The ski resort in Iscghl, Austria is one of the most popular skiing destinations in the country. Skiing Ischgl offers a wide variety of immaculately groomed slopes, with a variety of skill levels. What Ischgl is most known for as a ski resort is the popular après-ski. There are a variety of après-ski locations to hit on and off the slopes to salsify your thirst after a long day on the groomed runs.
Quick Trip Overview
- Location: Ischgl, Austria
- Closest Airport: Innsbruck, Austria
- Price: $$
- Amount of runs: 239 km of slopes, 20 blue, 40 red and 25 black
- Skiing Ischgl Best for: Variety of ski levels welcomed
- Time of Year: November to May
Crowds at Ischgl Ski Resort
I found the Iscghl ski resort to be a very crowded resort. Visitors flock here for the après-ski parties, and this means the slopes can have a lot of traffic.
I found that there were not many options in slopes, which meant that there were plenty of bottle neck areas. Skiing Ischgl meant taking the time to slow down at any blind turn, or hill crest as you never know if there is just a unexpecting mass of people hanging out on the slope.
While I still had fun on the slopes at Ischgl, I found that from the blue runs to the black runs there seemed to be a lot of dodging. There were no slopes where I felt like I was able to enjoy myself in the nature. For a little less crowded option, I would look at visiting Sölden.
Good to Know Information for Skiing Ischgl
Learn some quick information to make the most of your ski trip to Ischgl
Is Ischgl good for beginners? Yes, the resort offers a lot of beginner slopes (20 of them to be exact). The variety of slopes for beginners means there will not be as much bottlenecking at other resorts.
Schatzi: located right off of the main ski run for those interested in a chalet experience
Niko’s Hexenküche: right next to Silvretta cable car, known for live DJs.
Ischgl Skyfly, zipline, experience the thrill of soaring 50 meters above the ground at speeds up to 84 kilometers per hour
Snowshoe and winter hiking trails.
Cross-country ski
One of the longest night toboggan runs
Natural ice rink at the town center of Ischgl
Horse-drawn sleigh rides
Weather and Snow Report at Ischgl
The average annual snowfall in Ischgl is 800 centimeters each year. Natural powder is augmented with 653 cannons along 200km of piste.
Getting to Ischgl
Flying: Ischgl is easily reached via Innsbruck, Zurich or Munich international airports.
If after landing you are taking a rental, then the resort is about 1 hours 15 minutes (Innsbruck), 2 hours 35 minutes (Zurich) and 3 hours (Munich). However, driving around in Ischgl during the après-ski time will be difficult as the streets will turn into pedestrian sidewalks – so keep that in mind if you are staying at hotel in Ischgl.
If you are coming by train, then Landeck-Zams is the most convenient of stops. From there catch a bus to the city proper.
Where to Stay in Ischgl
For my trip I stayed at the five-star Schlosshotel Ischgl. This was the perfect location for skiing at Ischgl. It was perfect for skiing, as there are slopes that run directly to the hotel. So at the end of the day, I would ski from wherever I was on the resort, down to the hotel, pop the skis off and walk right in. There was no walking down the road, or catching a bus. The second reason is that the restaurant that you can purchase half-board from was one of the best places I have dined at in an Austrian hotel. Hands down, I plan to stay at this hotel again during my trip to Ischgl.
I found that there are a lot of hotels in the Ischgl proper, which means there is plenty of opportunities to find a nice spot. There are also plenty of “slopes” created to bring skiers right up to either their après-ski destination or directly to the hotel they are staying at. So make sure to check for hotels that offer ski in and ski out options.
Price for a Ski Trip to Ischgl
Compared to the other resorts of Austria, I found Ischgl to be a bit more on the expensive size. Nicknamed the “Ibiza of Ski Resorts” due to the après-ski, I think the party vibe that is found in Ischgl marks the prices up a bit. The general ski lift prices were not different than the average price of other resorts, but I found hotels and dining in the Ischgl proper on the higher side.
However, in the grand scheme of skiing in Europe, Ischgl like other Austrian resorts is far more affordable than skiing at places like Zermatt, Switzerland. So if you want more bang for your buck, then Ischgl will make the top of that list.
If you want ski resorts that offer more options in Austria then check out: Kitzbuhel and Sölden.
Frequently Asked Questions about Skiing Ischgl
- When is the ski season in Ischgl? The ski season in Ischgl typically runs from late November to early May, depending on snow conditions.
- How do I get to Ischgl? The nearest major airports to Ischgl are Innsbruck Airport (INN) and Zurich Airport (ZRH). From there, you can take a train, bus, or hire a car to reach the resort.
- Is Ischgl suitable for beginners? While Ischgl is known for its challenging terrain, it also has areas suitable for beginners. The resort provides ski schools and dedicated slopes for those new to skiing.
- Can I buy a combined lift pass for Ischgl and Samnaun? Yes, Ischgl is connected with the Swiss resort of Samnaun, and a joint lift pass, known as the Silvretta Arena, provides access to both ski areas.
- Are there après-ski activities in Ischgl? Yes, Ischgl is famous for its vibrant après-ski scene. The resort boasts numerous bars, clubs, and restaurants where visitors can enjoy lively entertainment after a day on the slopes.
- Can I rent ski equipment in Ischgl? Yes, there are several rental shops in Ischgl where you can rent ski equipment. It’s recommended to book in advance, especially during peak seasons.
- Are there off-piste skiing opportunities in Ischgl? Yes, Ischgl offers excellent off-piste skiing opportunities, and the resort’s challenging terrain makes it a popular destination for advanced skiers and snowboarders.
- Are there family-friendly activities in Ischgl? Yes, Ischgl caters to families with activities such as tobogganing, ice skating, and family-friendly slopes. Some accommodations also provide childcare services.
- Can I purchase lift tickets online? Yes, you can purchase lift tickets for Ischgl online through the official website or other authorized platforms to save time and avoid lines at the ticket counters.
- What is the altitude of Ischgl, and does it affect skiing? Ischgl is situated at a high altitude, and while this can enhance the quality of snow, it’s essential for visitors to acclimatize and stay hydrated to avoid altitude-related issues.
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