Ischgl (1400m - 2872m)

Ischgl , Samnaun, the Austrian Alps An attractive resort on the very border between Austria and Switzerland is known not only for its unlimited skiing possibilities but also for the ski border-crossing in the Idjoch pass (2760m) where the Swiss custom officers as non EU-members often watch over the customs formalities. Guests can find accommodation either in the Austrian Ischgl or in the Swiss Samnaun, thus taking advantage of the Swiss free zone. The relatively high prices of accommodation here attract mainly an upper class clientele. Less demanding visitors can find places in the neighboring and cheaper Kappl and use a free ski bus for commuting. Possibly none of the Alp regions has undergone such a rapid development during the past two decades from a small village visited at best by mountaineers’ expeditions into a huge and wonderfully-equipped ski resort. Ischgl village with recently fast growing number of its accommodation possibilities has to face the situation and the negative impact of the still increasing traffic. It tried to ban parking in the centre and opened instead large underground garages and huge parking lots at the base station of the funicular. The common system of the Ischgl/Samnaun ski area in the highly frequented, 3000-meter-high fascinating border massif of Silvretta includes 200 kilometers of endless groomed runs. Anything a visitor of the Alps can dream of can be found here – from many nursery slopes to a highly challenging Pardatschgrad ski run with an incredible descent of 1200 meters on 1,6 kilometers. Various snowboarding facilities in the Idalp area, challenging mogul slopes or deep snow runs for keen skiers, particularly in the Höllenkar area, and many other attractions are integral parts of this resort. Due to excellent snow record it offers an opportunity for pleasant spring skiing. The Ischgl and Silvretta Nova region is renowned mostly for its splendid slopes, new modern lifts and rich aprés-ski facilities. The high prices, caused nevertheless by its exclusivity, are the only drawback of this resort.