The ski area
The Silvretta Arena is one of the great Alpine ski areas. From Ischgl at 1,377 m, big gondolas lift you to the Idalp, the hub of a high, open bowl that stretches across the Swiss border to Samnaun at up to 2,872 m. The official figures are 239 km of slopes and 46 lifts: 47 km blue, 140 km red and 47 km black, plus marked ski routes for those who want more. It is red-run heaven, with long, wide, immaculately groomed descents and a lift system that is among the most modern in Austria.
Because almost everything is high, snow is rarely a worry. The 2026/2027 season runs from 26 November 2026 to 2 May 2027. The Silvretta ski pass also covers Galtür, Kappl and See, three smaller and quieter areas in the Paznaun valley that are not linked by lift.
Who is Ischgl for?
Ischgl is for confident intermediates and advanced skiers who want to cover ground, and for groups who treat the evening as seriously as the day. Après-ski starts on the mountain and continues in the village until late, and the season opens and closes with major open-air concerts on the Idalp. A detour to Samnaun for duty-free shopping is part of the ritual. Families and complete beginners can manage, but they are not the target audience.
Practical
From Brussels it is around 830 km and 8.5 hours, one of the shorter drives to a big Austrian area; an Austrian vignette is required and Innsbruck airport is 100 km away. The Silvretta ski pass costs 83 euros per day or 451 euros for 6 days in 2026/2027, with no cheaper early or late season rate. Book accommodation early for the opening and closing concert weekends.