More than half of the 238 kilometres of runs (as of February 2017) are rated red (intermediate) in Ischgl. And that’s not the only reason why rating the ski area in the advanced skier category was so easy – Silvretta Arena is more than worth its rating of the full 10 points in this category.
Ischgl’s lift systems are top-drawer
Ischgl’s excellent rating in this category is not only down to its size, but also many other criteria important for advanced skiers: The most obvious plus point are the state-of-the-art lifts, ensuring skiers are transported quickly and comfortably up the hill.
- The lifts largely consist of detachable 6-seater or 8-seater chairlifts (some of which are heated).
- The 3S Pardatschgratbahn lift ensures that there are no queues at the base station, even at peak times.
- The 8-seater chairlift at Flimjoch is one of the most modern chairlifts in the world. The features: Wind-resilient bubble, heated seats and a mountain station that ensures safe operation even in windy conditions. The exit area is enclosed. This allows the operator to open the wind-sheltered side, which can be determined depending on the wind direction.
- Unique worldwide – in Ischgl twice over:
The No. 9 support tower for the Höllbodenbahn chairlift is also the No. 3 support tower for Flimjoch chairlift. Thus two different 8-seater chairlift lines are using the same support tower in their day-to-day operations. The Idjochbahn also has two 8-seater chairlifts crossing on the same support tower. - Over 75% of all chair lifts are fitted with weather protection hoods, meaning that your ascent is always pleasant, no matter the weather.
The Smuggler's Run: A Ski Run for Explorers
If you are visiting Ischgl for the first time, you shouldn’t miss the chance to try the Smuggler's Run – a reference to the option of going duty-free shopping in the Swiss resort of Samnaun. We were particularly impressed by the sporting challenge posed by this 35.7-kilometre circular tour, encompassing 6,463 vertical metres. We have marked the Schmugglerrunde on the Ischgl trail map in the images accompanying this test report:
1. The tour starts at the lift "Silvrettabahn A1", which carries skiers to the Idalp (3.8 km)
2. Run no. 2 to Höllboden (1.1 km)
3. Lift: C3-Sassgalunbahn (0.4 km)
4. Run no. 30 to Paznauner Thaya (1.5 km)
5. Lift: E2-Höllspitzbahn (1.8 km)
6. Run no. 32 to the restaurant Schwarzwand (1.7 km)
7. Lift: D1-Palinkopfbahn (1.6 km)
8. Runs no. 80 and no. 40 to Zeblasjoch and Piz Val Grondabahn (3.0 km)
9. Lift: E5-Piz Val Grondabahn (2.4 km)
10. Runs no. 42, 41 and 40 to Bistro Gampen (4.8 km)
11. Lift: E4-Gampebahn (2.4 km)
12. Runs no. 80 and 80a to Samnaun Valley and the Twinliner lift (7.9 km)
13. Lift: L1-Twinliner, start/finish Samnaun (2.3 km)
14. Run no. 69b to Alp Trida (1.1 km)
15. Lift: N2-Visnitzbahn (1.2 km)
16. Run no. 66 to Alp Bella (1.7 km)
17. Lift: M1-Grivaleabahn (1.5 km)
18. Run no. 66 to Alp Bella (1.8 km)
19. Lift: M2-Mullerbahn (0.8 km)
20. Run no. 67 to Alp Trida (1.4 km)
21. Lift: N4-Viderjochbahn 1 (1.5 km)
22. Run no. 71 to the restaurant Salaas (1.1 km)
23. Lift: O1-Greitspitzbahn (1.4 km)
24. Runs no. 14,12 and 11 to Idalp (2.4 km)
25. Lift: B1-Velillbahn (1,6 km)
26. Run no. 7 to Velilltal (2.8 km)
27. Lift: F1-Velilleckbahn (0.6 km)
28. Runs no. 4,1 and 1a to start/finisch at the ground station Fimbabahn (3.4 km)
The start-finish line is located at the Fimbabahn A3 cable car valley station in Ischgl or alternatively at the Twinliner L1 lift in Samnaun.
Tip: Check out the interactive map on our iSki Ischgl app to help you find your way around the ski area. If you prefer to have a printed copy of the map you can pick up a copy of our Smuggler’s Run brochure at the Fimbabahn A3 valley station or at the Twinliner L1 lift in Samnaun.
The Smuggler's Run Gold and Silver are for advanced skiers only. The Bronze run is on a slope with an easy level of difficulty (blue).