I can speak very confidently when I say that an active holiday is one of the best ways to enjoy time away with friends. Not only can you have plenty of fun outdoors during the day, but the nightlife is pretty wild too. The energy in Ischgl, high up in the Paznaun Valley in Austria, is contagious no matter the season. This resort has all the ingredients needed to make amazing memories that will be treasured always, and a week spent here will have you booking a return trip as soon as you get home.
In the Winter
Skiing is one of the most exhilarating sports you can do and thankfully it is accessible to everyone, regardless of ability. Ischgl has an excellent snow record and, thanks to its modern lift system, is a fantastic ski area. If you are here to hit the slopes hard, then you are in for a treat. Most of the skiing is aimed at the intermediate or advanced skier, with plenty of off-piste action to be had, but beginners have 23 green slopes designed for those just learning to handle their skis.
With 238km of pistes to explore, it’s good to know that lifts are state of the art. Many are high speed and some are even heated – perfect for when it’s particularly cold and you need a spot in which to warm up before your next run! The Palinkopf chairlift has recently been upgraded and now has comfy upholstery, ergonomically-designed seats and pictures of pop stars who have performed at the famous Top of the Mountain concert. This lift is more than just a way up to the top of the mountain.
When you buy your lift pass in the resort you have unlimited access to Ischgl and Galtür, which is a smaller village nearby that can be reached via a free bus service.
In the Summer
When the snow melts and the weather heats up, skiing may come to a halt but the excitement certainly doesn’t. There are plenty of exciting activities to do in the warmer months. Hiking is a favourite in Ischgl and, with over 75 routes that cover 1,000 kilometres, it’s not hard to see why. The views are stunning and there are a number of crystal clear mountain lakes en route – why not jump into waters to cool down?
Other popular activities include mountain biking, horseback riding, fishing and tennis… you really are spoilt for choice here!
All Year Round
Playing during the day and partying hard during the night might sound exhausting, but believe me, once you are out in the mountains you’ll feel as though you have endless energy. Known as the Ibiza of the Alps, Ischgl has an abundant party scene. Live music is often a feature and many people end up partying all night!
Here are a few of the best bars to look out for.
Kuhstall
One of the resort’s favourite haunts is this buzzing bar that hums with excitement. The atmosphere is hot, crowded and very loud, which is exactly what you want when looking for a vibrant party scene.
Trofana Alm
Parties start around 5pm at this rocking venue. If you manage to get a place at the bar, keep it, because it gets very busy. Dancing is the name of the game here and you will find you won’t be able to keep still.
Schatzi Bar
Sexy dancers are this bar’s big attraction. Good thing the beer is nice and cool so you get a chance to cool down!
All of these bars are great spots to head to after an active day. Each one gets you very much in the mood for clubbing and partying the rest of the night away.
My biggest tip for anyone planning a holiday in Ischgl is to have a good rest before you come. There is no escaping the constant vibe that captures everyone who visits.
Where to Stay
Brandhof Lodge – These charming apartments, with their chalet-style feel, are very well appointed and offer guests the chance to use the ski storage and boot dryer on site. This is a great facility if you are visiting in the winter, planning to ski everyday and need your gear warm, toasty and ready to go in the morning.
Only a ten-minute stroll from the Silvretta Cable Car, Brandhof Lodge is superbly situated. This accommodation is a top choice for groups of young people.
Apart Alexandra – Apartments are a great choice when you are travelling with a group of friends. You have space to spread out and, although you will probably be out most of the time, the comfy sofas make hanging out in the accommodation very easy to do. These apartments are ideally located; just a two-minute walk from a bus stop. Despite having the option to self-cater, you are only a short stroll away form the nearest restaurant (not to mention that you can choose to have fresh bread rolls delivered every morning). What more do you need?
How to Get There
In just under two hours, you can fly direct from the UK to Innsbruck (INN), the nearest airport to Ischgl. British Airways offers the most options and prices are generally reasonable.
On arrival you and your pals and going to want to get to resort as quickly as possible and, in my opinion, the best way is by getting an organised transfer. Shuttle Direct offers a great service that picks you up from the airport and whisks you direct to the resort. Pre-book the transfer from Innsbruck to Ischgl and you have no onward travel to worry about. The journey takes an hour and fifteen minutes and if you book a shared service, prices are very competitive.
Overview
- UK to INN Flight Time: 1 hour 55 minutes
- INN to Ischgl Distance: 97 kilometres
- Shuttle Direct Transfer Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
About Shuttle Direct
We have a fabulous team on hand in several countries throughout Europe and North Africa; we pride ourselves on providing excellent shared and private airport transfers. Book in advance and online with us at Shuttle Direct and look forward to stress free onward travel.
