ski areas in the Tyrol, Ischgl has been something of a late developer. It survived as a predominantly farming community despite hardship causing increasing migration until the late 1950s, with the first cable car opening in 1963. Indeed Ischgl’s current success is a remarkable turn-around for a village which once had to send its children over the border to tend cattle in order to make ends meet, a practice so common that the children were even given a name, ‘Schwabenkinder’.
Although there are now more than 9000 tourist beds, making this one of Austria’s biggest resorts, the local population remains below 1500. The 200km (125 mile) ski region is one of the largest in Austria (at least partially) and with a vertical approaching 1400m up to 2872m it is much higher and bigger than some of the country’s other big name ski areas like Kitzbühel. Ninety per-cent of the ski area is above 2000m making this a particularly snowsure area with a long season, traditionally culminating in a big ‘top of the mountain’ concert at the end of April, which in the past has featured some big stars like Elton John, Tina Turner, Bob Dylan and Diana Ross. The concert and many other aspects of the area such as its status as a snowboarding mecca all contribute to make Ischgl one of the coolest resorts in the Alps.
We dived into the vibrant town of Ischgl, renowned for its legendary party scene. Beyond the festivities, it now features an incredible spa and wellness facility at Silvretta Therme.
Ischgl offers an impressive 239 kilometers of slopes, serviced by 45 cable cars and lifts. Covering all of this ground in just three days was challenging, but we managed—and fell head over skis in love! A unique twist: you can ski across the border into Samnaun, Switzerland.
The skiing here was fantastic:
Ischgl is packed with après bars—you might not get through them all in a week! Here are some standouts:
1️⃣ Trofana Alm: This expansive two-floor bar is the place for table dancing and classic après tunes. It’s a unique experience we hadn’t encountered before!
2️⃣ Kuhstall: A dedicated après bar known for typical German music. It offered a distinct vibe that we thoroughly enjoyed.
3️⃣ Kitzloch: Located at the base of the A2 Pardatschgratbahn gondola. Ski straight into the bar after conquering red run 1a! Enjoy live singers, DJs, and an electric atmosphere. Fun fact: The record for flügel shots ordered here is 1,111!
4️⃣ Schatzi Ischgl: Just opposite Kitzloch, this place is famed for après ski and table dance routines in the late afternoons.
Ischgl’s mountain restaurants could easily feature in a James Bond film. Our top picks:
1️⃣ Bergrestaurant Pardorama: A stunning glass building at the top of the A2 Pardatschgratbahn gondola (2,624m). The views are breathtaking, making it a perfect photo spot (look for the two signs).
Bonus: It hosts the world’s highest Lego Exhibition!
I had the pleasure of visiting Silvretta Therme, Ischgl’s newest and largest spa and wellness facility, and it’s truly groundbreaking!
The sheer size is astonishing, yet every detail is impeccably executed, leaving guests in awe. Open from 10 am to 11 pm, Silvretta Therme provides a sanctuary for relaxation and rejuvenation, whether you’re taking a break from the slopes or winding down from a day of adventure.
Here are some highlights from my visit:
1️⃣ Outdoor Pool Bar: A standout feature with stunning mountain views. Enjoy a reasonably priced limoncello spritz while taking in the scenery. Don’t miss a photo by the illuminated Ischgl sign—it’s picture-perfect!
2️⃣ Sauna Area: A paradise for wellness enthusiasts, offering five different saunas at various temperatures. The sauna with an 80-person capacity is particularly impressive!
3️⃣ Rooftop Outdoor Pool: Offers a breathtaking setting for relaxation, with panoramic mountain views creating a serene atmosphere.
4️⃣ Indoor Pool: Impressive with ample space and a mesmerizing light show, perfect for unwinding.
5️⃣ Sports Pool: A 25-meter swimming pool designed for training and exercise, ensuring guests can maintain their fitness routines even on vacation.
6️⃣ When it’s time to relax, the areas offer around 200 cozy beds across various zones, providing the perfect place to rest and recharge after a swim or sauna session.
With so much to explore and enjoy, Silvretta Therme offers an unparalleled experience. Whether navigating from one area to another or simply relaxing, you’re guaranteed to leave feeling rejuvenated and inspired. Don’t miss the chance to experience this extraordinary facility—it’s a must-visit!
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The resort’s more recent developments have lead to Ischgl being one of the best designed ski areas in Austria and indeed the world. It has hi-tec lifts, including a funitel (ultra-stable high-capacity gondola running on two cables rather than the usual one) and a double decker cable car rapidly accessing the slopes, and slopeside lodging offered by many properties. Although customs regulations between Austria and Switzerland are described by the resort as ‘lax’, you should still carry your passport as customs official have the right to check it, and observe shopping ‘import’ restrictions when returning from the duty free shops of Samnaun to Austria and the European Community.
Ski Club Reps devote their time in the mountains to ensuring our members have an exceptional experience both on and off the slopes. They organise group social ski days, assist with booking mountain guides for deeper exploration, and help members enjoy local dining and nightlife at various bars and restaurants. Ski Club Reps work tirelessly to showcase resorts around the world to enthusiastic skiers. Whether it’s in North America or Europe, maximise your ski experience with a Ski Club Rep this winter!
Alongside Reps, the Club offers a host of services to help you make the most of your time on snow, including travel insurance designed by skiers for skiers, exclusive discounts for our Members, a huge range of information online and in our magazine, amazing Ski Club Experiences, special events in the UK and broad plus incredible Ski Club Freshtracks holidays around the world for every taste in skiing.
80%
81
800cm
13
25
7
15
11KM
Silvretta Arena
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