All Ski Deals
When UK skiers talk about the best in Austria, one comparison comes up time and again: St Anton vs Ischgl.
These two Alpine giants both offer epic skiing, top-tier après scenes, and excellent infrastructure. But they each have a distinct personality. This guide breaks it all down: terrain, nightlife, accommodation, prices, and who each resort suits best.
TL;DR
St Anton is ideal for confident skiers after steep terrain, legendary off-piste, and energetic après-ski straight from the slopes. More budget-friendly, but not great for beginners.
Ischgl suits intermediates and luxury lovers, with perfectly groomed high-altitude pistes, spa hotels, and a polished party scene. Slightly more expensive, but often better value at the top end.
Getting There
- St Anton: Direct trains from Innsbruck or Zürich to the village. Ideal for those avoiding winter driving.
- Ischgl: Closest airport is Innsbruck (~1 hour). No train to town, so expect a bus or taxi from Landeck.
Verdict: St Anton has the edge for seamless public transport, but both are included in our ski packages.
Ski Terrain & Suitability
St Anton
Part of the vast Ski Arlberg area, St Anton boasts 300km of pistes and legendary off-piste routes. It’s a playground for advanced skiers: steep blacks, moguls, and deep powder abound. Even the red runs are tough.
“We don’t recommend it for beginners.” – welove2ski.com
Linked access to Lech and Zürs adds more forgiving terrain, but overall, this resort is for skiers who like it steep and deep.
Ischgl
In contrast, Ischgl’s 239km of pistes in the Silvretta Arena cater perfectly to confident intermediates. Wide, well-groomed reds and blues dominate, with most terrain above 2,000m, meaning great snow all season.
There’s some off-piste near Piz Val Gronda and ski routes across the Swiss border to Samnaun, but the overall feel is smoother and more accessible than St Anton.
Summary
- St Anton: Tougher terrain, huge off-piste.
- Ischgl: Groomed cruising, high-altitude reliability.
Après-Ski & Nightlife
St Anton
Après kicks off on the slopes at places like MooserWirt and Krazy Kanguruh. Expect Schlager hits, table-top dancing, and litres of beer.
“St Anton is where Europe goes to party in winter.” – Thrillist
Evenings continue in town pubs and bars, with a young, international crowd and no dress code. It’s loud, lively, and wonderfully unpretentious.
Ischgl
Ischgl’s après is equally lively but more polished. You’ll find stylish venues like Trofana Alm, Kuhstall, and Pacha nightclub. Après starts on the slopes but quickly moves into a clubby, dressed-up scene. Ski boots are banned after 8pm!
“Ischgl is Ibiza on Ice… the crowd knows how to have a good time.” – Thrillist
Summary
- St Anton: Rowdy, slope-side, ski-boot mayhem.
- Ischgl: Clubbier, more upscale, late-night focused.
Accommodation & Prices
St Anton
Great for UK skiers after a chalet holiday. You’ll find everything from affordable B&Bs and hostels to high-end lodges. There’s also a strong self-catering scene and plenty of cheap eats in town.
“It’s easier in St A to get a cheaper meal.” – Snowheads.com
Staying in nearby Pettneu or Nasserein can further cut costs.
Ischgl
This resort is hotel-heavy, with a focus on 4★ and 5★ spa hotels. Most offer half-board with gourmet dining and wellness facilities. While average costs are higher, value at the luxury level is strong.
“Ischgl offers far better value for money in accommodation than St Anton.” – TripAdvisor
Cheaper options are limited but exist in Mathon or nearby Galtür.
Price Snapshot
| Category | St Anton | Ischgl |
|---|---|---|
| 6-Day Lift Pass | ~€425 | ~€315 (VIP guest rate) |
| Cheapest Double (Feb–Mar) | ~€323/night | ~€346/night |
| Budget Options | Chalets, B&Bs, hostels | Limited, mostly hotels |
| Luxury Hotels | Some 5★, more modest options | Extensive 4★/5★ spa hotels |
| Dining | Budget-friendly, casual | Gourmet-focused, half-board |
Summary
- St Anton suits budget-conscious groups.
- Ischgl is best for skiers who want luxury and don’t mind spending more.
St Anton vs Ischgl: The Final Verdict
| Traveller Type | St Anton | Ischgl |
|---|---|---|
| Advanced Skiers | Epic terrain & off-piste | Limited steep terrain |
| Intermediates | Challenging reds, tougher runs | Groomed, confidence-boosting |
| Beginners | Not ideal | Better nursery facilities |
| Families | Best with older kids, or via Lech | Good ski school & family hotels |
| Groups of Friends | Budget-friendly, party vibe | High-end, fun atmosphere |
| Couples | Rustic charm, less privacy | Spa hotels, romantic extras |
| Solo Travellers | Easy to meet others | Great if you’re independent |
| Snowboarders | Great freeride, some flats | Terrain park, fewer drag lifts |
In the end, St Anton vs Ischgl comes down to personality:
- Choose St Anton if you want adventure, challenge, and classic après. It’s sporty, sociable, and has that “ski bum meets legend” vibe.
- Choose Ischgl if you’re after comfort, high-altitude pistes, and a touch of luxury, without sacrificing the fun.
For many UK skiers, the dream is to try both. They’re just an hour apart, yet offer totally different takes on the Austrian ski experience.
Whichever you pick, expect snow-sure conditions, modern lifts, world-class skiing and après-ski stories you’ll be telling for years.
As they say in Ischgl: Relax. If you can…
Need help choosing between St Anton and Ischgl?
Speak to one of our ski specialists. We’ll help you find the perfect place to stay, whether it’s a chalet for a group of friends or a luxury hotel for the family.
020 8313 3999
