People say that we Austrians are born with pair of skis on our feet. Like most children in Tyrol, Markus Kathrein learned to ski at an early age and soon developed a passion for winter sports. However, we Tyroleans don't just love skiing and snowboarding - we love winter in general. Little wonder if you consider just how much there is going on in Ischgl during the winter months!
Non-skiers will find plenty to do away from the slopes, including alternative sports such as cross-country skiing, tobogganing and winter hiking. And if things get too hectic, why not simply withdraw to the hotel spa and watch the world go by?
Cross-country skiing, tobogganing, winter hiking and relaxing in the spa. You don't have to hit the slopes to enjoy Ischgl.
Perfectly groomed trails and stunning mountain scenery make the sport of cross-country skiing a real pleasure. Ischgl is known among fans of cross-country skiing for its 16km of trails criss-crossing the landscape around the Hotel Solaria. The nearby resort of Galtür also has 20km of trails. Some of the best trails include:
When the sun sets over the mountains and the stars begin to twinkle in the sky above, it is time to pull on warm clothes and head out into the mountains for a unique experience: night tobogganing. The runs are floodlit twice a week.
The toboggan run from Idalp to Ischgl is one of the longest in the Alps at 7km. Tobogganers ride up on the Silvrettabahn cable car to 2,320 metres above sea level, where the fun begins! The run ends in the village of Ischgl.
Toboggans can be hired at the top of the Silvrettabahn cable car and handed in at the bottom of the run.
The sound of silence, interrupted only by the crunch of snow underfoot. Winter hiking is a special experience and probably the most peaceful way to explore the landscape. There are three marked winter hiking trails close to the Hotel Solaria.
The 5km “Winterwanderweg Ischgl” is ideal for families with children and those wishing to learn more about the region. It can also be combined with the “Winterwanderweg Ischgl – Mathon”, which leads to the open-air animal park. Other popular winter hiking routes include:
Ice skating is a great winter activity for all the family. During the winter months there is a natural ice rink in the centre of the village, next to the Silvretta Seilbahn cable car, with outdoor skating.
Beginners and experienced skaters are welcome. Children aged six years and under skate for free.
The rink also has four lanes for traditional curling (known as "Eisstockschießen"). Equipment can be hired on site. Why not have a go at this sport which has been practised in the region for many centuries? Win, lose or draw, there is no better place to celebrate than in one of the warm bars and cafés just a short walk from the rink.
Whatever kind of winter activities you like, why not spend your next winter holiday in Ischgl?
Our team will be happy to give you advice on the best things to see and do away from the slopes. Send us a non-binding enquiry.
