A resort that needs no introduction, Ischgl is often referred to as St. Anton’s younger brother, however Ischgl is without a shadow of doubt a standalone resort that is more than deserving of its place in Austria’s ski resort royalty. With 239 kilometres of pistes rising form the resort height of 1,377m altitude up to 2,872m at its highest point, Ischgl is a snow-sure resort, offering a variety of diverse terrain to explore and is easily accessible, situated just an hour and 20 minutes away from Innsbruck airport. With a wealth of investment in recent years, Ischgl is home to a well served ski area with an efficient lift system that spans across an expansive ski area extending to the Swiss border.
A brilliant resort for intermediates, yet not forgetting beginners, off-piste lovers or those who favour the snowpark, with the excellent Jeep Snowpark full of incredible terrain to test the most honed of skills on, Ischgl is a firm favourite. Big skiing and a full on week is typically the itinerary for most who visit Ischgl, with plenty on offer for everyone.
For skiers and snowboarders looking to learn or refine their technique, Skischule Ischgl caters to adults and children admirably and offers childcare from two years as well as ski kindergarten. Non-skiers can enjoy a lengthy 7 kilometre toboggan run as well as an array of alternative activities including sleigh rides.
For party goers there are very few resorts which match the prowess of Ischgl, a resort teeming with bars and clubs suitable for all tastes. Niki’s Stadl or the Trofana Alm, offer the rowdy europop après ski that many have come to associate with Austria, a lively and incredibly fun option that is all too easy to get carried away with. Kuhstall is along the same lines catering to an international party loving crowd from après time through to the early hours, complete with DJ and obligatory shots of Flugels and Jägermeister. For a different flavour of Ischgl head to the Bistro Guxa found by the Silvrettabahn for a glass of wine or cocktail, with many opting to stick around for an evening meal of fondue or raclette.
With 15 mountain restaurants and huts, there are plenty of options to eat out on the mountain and you can’t go wrong with many, but Pardorama in particular is a fantastic. Found at the top of the Pardatschgratbhan II, Pardorama is a ‘deluxe ski lodge’ set across three storeys with impressive views, plenty of outdoor deckchairs for relaxing in in the afternoon sun and Austrian and Italian culinary offerings. In town the restaurant Paznauerstube set on the main Dorfstrasse provides gourmet delights and an impressive wine cellar to choose from.
For those who haven’t experienced Ischgl yet, a wonderful Austrian resort awaits, and for those who have, many opt to return time and time again. With plenty of party goers heading to the resort, our top tip is to head out skiing for first lifts and with many people left in bed with groggy heads, you will be surprised just how quiet the well groomed slopes are first thing in the morning.
