7 Ways to Spend a Perfect Ski Vacation in Ischgl
Updated on 02.09.2021 in Recommendations
In this guest blog, Ischgl hotel owner Alexander von der Thannen gives you the inside scoop to the perfect ski vacation in Ischgl: From his Trofana Royal Five Star Superior Hotel over his favourite ski trails to fine dining options and top vantage spots.
You have lots of choice when deciding on where to visit for a ski vacation but here are a few reasons why Ischgl stands above the rest.
1) An Awesome Place to Stay
Ischgl is not a word that comes easily off the tongue. But it is a good response to anybody who asks for luxury. High in the heart of stunning Alpine scenery, the fashionable, mountain village of Ischgl has it all in profusion, from award-winning restaurants and cosy mountain lodges to some of the best skiing in the Alps. Breathing mountain air all day will leave you ready for a deep sleep. Ischgl is renowned for luxurious and awesome places to stay, with every amenity you can think of.
Strongly recommended: Take a stroll down the main street of Ischgl and you’ll quickly realize that this isn’t your average ski town. One part quaint mountain village, one part international and alluring snow sport mecca — Ischgl is truly one of a kind. And that’s why you should stay in a place that isn’t your average ski hotel: Instead, unwind in absolute luxury at Trofana Royal. Bespoke service, luxurious amenities, and a magnificent slopeside location are trademarks of Austria’s only Five Star Superior Hotel with Gault-Millau Three Chef’s Toque dining. Offering total indulgence and an alluring selection of treatments, massages, and impeccable services, the Spa at Trofana Royal is dedicated solely to the beauty of pampering.
2) Legendary Terrain
You really haven’t been to Ischgl if you don’t hit the slopes of the legendary Silvretta Arena Ischgl Ski Resort—it’s almost like going to New York without visiting Times Square. Whether you love the feeling of gliding down a freshly laid carpet of groomed snow or revel in knee-deep powder, Ischgl has terrain to suit your style. Smooth corduroy for cruising, carving or leg-burning descents.
If you are feeling adventurous, Ischgl local and hotel owner Alexander von der Thannen recommends making your way all the way up to Pardatschgrat to access Ski Trail No. 4, a black diamond cruiser that isn’t too difficult, though. The trail is perfect for advanced skiers and winds down to Velilltal Valley.
3) On Mountain Dining, In Style
When you’re ready to take a breather, many on-mountain restaurants welcome hungry skiers to lunch, serving up fresh, local cuisine in unique locations. Alexander von der Thannen suggests taking a break from the slopes in style at Alpenhaus that awaits on Idalpe.
Probably the most stylish lodge in Tirol’s Alps, Alpenhaus redefines on-mountain dining. With a superlative interpretation of classic Alpine dishes, Alpenhaus is simply: Modern. Alpine. Inspired. And charming. The restaurant’s beautiful design and finishes befit its mountain location while offering a lot of contemporary flair. With a backdrop of floor-to-ceiling windows displaying uninterrupted mountain views, Alpenhaus is the ideal on-mountain destination in Ischgl to unwind, socialize and imbibe.
Best of all, Alpenhaus is conveniently located only minutes from the tops of two gondolas: Silvrettabahn and Fimbabahn. On the first floor, you will find a VIP Lounge with outdoor deck that captures the afternoon sun.
4) Reach New Heights with the Record-Breaking Gondola
Having enjoyed delicious fare and a drink on the sunny outdoor deck, it’s time to grab your skis and hit the slopes again. For afternoon skiing, hotel owner Alexander von der Thannen suggests boarding a record-breaking gondola: Spanning the distance between eastern Ischgl Village and the top at Pardatschgrat Mountain, the 3-S Pardatschgratbahn Gondola is a breathtaking 10-minute ride. At 1,251 meters, it reportedly has the greatest height difference of any 3S lift system in the world. Equally impressive is the 28-passenger gondola’s space-age design.
5) Après
As the lifts start to close and skiers and riders get in one last run, it may look like the finale to a thrilling day on the slopes. But for Ischgl, it’s just halftime. The night is young, and there is still plenty to do! Après is an essential rite of passage in the resort’s ski world and a trip to Ischgl isn’t complete without a sing along with live music at the Trofana Alm. Renowned as “the” place to après, this is the place where you’ll be greeted by the sort of dancing-on-the-tables-in-ski-boots-to-folk-songs fun that can’t fail to whip you into a frenzy. Following the tradition of skiing well, partying well and then eating well, the Trofana Alm makes it a priority to offer exceptional dining, too. Enjoy classic Tirol dishes prepared with the finest ingredients and share your day’s snow stories.
6) Exceptional Dining
Vacationing in the mountains does not mean giving up five-star cuisine the likes of which you would find in the world’s most vibrant cities. On the contrary, you can find some of the most delectable food imaginable in Ischgl. The village’s extensive selection of award-winning restaurants and celebrity chefs offer appetizing gourmet cuisine in a fine dining atmosphere. The culinary cornerstone in the heart of Ischgl, Paznaunerstube enjoys a long held international reputation for excellence in food, wine and hospitality. Award-winning Master Chef Martin Sieberer has been pleasing particular palates for many years in the refined atmosphere of this multi-award winning restaurant. Chef of the Year 2000, Executive Chef Martin Sieberer’s seasonally focused menus celebrate the excellence of locally sourced ingredients. His innovative and skilfully executed dishes deliver intelligent compositions and unforgettable flavours.
7) A High Alpine Place that offers Respite for the Soul
One of the most beloved mountains of the area, Piz Val Gronda is an experience unto itself. High Alpine, it divides the Swiss Canton of Grisons from the Paznaun Valley in the Austrian Tirol. “Those who are seeking respite for the soul while staying in Ischgl, need to get atop this mountain”, says Alexander von der Thannen. Incredible views await and captivate skiers at the top of Piz Val Gronda. Catch your breath and scan the horizon. How many of the summits - and neighbouring countries - can you identify? Journey up Piz Val Gronda E5 Gondola to reach these airy heights. Strongly recommended: Close your eyes, breathe deeply and take some quiet time listening to nature. Simply contemplate your good fortune while standing here in the sun, surrounded by pure mountain beauty.
This text was written by a guest author.
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