For centuries, "Yscla" was a virtually undeveloped settlement in the middle of the Silvretta region. And, even in the middle of the twentieth century, none of the rural community who lived there had the faintest idea that a world famous centre of tourism could develop out of their “island”. In the meantime, in the wake of the development of its Silvretta cable car service in the sixties, Ischgl has not only realised a sensational development of this former mountain farming village, but has also consistently set new standards in a modern holiday resort.
The source of the worldwide attraction Ischgl has today lies of course in its extraordinary location. Surrounded by mighty mountains, Ischgl in winter has been utilised to its best advantage – yet also responsibly – and has gone from strength to strength to become the ultimate holiday destination for those in the know. Perhaps this is because – alongside the joys of downhill and cross-country skiing and snowboarding – there is also a cool and sophisticated après-ski experience on offer.
The many regular guests in Ischgl know and appreciate it:
Ischgl remains Ischgl. There is the same colourful life in the village and on the slopes, in the bars and in the countryside. There is the famous certainty of having snow, and despite all that there is always something new, unknown and exciting.
With its 40 lift and cable car services and around 205 kilometres of the finest ski slopes, Ischgl is considered to be a veritable Mecca for skiers and snowboarders. The Arena is located on the Austrian border with Switzerland and connects Ischgl to Samnaun, the Swiss duty-free zone.
The main skiing area (90%) is located at an altitude of between 2,000 m and 2,872 m above sea level and with its north-facing runs, snow and the joys of skiing are assured from the end of November through to the beginning of May.
For snowboarders, Ischgl has constructed a permanent half-pipe accessible to everyone, as well as the "Boarders Paradise" fun-park, divided into four separate areas and fitted out with thirty obstacles.Carving freaks have their own carving route here (Idjoch chair lift).
The central focus of the Silvretta Arena is, however, the Idalp at an altitude of 2,311 metres, with its two restaurants, the ski school meeting place and the kindergarten for the convenience of skiers and guests.
Copious amounts of new snow in April provide everything that is needed for those people looking for sunshine and springtime skiing. It may, of course, also happen that overnight there is a lot more snow than you thought there would be – and the next day becomes an exhilarating deep snow experience.
Located near the swiss border, Ischgl can be accessed by car or public transportation. Coming by car from Germany, Italy or Switzerland you need to get Landeck/Pians and take the exit Pians to Paznaun valley. Traveling by train, you need to get to Insbruck Hauptbahnhof first and from there to Landeck. There you will have to take a bus or a taxi.