Its 'nice' skiing in Samnaun, but it is also a tad strange. Not the skiing so much, but the whole 'duty-free' shopping thing. The history of the area as a smugglers route should be enough of a hook to enjoy the local skiing, but coming across from Ischgl, it felt like we were heading for a day out at a shopping centre – not something we generally look forward to. The duty-free shops & packed lunchtime restaurants at Samnaun Dorf held very little interest for this reviewer. We cannot imagine too many skiers splurging on the over-priced cigars, watches, perfume & booze, but presumably some must. So strange....
Putting the duty -free aside, Samnaun strikes us as a lovely family Swiss ski holiday destination. Interlinked with Ischgl, it has all the benefits of the diverse terrain & modern lifts at its Austrian neighbour, without the associated huge crowds & après ski excesses.
Below Samnaun Dorf village a sheltered novice ski area is adorned with giant tulips no less. Up on the mountain at over 2200m elevation in the snow laden basin at Alp Trida, another children’s ski area & excellent beginner slopes provide the best of the Silvretta Arena’s family ski terrain.
Access to Alp Trida is via the double decker cable car to Alp Trida Sattel. The journey provides a front row seat to some serious off-piste terrain back into the valley, but once up, it is obvious the resort is a high alpine beginner- intermediate piste paradise. Wide groomers and hooded chairs extend in all directions from Alp Trida serving a steady, but relatively short, 300 to 500m of skiable vertical. Notable exceptions are the two long valley trails. The lift-served rolling off-piste at Samnaun presents few steep opportunities except from Greitspitze, where a ridge can be followed into several pleasing, but short lines. Anyone chasing steeps needs to head into Ischgl but go early to avoid the crowds.
At the end of a day, you can do alot worse than having a few beverages on the spectacular deck of the Sattel restaurant, then sliding the 1000m vert back into Samnaun via easy piste. Nice place for a feed as well (either side of the Ischgl crowd influx!). For a true après ski session though, Ischgl is the place. Just remember, if staying in Samnaun, to consider the timing & terrain for the journey back!
Even though the village is disconnected into 5 different 'hamlets', getting around Samnaun is easy either on foot, skis or via the free buses constantly rotating through.
If you are into the combination of duty-free shopping & pleasant sun-soaked skiing, Samnaun is the place for you. If you are into just pleasant sun-soaked skiing with your family, then Samnaun is for you too! Having Ischgl on the same lift pass is a bonus.