Austrian Adventure: Visit Ischgl

For the average skier, the resorts of Austria hold endless amounts of appeal. Whether you’re a beginner or a veteran, an après-ski fan or a family man – there’s bound to be a resort to suit your personality as well as your budget.

If we had to pick a resort to visit before this season comes to a close, there’s one which stands out among the pretty villages and peaceful slopes. Located between the Silvretta and Verwall mountains, Ischgl greets visitors with the slogan “Relax, if you can….”. It is a place with a wild reputation, and thanks to tales of outrageous après-ski and celebrity concerts, it is in danger of being dismissed purely as a party town. It’s safe to say, we think Ischgl offers far more than just a lively bit of nightlife. If you’re sceptical, here are our reasons for viewing it as one of Austria’s very best…

It caters for all abilities

Unless you are an ultimate beginner, you’re likely to feel at home on the mountains. From the casual skiier to the real adventure seeker, the combination of well-kept runs and challenging off piste slopes are likely to keep everyone entertained for at least a week or two. Thanks to heavy investment in the resort, a lot of the lifts are fairly new, so if patience isn’t a particular virtue you possess, the high speed chairs and nifty gondolas are likely to further its modern appeal.

It’s budget friendly

Although Ischgl isn’t usually classed as a cheap resort (but then again, what is?) it’s not one of the most expensive either. In fact, if you’re a little smart about it, it is perfectly possible to enjoy a break here without spending over the odds. A great tip is to go with a group of people. That way, you might be able to split the cost of an already affordable chalet in order to reinvest the money left over in ski hire and the like. Alternatively, if you’d prefer hotel accommodation, try searching for cheap flights or even a package deal. There’s a range of decent accommodation available, and you might be surprised at the price range!

It guarantees snow

Don’t take our word for it… but thanks to its 2872m mountains, snow is (pretty much) a sure-fire thing in Ischgl. If you’ve ever been on a ski holiday to be met with nothing but ice and slushy conditions, you’ll know how disappointing it can be. But with endless amounts of real powder, and the artificial kind if all else fails, skiing is nothing but a dream here. For off-piste enthusiasts especially, this gives Ischgl a real edge above other resorts.

It’s surprising

If you’re under the aforementioned assumption that Ischgl is only suitable for rowdy groups of guys, you might be surprised at the reality. We’re not saying that wild nights out are uncommon; there is definitely a seedier side to the town’s bar scene. But there are also tamer and more traditional elements too. From the quiet romance of the classy hotel bars, to the lively yet wholesome fun of hotspots like Fire and Ice – if you do want to steer clear of late nights and the inevitable hangovers, there are suitable locations to spend time with friends or other halves.

If you’re thinking of booking a last minute Easter break, there are plenty of resorts in Austria that would be near perfect. But for all round fun and entertainment, we think Ischgl has the edge.




original on treasures.austria.info