Ischgl Skiing & Snowboarding
For any respectable powder hound, skiing & snowboarding Ischgl is awesome if two important factors align; fresh powder snow AND when in front of the pack! If you need an explanation as to what that means, you probably need to do more skiing!
A cross-border resort seamlessly interlinked with Samnaun in Switzerland; it is possible to cross over on a piste trail in at least six high altitude locations along to the main ridge between the pass at Viderjoch all the way over Greitspitze & Palinkopf to Zeblasjoch near the start of the Smugglers Run. With much of its terrain high above the tree line, it is usually not until one starts to return to the village that the quiet forest lined trails can be enjoyed.
See the Ischgl-Samnaun ski trail map.
One knows a ski resort has alot of people in it when the humble express quad chair is an endangered species! In Ischgl, 6-seater chairlifts (and larger conveyances) rule the roost. Keeps lift lines moving, but increases rotations on the trails & off-piste significantly, and not necessarily in a good way. Popularity has its negatives. Luckily there are a host of other ski resorts nearby in the Paznaun valley, plus plenty of quiet, off-piste and backcountry for the adventurous (i.e. us!)
Lift Pass
Amongst the multitude of ticketing permutations on offer at ski resorts these days, two main lift pass options are available at Ischgl. There are two main lift ticket types in the resort - Silvretta Pass & VIP Pass.
The main lift pass in the region is the Silvretta Pass. The pass includes unfettered access to all the combined ski lifts (74) & trails (365km) of Galtuer, Ischgl-Samnaun, Kappl & See resorts. Free local ski buses link the resorts together, providing a ready escape from the madness that is Ischgl.
The VIP Pass is specific to Ischgl-Samnaun only, & is available to those with a guest card staying in the local resort village. It is only valid on the 45 lifts in Ischgl-Samnaun but has the benefit of being free to children under 10yr that are skiing with an adult (the Silvretta Pass is free for children under 8yr). Whilst the single day pass prices of each option are the same, over multiple days, the VIP Pass is considerably cheaper- more than €50 less than a Silvretta for 6-day duration.
View the Silvretta Pass resort map.
The Silvretta Pass pass includes unfettered access to all the combined lifts (74 in total) & trails (365km) of Galtuer, Ischgl-Samnaun, Kappl & See ski resorts. Free local ski buses link the resorts together, providing a ready escape from the madness that is Ischgl.
View the Silvretta Pass resort map.
Hints & tips About Skiing Ischgl
Whilst the overall skiable vertical off many lifts is mediocre, the off-piste & sidecountry potential is huge. However it is essential to get out early to avoid the worst excesses of humanity. Some pockets of powder are always to be found in the more isolated high elevation, north-aspect terrain, but it was alot of work to get to it.
If chasing powder, head out wide past Palinkopf as early as humanly possible & then get in line for the cable car up to Piz Val Gronda. Great terrain, just too much competition. A bit of skinning or boot-packing will reap serious rewards here.
The link with Samnaun provides everyone with the opportunity to ski some easy, wide, south-facing slopes. The sun-soaked Samnaun is a little less busy than Ischgl, particularly in the morning. As the day wears on, the duty-free runners send a steady stream to the fascinating double decker cable car in the valley.
The valley runs into Ischgl are excellent. Most accommodation in town is close to a return trail of some sort. You can literally ski into the heart of the village, and take off your skis on the bitumen & saunter across to a bar. That’s the strength of Ischgl.
More information on Skiing & Snowboarding Ischgl Ski Resort is coming soon .. or maybe not. Cant seem to find the time to get it done! Aaargh... Maybe just look at the pictures and read the reviews.
