Why I Loved Skiing in Ischgl

I’ve just returned from a fantastic few days skiing in Ischgl, and it’s safe to say the resort left a big impression on me. If you’re an intermediate skier who loves long, cruisy runs and big mountain scenery, this place is very hard to beat. The ski area felt full of confident, fast skiers (so keep your wits about you!), but the sheer variety of terrain means there’s something for everyone, with blues and blacks mixed in alongside the endless reds.

One of the things that stood out immediately was how expansive the pistes feel. Many of the runs are wide open and mostly above the treeline, which really adds to the sense of skiing in a vast alpine landscape. There are also a number of winding paths and scenic routes that break things up nicely. The ski area even stretches across the border into Switzerland, giving the whole experience a slightly more international feel.

The Views Are Something Else

The views in Ischgl genuinely stopped me in my tracks. At the top of almost every lift, you’re greeted with huge panoramic vistas, with mountains stretching as far as the eye can see. We were lucky enough to have sunny weather for most of the trip, but even so, the scale of the scenery here is on another level. It’s one of those resorts where you find yourself pausing more than usual just to take it all in.

A Lift System That Makes Skiing Easy

Another big highlight was the lift system. It’s clear the resort has invested heavily over the years, and around 99% of the lifts are modern, fast and incredibly smooth. Getting around the ski area felt effortless, and we rarely had to wait long. I did notice one lift that looked like it might be on the refurbishment list for the summer, but overall, the infrastructure is seriously impressive.

And then there’s the double-decker cable car. It’s exactly what it sounds like, a huge two-level lift that whisks skiers up the mountain in style. Hard not to be impressed by that!

The Bronze, Silver and Gold Ski Routes

One feature I really liked was the Bronze, Silver and Gold ski routes. These are suggested circuits through the ski area, each well signposted and designed to help you explore the mountain without constantly checking your piste map.

• Bronze Route: around 15km
• Silver Route: a longer, more varied loop
• Gold Route: nearly 40km for those wanting a full-day adventure

It’s a brilliant way to discover the best runs and viewpoints across the resort while keeping things simple.

Long Runs and Great Mountain Restaurants

If you love long descents, Ischgl delivers in a big way. There are plenty of runs that just keep going, making it easy to clock up the kilometres without repeating the same slopes too often.

The mountain restaurants are another highlight. There are loads of choices, many with incredible panoramic terraces where you can sit back and soak up the views. Because the ski area crosses into Switzerland, you can also enjoy a mix of cuisines depending on where you stop. Think Rösti in Switzerland, or classic Austrian dishes like Käsespätzle and Tiroler Gröstl back on the Austrian side.

The Famous Duty Free Run

A quirky highlight is the duty-free run into Samnaun in Switzerland. The village has around 50 duty-free shops, so if you enjoy a bit of shopping with your skiing, this is definitely worth a visit. It’s not everyone’s priority on a ski holiday, but it certainly makes for a unique stop during the day.

Après Ski in Ischgl

Ischgl has a reputation for lively après, and it definitely lives up to it. On the mountain, bars have to stop serving at 4:15pm, which means things wind down fairly quickly before everyone heads back to resort.

The home run can get very busy late in the afternoon, so my tip would be to enjoy one last drink on the mountain, take your time, and then ski down once the crowds have thinned out. It makes the descent much more enjoyable.

Once you’re back in town, most people seem to change out of their ski boots straight away, partly because there’s actually a rule that you can be fined for wearing ski boots after 8pm! The resort itself has a great mix of nightlife though, from high-energy après bars to quieter spots and hotel spas if you’re after a more relaxed evening.

A Couple of Things to Keep in Mind

No resort is perfect, and there were a couple of small things worth noting.

Because much of the ski area sits above the treeline, I imagine it could feel quite exposed in bad weather. That said, there are still a few areas with tree-lined runs if visibility drops.

I also encountered one fairly big lift queue during my stay. However, with three main lifts accessing the ski area from the village, it’s mostly just a case of getting your timing right.

Would I Go Back?

Absolutely. I loved Ischgl and would happily return. The combination of long runs, stunning views, modern lifts and great mountain restaurants makes it a fantastic resort, particularly for intermediate skiers who want to cover a lot of ground.

If you’re looking for big terrain, reliable skiing and a lively atmosphere in the evenings, Ischgl should definitely be on your radar.