238 km
1377 m - 2872 m
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Test report Ischgl-Samnaun (Silvretta Arena)
Skiresort.info Test of the ski resort Ischgl-Samnaun (Silvretta Arena)
Total result: 4.5 out of 5 stars
Test Ischgl-Samnaun (Silvretta Arena)
The review Ischgl-Samnaun (Silvretta Arena) was created by Skiresort.info, the world’s largest test portal for ski resorts.
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
Further evaluation criteria
Evaluation criteria for special interests
In detail: Test report for ski resort Ischgl-Samnaun (Silvretta Arena)
Top evaluation criteria
These evaluations count double in the total result.
The Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun is the largest of a total of 4 ski resorts in the Paznaun Valley and the second largest ski resort in Austria. The ski resort stretches from Austria into Switzerland.
Runs/slopes
Additional runs
12 km Marked ski routes
Altitude difference
1495 m (Valley 1377 m - Mountain 2872 m )
Lifts/ cable cars
41
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 4
Number of lifts to get from one end of the ski resort to the other
→ 5 ← 4
There are runs of all difficulty levels in the Silvretta Arena. The majority of the slopes are located above the treeline in high alpine terrain. The slopes are usually very wide and long. There is always the possibility of exploring the deep snow. Only the valley runs to Ischgl and to the middle stations lead through forest aisles.
Runs/slopes
Total 238 km
Easy
38 km
(16 %)Intermediate
155 km
(65 %)Difficult
45 km
(19 %)
Additional runs
Marked ski routes
12 km
Longest run
11 km
Run location
above tree line, under tree line
Worth knowing
- Valley run available
- Speed measurement course offered
- Public race course with time measurement
In Ischgl and Samnaun, only the most modern lifts are in operation, most of them with weather protectors and seat heating. Powerful gondola and cable car lifts take you up to the ski resort from the valley. There is even a funitel which runs from Ischgl directly to Idalp. The first 8 person chair lift with weather protectors in the world was put into operation here in 2001. All new lifts are built in the modern Ischgl design. There are j-bar lifts, t-bar lifts and people movers for the beginners.
Number of ski lifts
41
Total capacity
86565 Passengers / hour
Length of all lifts
56.3 km Total
Lifts and cable cars
2
3
26
9
1
Additional
3
90% of the slopes are located above 2000 m. Snow is therefore guaranteed from the end of November until the beginning of May.
Worth knowing
- Artificial snow-making
900 Snow canons
80 % of the slopes have snow-making capabilities
- The valley run is open most of the time.
Season 2009/2010
165 Days open
157 Days when valley run open
157 Days when valley run open
Season 2010/2011
157 Days open
157 Days when valley run open
157 Days when valley run open
Photos
The slope preparation is excellent.
36 snowcats groom the entire ski resort daily.
Tip: By new snow, an optimal slope prepartion is not always possible, even with a large effort. In addition, the new snow can not combine with the snow lying underneath and moguls are created quickly. For safety reasons, usually no slope preparation is possible during operating times.
Photos
Further evaluation criteria
Access is from the Inntal expressway/Arlberg highway either to Ischgl (A) or Samnaun (CH). There are three free parking lots in Ischgl and one large, free parking lot in Samnaun. There are also 2 parking garages that charge for parking.
Access via Arlberg-Schnellstraße, Ausfahrt Pians-Paznaun-Ischgl
- Pardatschgratbahn (Ischgl), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 23 km · approx. 24 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed
Parking spaces: usually enough available, Parking garage, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Fimbabahn (Ischgl), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 24 km · approx. 25 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed
Parking spaces: limited amount available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
- Silvrettabahn (Ischgl), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 24 km · approx. 27 Minutes driving time
Roads: Main street, Mountain road, well-developed
Parking spaces: enough available, Parking garage, Tarred parking lot, free of charge
Access via A12 Inntal-Autobahn, Ausfahrt Reschen
- Alp Trida Sattelbahnen (Samnaun), Ideal entry for day visitors
Distance: 48 km · approx. 41 Minutes driving time
Roads: Highway, Side road, Mountain road, well-developed, with significant incline
Parking spaces: enough available, Tarred parking lot, Stone parking lot, free of charge
Winter Closure
The Silvretta-Hochalpenstrasse is closed during the winter. It is not possible to drive from Ischgl to Samnaun. You must always drive via Landeck, which is about 80 km by car.
The Silvretta-Hochalpenstrasse is closed during the winter. It is not possible to drive from Ischgl to Samnaun. You must always drive via Landeck, which is about 80 km by car.
Trail map and overview maps:
The trail map depicts the cross-border ski resort of Ischgl and Samnaun very well. All slopes, lifts, altitudes and restaurants are included. There is also information about the ski schools, events, hiking paths, toboggan runs and ski pass prices. The Idalp, the hub of Ischgl, is highlighted again on the ski pass. The direction of the lifts is very difficult to determine.
The trail map depicts the cross-border ski resort of Ischgl and Samnaun very well. All slopes, lifts, altitudes and restaurants are included. There is also information about the ski schools, events, hiking paths, toboggan runs and ski pass prices. The Idalp, the hub of Ischgl, is highlighted again on the ski pass. The direction of the lifts is very difficult to determine.
Information boards and sign-postings on the slopes:
There are trail maps and information about the currently open lifts and slopes at the significant points in the ski resort. It is easy to find your way in the ski resort. They could add some even clearer signs at some of the intersections.
There are trail maps and information about the currently open lifts and slopes at the significant points in the ski resort. It is easy to find your way in the ski resort. They could add some even clearer signs at some of the intersections.
They place a high value on cleanliness in Ischgl and Samnaun.
They place a high value on environmental protection in Ischgl and Samnaun. Garbage is separated in the ski resort. A comprehensive ski bus network provides a smooth connection to the cable car lifts in Ischgl and Samnaun. The restaurants are connected via sewer system to the local wastewater treatment facility.
Public transportation/ on-site mobility
- No direct train connection
- Comprehensive ski bus network
- Scheduled busses
Photos
The personnel is friendly and helpful when answering questions. They do not offer assistance in boarding or exiting the lifts and are not really seen.
There are restaurants distributed throughout the ski resort with the exceptions of Palinkopf, Greitspitz, Idjoch and Viderjoch. Most of the ski huts have both serviced and self-service sections. The highlights are definitely the Restaurant Alpenhaus, the Restaurant Pardorama and the Schmuggler Alm. You can also stop at the restaurants in the villages of Ischgl and Samnaun.
15 Mountain restaurants & Ski huts
Gastronomy tip
-
Restaurant Alpenhaus
On the Idalp at 2320m
Probably the most stylish "Ski hut" in the Alps. There is a self-service area on the ground floor and a gourmet restaurant on the first floor with a beautiful sun terrace.
-
Schmuggler Alm
In Samnaun, at the end of the Dutyfree valley run.
Cozy hut with Swiss specialties and a sun terrace. As of the early afternoon, Après-Ski begins.
-
Restaurant La Marmotte
On the Alp Trida at 2263 m altitude.
Gourmet and specialty restaurant located directly on the slopes of Samnaun. Located on the first floor of the Alp Trida. There is a small sun terrace. When the weather is nice, you should definitely make a reservation.
-
Restaurant Pardorama
At the Pardatschgrat mountain station at 2624 m.
Probably the most spectacular mountain restaurant in Tyrol at the peak of the Pardatschgrat. There is a self-service area on the ground floor and an à-la-carte restaurant on the first floor. The highest conference room in Austria is also found here.
-
Gourmet Restaurant Trofana Royal
On the valley run in the centre of Ischgl.
In the Gourmet Restaurant Trofana Royal, you can enjoy the 3-Hauben cuisine from Martin Sieberer. He is Tyrol's most highly decorated chef. He was distinguished with 3 Hauben in 1998 and with a Michelin star in 2005.
Mountain hut tip
-
Vider Alp
A bit below the Idalp at 2250 m.
The Vider Alp is a rustic ski hut with wait service, an ice bar and a large sun terrace.
Photos
It's full throttle in Ischgl and cozy in Samnaun. Ischgl is well-known as a party mekka and leaves no wish unanswered in terms of Après-Ski.
-
Trofana Alm
On the valley run, directly in Ischgl
The Trofana Alm is not only a top address for gourmet dining, but is also THE Après-Ski hut in Ischgl during the winter. Live music, DJ Burgi and daily partying raise the roof at the Trofana Alm.
-
Kuhstall
At the valley station of the Silvretta lift in the centre of Ischgl.
One of the leading Après-Ski locations in Ischgl. The party can go on quite a while here.
-
Schmuggler Alm
In Samnaun at the end of the Dutyfree valley run.
Rustic ambiance, good food and a relaxed atmosphere await winter athletes in Samnaun. After the Dutyfree run has been conquered, you can stop here for a perfect ending to your ski day.
-
Paznauner Taja
On the valley station of the 6 person Paznauner Thaya chair lift.
The Après-Ski location in the middle of the ski resort. A super atmosphere is guaranteed until the last chair lift. But beware! You must still ski to the Idalp in order to ride down to the valley.
-
Trofana Arena
In the Hotel Trofana Royal in Ischgl
Live music, laser shows and the most exciting table dancing in Ischgl make the night fly by.
Photos
In Ischgl and Samnaun, there is everything from 5 star hotels to cozy private rooms and apartments. The lifts going up to the ski resort start from different locations within Ischgl. Thanks to the village tunnel with people movers, it is very easy to access the lifts. The valley runs split above the village so that you can access many of the hotels directly with skis or snowboard.
Ski-in/Ski-out
There are very many accommodations with direct access to the slopes and to lifts (Ski-in/Ski-out)
Towns/villages
- Ischgl
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 10610 - Samnaun
Distance to ski resort 0 km (directly at ski resort)
Guest beds 2550
Note: For the evaluation, only the accommodations which are located directly on the slopes and lifts, or have very easy access to the ski resort have been considered.
Photos
Evaluation criteria for special interests
Families with older children will feel very comfortable on the Idalp. The children's ski school from the Snow Sport Academy Ischgl and a practice area with people movers and j-bar lifts are found there. The new child-friendly Sonnen lift provides access to the easy slopes above the Idalp. There is no separate children's area or day care for babies in Ischgl. In Samnaun, families will feel very comfortable on the Musella slope directly in Samnaun Village.
Information for families and children
- People mover
- Children's lifts
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
- Child friendly access to lifts
- Ski kindergarten
- Ski school for children
- Child care
- Playground / park
Photos
Beginners can swish from the Idalp (Ischgl) to the Alp Trida (Samnaun) on easy slopes. There are also easy slopes located at the Hoellkar and the Velill lift. The new Sonnen lift on the Idalp was built especially for beginners. The Snow Sport Academy Ischgl also offers beginner's courses here. There is a large practice area with covered people mover and j-bar lifts on the Idalp. The Palinkopf, Hoellspitze, Greitspitze, Visnitz, Grivalea and the valley runs are taboo for beginners.
Information for beginners
- Easy and manageable slope offering, which is easy to achieve
- Wide slopes
- Beginner's area
- Beginner's lifts near the valley
- Beginner's lifts in ski resort directly at the feeder lift
Ski schools on-site
Photos
Ischgl and Samnaun offer large freeriding areas at the Palinkopf, the Greitspitze, the Hoellspitze and surrounding the Alp Trida. Numerous black runs entice the advanced skiers. Amongst these slopes, the especially steep Piste 14 a with an over 70% incline is found. There are no wishes left unanswered here.
Information for advanced skiers, freeriders
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
- some mogul slopes
Slope offering advanced skiers
Runs/slopes
Total 238 km
Difficult
45 km
(19 %)Additional runs
Marked ski routes
12 km
Most difficult run
-
Slopes 14a · Length 1.8 km · Altitude difference 633 m
The steepest slopes in the ski resort with an over 70% incline.
Note: Always mind the avalanche warnings and barriers, please. Never ski into a closed and unsecured area.
Photos
Ischgl and Samnaun offer top snowparks for the freestylers and snowboarders.
Information for Snowboarders
- some cat tracks
- few runs with ascent
- the following runs are not suitable for snowboarders
Valley run to Samnaun, Nr. 80 Dutyfree Run, runs Nr. 3 and 37 to the middle station.
- very many freeride / deep snow areas
Snow parks
- Playstation Vita Ischgl Snowpark
One of the largest funparks in the Alps. In addition to over 30 jibs and slide elements with the new SPCtubes, classic rails and boxes as well as more than 20 kickers between 6 and 20 m long, there are also 2 corners, a massive tubespine and a public bagjump in the park.
- Obstacle Park Samnaun
The Obstacle Park is located west of the Alp Trider Eck lift. The park consists of obstacles built into the snow as well as various formed aluminum frames upon which the boarders can ride or slide. There are also barrels and other objects built into the snow as well as formed jumps.
Offering snow parks
- Snow park/ Fun park
- No halfpipe
- Kicker (Jump/ Ramp)
- Rails/ Slides
- Boxes
- Wallride
- Corner / Hip
- Boardercross
- Waverides
- Pro Line
- Medium Line
- Beginner/ Easy Line
- Chill area with music
- Cross-country trail offering
Total trail length: 74 km
The cross-country trails lead from Ischgl to Galtuer. You can even ski up to the Bielerhoehe at up to 2040 m. In Samnaun, there is a trail leading from Laret over Plan, Raviasch to Dorf.
Trail tip(s)
-
Ischgl–Galtuer
Length: 11.0 km ▪ Altitude: 1400 m - 1600 m
Difficulty level: intermediate
Track: double track
Cross-country skiing style: classic, skating
fee: no
Conclusion
Beautiful slopes in high alpine terrain, modern and new lifts, Après-Ski (atmosphere and bars), free WLAN in the huts in Ischgl
Parking fees in the parking garages in Ischgl, ski path to the middle station, no WLAN in Samnaun
Test Report issued on 2012-04-26
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Highlights
Hotel Trofana Royal
*****
Gourmet- and Relaxhotel in the heart of Ischgl
6561 Ischgl
50 m to ski resort Details »
Gourmet- and Relaxhotel in the heart of Ischgl
6561 Ischgl
50 m to ski resort Details »
