I love skiing holidays and last season I was thrilled to ski in Austria for the first time. Over the past several years, Austria has grown to become a popular skiing destination to rival France and Switzerland. Many people choose this European country for its quiet villages but, as it continues to attract skiers, few of them retain that quaint, small-town feeling they once had.
If you’re looking for a place that’s still got that welcoming, personal atmosphere, Ischgl is ideal. It’s not the best-known resort, so if you’re wondering ‘where is Ischgl?’ and ‘what’s the appeal?’ then read on…
Ischgl is in Austria’s Tyrol region and is largely untouched by the tourist-friendly features you’d expect from more established resorts but still has everything you could need on a ski holiday.
Ischgl has got some of the Alps’ best pistes
Whether you’re a beginner or a seasoned skier looking for last minute ski deals, Ischgl gives you a lot of bang for your buck. There are numerous runs to choose from, including wide runs for those of us just getting started and trickier runs for the experts. Best of all, they’re all easily accessible through one of the world’s most advanced systems of lifts.
One popular run covers an impressive five kilometres, crossing the border between Austria and Switzerland. As a result, it’s often colloquially called the Duty Free Run – ideal for grabbing some bargains over in Switzerland.
It’s also worth pointing out that Ischgl has the sort of snow you can depend on. Although it’ll sometimes get foggy and hard to see the defined runs, there’s rarely a season that doesn’t deliver ample snow and ideal skiing conditions.
Ischgl has a choice of spas to unwind in
Aside from the brilliant skiing options and environment, for the less energetic of us, the resort brings together several hotels with their own on-site spas.
Distinctly, many of the hotels in Ischgl offer a traditional Austrian feel, from their décor to the spa facilities available. They’re warm, welcoming retreats, where you can get away from the cold of the slopes and take the opportunity to pamper yourself.
Ischgl has a thriving nightlife
When your day is done, there’s plenty to keep you occupied late into the night. Much of the resort’s growing reputation is the result of its huge outdoor concerts, performed by some of music’s best known stars. These concerts take place right through the winter season – check listings before you travel.
Meanwhile, the party never stops at the resort’s many pubs, bars and clubs. From the dramatic Fire and Ice Bar at Hotel Elisabeth to Pacha, an energetic all-night nightclub, you’re never far from a place to grab a drink or take to the dance floor.
