Ischgl Reviews, Ratings and Stats

Known as the Tyrolean adventure paradise, Ischgl merges the glamour of St Moritz and the partying of St Anton to create a picture-perfect, baroque ski town with world-class infrastructure and a lively après scene to boot. Sitting in the Paznaun Valley and close to the eastern border of Switzerland, Ischgl forms part of the extensive Silvretta Arena ski area. The area boasts over 239km of pistes, spanning the Austrian-Swiss border for some multi-country skiing.

While Ischgl has a reputation for being an intermediate and above ski resort, beginners shouldn’t be put off completely. There is a large beginner area, although it is higher up the mountain and is sometimes either tricky to get to or icy depending on the conditions. A relatively high altitude ensures decent snow throughout the season, while world-class snowmaking keeps everything skiable. With a new lift (on average) added every year since 2000 (including a lot of heated ones,) the resort can disperse the crowds pretty quickly. One Snomad community member even added that “the longest we queued for during our week was one minute.”

Ultimately, Ischgl is perfect for quick, efficient access to slopes and brilliant après ski.

What is the skiing like in Ischgl?

The slopes of the Silvretta Arena ski area span from the southeast of Ischgl towards Samnaun over the border. Several lifts climb up from the town itself, granting access to the peaks of Greitspitze at 2872m, Palinkopf at 2864m and Idjoch at 2760m. There is a network of enjoyable blues and smaller lifts around the Idalp area, with further blues and reds from Viderjoch.

The entire area is very well groomed, but lower slopes can get busy if the upper slopes are closed due to weather. When returning to town, the hot tip is to opt for runs 5 or 1A as quieter alternatives to route 1. The Snomad community states the resort is easy to navigate with plenty of slopeside restaurants.

Intermediates will love the entire Alp Trida area, while those seeking something more challenging will find exactly that off Greitspitze and Palinkopf. Aside from blues and reds, there are plenty of blacks and freeride opportunities. If you’re equipped with the right knowledge and equipment (or even better, a guide) there is ample opportunity to hop off the trail and explore fields of fresh powder. According to our resort reviews, even 2 or 3 days after a big dump there are still plenty of fresh tracks to be made - even under some of the main lifts! If freeriding is your religion, head up the E5 Piz Val Grondabahn for instant access to a huge untracked area.

During your stay, it’s a must-do to ski on the Swiss side too. Follow the long Smugglers Run for a scenic route into Samnaun, but beware of the relatively flat ending to get to the cable car. You’ll also be able to take advantage of duty-free shopping while in Samnaun, so be sure to take a backpack to return safely with your loot. Alp Tarida is a great place to base yourself just before the descent down into Switzerland and is known to be a good intermediate area.

Where to Eat Out in Ischgl?

Ischgl is a hotspot for foodies and the Austrian locals are incredibly welcoming and friendly. Bringing together elements of Austrian, German, Swiss, French and Mediterranean cuisine, you’re guaranteed to find exactly what you’re craving. On the slopes, most of the restaurants are built with efficiency, ease and large capacities in mind. For a more characterful lunch stop, Paznauner Taja Lodge serves regional and international delicacies in a classic mountain hut before turning up the music for sun-soaked après. Rest assured that you’ll find the perfect pitstop, but be careful about where you are country-wise - that 13-euro bowl of pasta in Austria costs 35 in Switzerland.

In the resort, you’re truly spoilt for choice. From luxurious and ornate-looking restaurants to the town’s very own branch of Burger King, there’s something for everyone. Fine dining highlights include Genussrestaurant Sunna, the restaurant in the Salnerhof Hotel and Restaurant Stuva.

For hearty local fare, Kitzloch and Alt Paznaun Dorfcafe boast both cosy surroundings and delicious dishes. Pizza and pasta lovers should head to Restaurant Trattoria.

What is the Après Ski Like in Ischgl?

Not only is Ischgl world-renowned thanks to its impressive lift infrastructure, it also has a reputation for some of the best après in the world. Whether you want slopeside Europop beneath the afternoon sun or attractive dancing dirndl girls and endless beer - this is the place for you. There are lots of places to choose from, but the standout selection is Paznauner Thaya, Schatzi Bar, Trofana Alm, Kitzloch, Hexenküche and Kuhstall - or Champagne Hutte if you’re looking for that ultra VIP experience. Just keep in mind that if you’re drinking on the slopes, the main run back down into resort is often carnage - you might be better off getting the Silvrettabahn or the Fimbabahn back down.

Is Ischgl Good for Families?

Yes - Ischgl prides itself on the many different on and off-slope activities it provides for families. There are several fun zones across the mountain and children under 17 can get discounted lift passes. In terms of non-ski family activities, there are the usual adventures of tobogganing, ice skating and snowshoeing plus Bavarian curling, Fat bikes, indoor tennis and spa activities.

Keep in mind though that things tend to get a little rowdy from 3 pm onwards thanks to the popular après scene - to avoid this, opt to stay in one of the quieter, family-run hotels off the main strip and enjoy a spa environment instead.

Environment and Sustainability in Ischgl

Ischgl is recognised as the largest climate-neutral ski area in the Alps, with a strong focus on sustainability through renewable energy, efficient infrastructure, and carbon offsetting. Just some of the resort’s environment and sustainability efforts include:

• Silvrettaseilbahn AG, which operates the ski lifts and facilities, uses 100% green electricity, primarily in the form of locally generated hydropower.
• Geothermal energy is used throughout the resort, notably to heat the impressive Silvretta Spa.
• Digital solutions like GPS-enhanced grooming and precise snow-depth measurements help to reduce emissions.
• Partnering with Climate Partner to measure and reduce its carbon footprint across ski lifts, restaurants, snowmaking, and grooming equipment.
• Waste management and energy conservation throughout the hotels, bars and restaurants in resort.
• Free shuttle bus throughout the resort.

Pros and Cons of Ischgl

Pros

• World-renowned après scene (could also be a con for some)
• Efficient lift system
• Reasonably high altitude resort

Cons

• Slopes can get congested during peak times
• Food & drink are expensive

Ischgl FAQs

When is the best time to ski in Ischgl?

It depends on what you want from your trip - January typically sees the most snowfall so could be a great choice if you're on the hunt for pow. March has the most sunshine (which increases the chances of that perfect bluebird day.) Another Snomad commenter says they enjoyed “fantastic snowboarding during the week in April 2024, still plenty of snow,” but ultimately, it’s all at the mercy of Mother Nature.

Is Ischgl good for beginners?

While Ischgl does have a reputation for being an intermediates resort, plenty of people in the Snomad community recommend it for beginners, citing the ski schools as some of the very best. If you’re planning a beginner ski trip to Ischgl, just be sure to book some in-resort lessons to find your feet!

Where to stay in Ischgl?

The primary resort village of Ischgl is known for its vibrant après scene and wide range of accommodations and eateries. Staying here provides immediate access to the ski lifts and is essentially the heart of the ski area (other than neighbouring Samnaun, in Switzerland.)

If you prefer a quieter environment with family-friendly amenities, Galtür or Kappl are excellent alternatives. They offer a more relaxed atmosphere while still providing access to the Ischgl ski area via regular bus services. The buses are easy to navigate if you aren't staying centrally (e.g. in Versahl), which is really helpful.

Is Ischgl snow sure?

Yes. Thanks to its high altitudes and world-class snowmaking facilities, the ski season in Ischgl runs from November to May. January is typically the month with the heaviest snowfall.

What is the elevation of Ischgl ski resort?

Ischgl village itself sits at 1377m above sea level. The summit elevation is 2872m.

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