PISTE MAP
SKI Area
- Home to some of the best terrain parks in Europe.
- High altitude contributing to stunning views and good snow reliability.
- Extensive terrain with something suitable for all ability levels.
- One of the fastest and most efficient lift systems in the Alps.
- An abundance of terrain on offer for intermediates.
- A snowboarder’s paradise.
Ischgl’s slopes are linked with Samnaun resort in Switzerland so, needless to say, there’s a great deal of variety! With over 163km of runs, overall, Ischgl has a decent sized ski area, with certainly enough terrain to keep the most enthusiastic ski enthusiasts smiling for a week. Even further, the terrain is generally diverse meaning you should be able to find something suitable for all ability levels in your group.
As well as offering extensive, varied terrain, Ischgl is a fairly snow-sure resort and serves up some truly stunning scenery, especially from the top slopes. Even more good news, in Ischgl you won’t be spending much time ‘hanging around’ due to the extremely fast and efficient lift system which has been dubbed as one of the best in Europe. This also means that, despite the slopes getting fairly busy over peak periods, queues for lifts are generally pretty short. The most popular spot on the hill would be at the top of the Fimbabahn chairlift and the Silvrettabahn gondola where you will reach the Idalp Plateau; this is regarded as the main hub from which to access all of the terrain that Ischgl has to offer. We can certainly recommend Ischgl for any park skiers out there; being home to some of the best snowparks in Europe, including the 1600m long Playstation Vita Park, whatever level of park skiing you’re at, you’ll certainly find some features to try your hand at.
Take a look below at our breakdown to find out more information relevant to your ability:
Advanced
With remarkably accurate piste classifications, you can rest assured that the blacks that you attempt in Ischgl are genuine blacks; and there are plenty of them too! Combined with a multitude of exciting red runs there is certainly enough challenging terrain to keep experts occupied for the duration of their ski holiday. We can particularly recommend some of the blacks off the top of the Palinkopf chair which is steep and narrow, although can get a little icy in the afternoon shade so make sure those edges are sharpened! For those that really want to go exploring, there is also a fair amount of off piste available which should, of course, only be attempted after hiring an experienced local guide. That said, for most experts, there should be more than enough to keep entertained. Samnaun in particular- on the Swiss side – provides some great high-speed reds which are ideal carving territory.
Intermediates
Home to some world-class intermediate territory, there is a myriad of wide cruisy runs in Ischgl. Low-end intermediates will find plenty of blues whilst confident intermediates will be challenged by some of the easier reds available. Generally speaking, most intermediate runs are wide and open rendering them ideal for ski development. We are certain that the mile-crunching intermediates in the group will be more than satisfied in Ischgl – and will probably find that the progressive terrain significantly aids their improvement.
Beginners
Whilst beginner skiers may not have quite as much selection as the intermediates and experts, there is still enough progressive terrain to keep them busy. In particular, the nursery slopes at the top of Idalp are ideal for first timers and snowplough turners. As well as this area containing two magic carpets and 2 chairlifts, there are also suitable blue slopes nearby to progress onto for those beginners that feel that they may have outgrown the nursery area. This includes some of the long cruisy blues that lead down into Switzerland.
Snowboarders
We would struggle to name a resort in the Alps better suited to boarders. Again, wide cruisy slopes are ideal for carving; there are minimal flat areas, great off piste opportunities and, perhaps its unique selling point for snowboarders; its superb terrain parks! In fact, Ischgl is home to some of the highest rated terrain parks in the Alps, including the PlayStation Vita Park – a park rat’s paradise. Furthermore, there is enough wide open forgiving terrain for beginner snowboarders to find their feet. If you’re a snowboarder, you should certainly add Ischgl to the bucket list.
Off Piste*
For those who want to really go exploring, Ischgl provides some pretty good off piste skiing. As well as having a great snowfall, on great powder days, off piste does not get tracked out quickly, especially on the Swiss side of the border. A particularly great spot for those powder hunters in the group is the bowl off of the back of the Piz Val Gronda. Here you can enjoy some exciting descents and open areas (great for a group off piste session). Of course, if you want to go and explore any of the off piste opportunities - we wholly recommend that you hire an experienced local guide.
*Ski Weekends strongly advise that off piste skiing should only be undertaken when in the company of a professional ski instructor or guide.
To find out more about skiing in Ischgl, feel free to contact one of our friendly Ski Experts on 023 8020 6971 or email sales@skiweekends.com