Kimmie

Ischgl is a ski resort where skiing, luxury, and après-ski come together. Located in the Austrian Alps, Ischgl is famous for its wide slopes, stunning mountain views, and lively nightlife. It is not without reason that the resort is often called the “Ibiza of the Alps.”

We visited Ischgl in March and were especially impressed by the ski area itself. It is large, varied, and incredibly beautiful. Whether you prefer relaxing on wide red slopes or challenging yourself on a black run, there is plenty to choose from.

A paradise for skiers

One of Ischgl’s biggest advantages is its snow reliability. Around 90% of the slopes are located above 2,000 metres, meaning that the resort usually has excellent snow conditions well into spring.

We visited in the middle of March and were lucky enough to have fresh snow almost every day. This made skiing even more enjoyable. The slopes were wide, well maintained and offered beautiful views of the surrounding mountains. There was one downside to visiting Ischgl in March: the descent towards the village became quite bumpy and slushy later in the day. Because the temperatures rise in the afternoon, the lower slopes can become softer and more difficult to ski. This was especially noticeable on the final run back to the village. Luckily, the higher slopes remained in excellent condition, and the fresh snow we had during our trip made up for it.

We particularly enjoyed the red runs, which were challenging but still very manageable. Even the black slopes were in great condition and offered some exciting descents.

Another great thing about Ischgl is that you can literally ski across the border into Samnaun, Switzerland. So during one day on the slopes, you can experience two countries. However, do know that it takes some time to get back, as you have to follow a long trail back to the ski lift in Switzerland. 

Luxury and a lively village

Ischgl has a very different atmosphere compared to some other Austrian ski resorts. The village feels glamorous, luxurious and, to be honest, quite decadent. There are plenty of stylish hotels, expensive restaurants and luxury cars around town. You definitely get the feeling that many visitors enjoy showing that they have money to spend. Ischgl is therefore not exactly a budget-friendly destination. 

Après-ski

If there is one thing Ischgl is famous for besides skiing, it is definitely the après-ski. The party starts early and can continue well into the night. Our favourite places were Kuhstall and Schatzi Bar. Both had an nice atmosphere, with lots of music, dancing and people ready to party after a day on the slopes. Ischgl celebrates spring and the end of the ski season in April with the Spring Blanc program, combining skiing in the spring sunshine with major open-air concerts with big artists on the Idalp (at an altitude of 2,300 meters) and après-ski parties.

If you prefer something more relaxed, there are also plenty of wine bars and outdoor terraces where you can enjoy a drink without immediately getting into full party mode.

Still, if you are looking for legendary Austrian après-ski, Ischgl definitely delivers.

Food on the mountain

One thing that did not impress us as much was the food on the slopes. Compared to some of the other ski resorts we have visited, we found the mountain restaurants in Ischgl a little disappointing. There are plenty of options, but for us, the food was not one of the highlights of the resort.

Who is Ischgl for?

Ischgl is perfect if you want to combine great skiing with a lively atmosphere and plenty of nightlife.

The ski area is large and varied, the slopes are beautiful and the high altitude makes the resort very snow reliable. However, it may not be the best choice for complete beginners or families with very young children. Many of the slopes are red, and the overall atmosphere is much more focused on skiing, socialising and partying.

You should also be prepared to spend more money here. Accommodation, restaurants, drinks and ski passes are all relatively expensive compared to many other Austrian ski resorts.

Our verdict

We enjoyed exploring a, for us, new ski area. The slopes were beautiful and had excellent snow conditions. Even in the middle of March, we enjoyed fresh snow almost every day. Add the famous après-ski, luxurious atmosphere and lively village, and you get a ski destination that is difficult to forget.