The Ultimate Beginner Skier’s Guide to Ischgl
Some skiers will tell you skiing Ischgl for beginners is a terrible idea but I know why they’re entirely wrong.
This is definitely a resort loved by confident intermediates who want to ski hard and party harder. The only pisted route back to the village is a red run, there’s no discounted beginner lift pass and the learning area sits at 2,300 metres altitude so beginners should the gondola down to resort.
And yet Ischgl keeps attracting beginners, because skiers and snowboarders can’t wait to bring others here – couples where one person skis and the other doesn’t, groups of friends who want the full Alpine experience rather than a quiet week on nursery slopes, and families who’ve decided that if they’re spending money on a ski trip, they want world-class restaurants and a spa to go with it.
So my personal guide is not that “Ischgl is secretly perfect for beginners” but that it can easily work for a first timer and might even be your top choice, if you want top-drawer après to round off your days learning.
Read about Ischgl ski holidays and browse our ski packages.
Understanding the Resort Layout of Ischgl village
Ischgl village sits at 1,377 metres in the Paznaun Valley and it’s compact, wealthy, traditionally Tyrolean but with plenty of contemporary architecture mixed in. The key thing beginners need to understand is that almost no skiing happens at village level so don’t let the lower village altitude worry you (it’s actually better for a good night’s sleep).
Three gondolas depart from the village and the Silvrettabahn (A1) and Fimbabahn (A3) both arrive at Idalp (2,300m), which is the main hub where the ski school operates and beginners spend most of their time. The Pardatschgratbahn (A2) is an impressive tricable gondola which climbs to 2,650 metres and more challenging terrain but you won’t need it as a beginner.
The full Silvretta Arena spans the Austrian-Swiss border and connects the duty-free village of Samnaun with 46 lifts serving 239 kilometres of piste across 515 hectares. The vertical drop is 1,495 metres from the 2,872-metre summit down to the village but 90% of this piste is above 2,000 metres so the snow is pretty reliable in my experience.
What is the Terrain breakdown in Ischgl?
- Blue runs: 47km (approximately 20%)
- Red runs: 143km
- Black runs: 34km
- Ski routes (unmarked): 15km
That 47km of blue is what many small resorts have in total but here it’s all at higher altitude, which is often much nicer snow to learn on. It’s really important that you don’t try to ski down to the village though, because the few reds to get down on can get crowded and icy – I always bring beginners and lower intermediates down in the gondola because there’s really no point in knocking your confidence.
What do Beginners Need to Know about Skiing at Altitude in Ischgl?
Learning to ski at 2,300 metres is a little bit different from learning at 1,400 metres because the air is thinner, which means you tire more quickly than expected, so don’t be surprised if you’re exhausted by lunchtime on the first day and make sure you have lots of breaks and drinks. UV exposure is much higher above 2,000 metres so you must wear strong sunscreen (even on overcast day) and it gets much colder as you go higher so I tie an extra layer round my waist if I get too warm (but don’t be caught without enough layers).
Most clients adjust within a day or two and arriving the day before lessons start does give your body extra time to start to acclimatise. It’s not particularly tough if you drink plenty of water and go easy on alcohol the first night – don’t push through exhaustion on the slopes because altitude fatigue affects your balance and concentration.
I personally think learning to ski higher up is a much nicer experience because the snow quality is more reliably good with less chance of having to deal with slushy or icy runs.
Where Should Beginners Learn To Ski In Ischgl?
The Idalp Nursery Area
Your first days will be spent on the Idalp plateau right outside the ski school building, where the main nursery area has covered magic carpet lifts (B9 and B10) serving gentle slopes with plenty of space to learn the basics of clipping-in and standing, snowplough stops and your first turns.
Once you’ve got basic control the T-bar lifts (B6 and B7) access slightly longer runs at the Viderböden practice area. T-bars are harder than chairlifts but the extra work to master them is part of learning to ski and everyone looks back on them fondly (eventually) so focus on letting them push your derriere instead of trying to sit on it.
Sonnenbahn Will Be Your First Chairlift In Ischgl
The Sonnenbahn chairlift opens up your options once basic turns feel reliable around day three and this is a family-friendly lift gives you the gentlest blue run in the resort which is wide, mellow and south-facing (learn in the sun most of the day). Below the main run there’s a curving slope once you’re feeling more confident.
What About Progressing to Longer Blues?
By day four or five with regular lessons you can start exploring longer blue runs that return to Idalp and here are my favourites:
Piste 6 (from Pardatschgrat) is a mellow cruising blue with good afternoon sun and views across the valley.
Piste 8 (from Velillbahn Berg) is served by a comfortable six-person chairlift (a little break from T-bar stress) and is similar difficulty to Piste 6.
Piste 11 (from Idjoch) links directly from the Idalp area and debutantes tend to like the longer run without much step-up in difficulty.
Piste 60 (to Samnaun) is a blue-graded run that crosses into Switzerland but it’s no harder than the others. Siing across an international border feels like an achievement but bring your passport as there’s a customs post on the return.
What Areas Should Beginner Skiers Avoid in Ischgl?
Piste 1 (Talabfahrt) is the only pisted run back to the village and it’s red-graded, steep in sections, often crowded at the end of the day, and can become icy by afternoon. Beginners should not attempt this and instead always download on the Silvrettabahn gondola which takes only five minutes. Plenty of intermediate skiers choose the gondola over that run too when conditions are tougher.
Höllboden bowl contains the resort’s steepest terrain with gradients up to 70% and it’s far too risky for a newbie.
Anything from Greitspitze which is basically expert black runs and also avoid piste 14a (Lange Wand)which is the steepest piste in the resort.
Which Ischgl Ski Schools and Lessons to Book?
Skischule Ischgl A.K.A. the Schneesport Akademie
The resort’s main ski school has been operating since 1930 and has between 100 and 160 qualified instructors depending on the season speaking German, English, Dutch, Danish, French, Russian, Czech and Swedish. We can arrange lessons for you if your ski holiday is booked through SNO Ski, but their contact details are:
- Address: Silvrettaplatz 2, 6561 Ischgl
- Phone: +43 5444 5257
- Website: www.skischule-ischgl.at
And their office locations and hours are:
- Silvrettabahn (village) from 8:00am ‘til noon and 2:00pm to 5:00pm
- Idalp (mountain) from 8:30am to 3:30pm
- Pardatschgratbahn opens 8:00am until noon and 2:00pm until5:00pm
Adult group lessons range from €60 to €94 per day for four hours of instruction from Sunday to Thursday, with a three-day course costing €149 and five days €189. For complete beginners I think the five days is ideal but three is still great if your budget is a bit tighter.
Children’s group lessons range from €55 and upwards per day (from age 4) and they’re four hours of instruction with a similar course structure to adult lessons.
Bambini programme (ages 3–5) can be a full day including lunch for €95 or mornings only for €63 and SNO clients have recommended the kindergarten (from age 2) for non-skiing childcare.
Private lessons start from €160 for 90 minutes and €195 for two hours, which sounds expensive but the personalised attention gives you faster progress and more flexible timing.
Tyrolean Alpine Ski School
Run by Gerald Kurz and is a smaller alternative for private instruction that’s been operating since 1994, with rates starting at €150 for 90 minutes and €195 for two hours or €275 for three hours.
- Address: Unterer Nederweg 18, 6561 Ischgl
- Phone: +43 5444 5956
- Website: www.alpinskischule-ischgl.at
What’s Your First Week Like Learning To Ski In Ischgl?
Days 1–2 covers the basics so arrive on Saturday if possible to give yourself a rest day before lessons start to collect your rental equipment, explore the village and get an early night. Everyone says day one with ski school the boots feel awkward, the skis won’t do what you want and you’ll be more tired than expected by lunchtime. You’ll have a go at magic carpets, snowplough turns and lots of falling over and day two is more of the same but moves that felt impossible start to get easier.
Day 3 can be a bit of a breakthrough as things can start to click and the T-bar lifts stop being so tricky. You might take the Sonnenbahn chairlift for the first time so tell your instructor if getting on or off makes you nervous and they’ll ride alongside to help you.
Days 4 and 5 are the start of proper skiing because you’ve got the fundamentals established and might venture onto longer blue runs. Pistes 6, 8, and 11 all return to Idalp and give you the excitement of skiing beyond the nursery slope because you’re covering more distance, enjoying scenery and feeling a bit of (very modest) speed.
Days 6 (and maybe 7) are so fun because lessons have finished and you can just “go skiing”. Practise what you’ve learned on familiar terrain and if it’s going really well try the blue run to Samnaun (Piste 60) for a bit of an adventure but don’t spoil it by going for harder terrain.
Ischgl Ski and Snowboard Equipment Rental For Beginners
Silvretta Sports has five locations including both valley and mountain stations and their VIP package lets you swap skis up to three times in the week if the first pair doesn’t feel right. They also have a test centre at Idalp but don’t consider buying skis or board in your first winter.
Ischgl Rent (Shop Prenner) has three locations (Zentrum, Prenner, Check In) but we haven’t worked with them so I can’t comment on prices or quality.
MIETSKI at Dorfstraße 51 in the village centre claims all equipment is new each season with packages from around €46 per 6-days for basic skis and poles.
Sport Adler on Dorfstraße 75 near the Silvrettabahn has a “seven days for six” offer and test-and-buy options.
HERVIS Rent is in the village and children under 10 get free equipment when a parent rents a full package of skis poles and boots.
What ski equipment should you rent?
I recommend you should rent skis, poles, and boots as a package because it’s cheaper and you have just one point of contact if skis or boots need adjusting/swapping. Helmets are now standard but focus on getting boots fitted really well because badly fitting boots will ruin your week.
Ischgl Lift Passes for Beginners
Ischgl does not offer a beginner-only lift pass and to access Idalp and the nursery slopes you need the full VIP Ski Pass covering all 46 lifts in the Ischgl-Samnaun Silvretta Arena but… there are discounts for kids and low-season:
VIP Ski Pass prices (2025/26 season)
- 6-day adult varies from €292 to 323 depending on season
- Children under 10 ski FREE when accompanied by a paying parent
The pass requires an Ischgl/Mathon guest card, which you can get from your accommodation.
Discounted periods
- START season 27th November to 19th December 2025
- POWDER season is from 10th to 24th January 2026
- FIRN season is from 11th April to 3rd May 2026
Alternative is the Silvretta Ski Pass which is a broader pass covering 76 lifts including the smaller resorts of Galtür, Kappl, and See. Children under 8 ski free with a paying parent and senior discounts are available but are you really likely to explore these nearby areas (which you have to drive to)? Galtür has excellent beginner slopes at village level but I would say you’re better using that commuting time to ski more and rest more in Ischgl.
Is paying full price for access to 239km of piste (when you’ll use 20km) annoying? Yes it is a bit but there’s no alternative in Ischgl I’m afraid.
Which Mountain Restaurants in Ischgl Can Beginners Can Ski To?
At Idalp (no skiing required to reach these) I recommend:
Restaurant Idalp Panorama has two floors with self-service downstairs and table service upstairs serving regional Tyrolean specialities on a nice terrace with views. Self-service mains range from €12-24.
Alpenhaus is more expensive but I think it’s one of the most stylish mountain restaurants in the Alps and has a great combo of contemporary design with high-end food a few metres from the gondola stations.
Vider Alp is a good-value traditional Tyrolean ski hut with wooden interiors and hearty regional cooking and an outdoor ice bar.
Paznauner Taja has self-service and is also a bit of a party venue from lunchtime onwards with DJs and dancing etc.
Bergrestaurant Pardorama is up at 2,600m with three floors and panoramic views which you need to take the Pardatschgratbahn to reach but you can get here without skiing.
On the Swiss side I really like:
Schmuggler-Alm for its’ restaurant with après-ski and duty-free shopping in one when you’ve skied over to Samnaun.
La Marmotte is a Gourmet restaurant at Alp Trida for a more refined lunch and has gluten-free and lactose-free options with (in my experience) amazing pizza but generally quite small portions.
Where are the Best Locations for Beginners to Stay in Ischgl?
Near the Silvrettabahn is the prime spot for learners and hotels along Dorfstraße offer the shortest walk to the main gondola accessing Idalp. It’s nice to be in ski school faster and back for après-ski without trudging through the village in ski boots as learning is knackering enough already.
Village centre is a compact and keeps you within walking distance of all three main gondolas, plus restaurants, bars and shops. An escalator connects the different village levels which helps when you’re carrying equipment and/or kids.
Is there a More Budget Alternative to Staying in Ishcgl?
Accommodation in Ischgl proper tends not to include the cheaper end of the spectrum but staying in nearby villages like Mathon (on the same bus route), Galtür, Kappl or See cost between 20–30% less. All are connected by free ski bus but you lose some convenience and have to ask whether you’re really doing Ischgl (I wouldn’t be hitting the après ski so hard if I had to commute home at the end of it).
Ischgl Accommodation Types tend to nbe more upmarket with five-star properties like the Trofana Royal and Schlosshotel Ischgl being my favourites with rates starting a €300+ per night. Mid-range four-star hotels like Hotel Garni Mondin or Hotel Goldener Adler start from €150 per night and self-catering apartments are our best value options from €85 per person per night. If you chat to the team about what kind of holiday you’re looking for, we will help you find the best option for your budget
What about Ski-in/ski-out Accommodation in Ischgl?
True ski-in/ski-out is limited in Ischgl (and non-existant for beginners) because the valley runs are red-graded. Until you’re confident on reds you should be downloading by gondola at the end of each day regardless of where you stay so it’s not worth paying more for ski-in/ski-out.
What is there To-Do Beyond the Slopes in Ischgl?
If Ischgl great for rest days or half-days off the slopes and here are some of our client’s faves for a bit of a rest day or half day off skiing or for non-skiers in your party.
Silvretta Therme opened in December 2022 as a thermal spa complex spread across four floors with over 1,000 square metres of water including:
- 25-metre indoor/outdoor sports pool
- Adventure pool and rooftop outdoor pool with mountain views and swim-up bar
- 1,500 square metres of sauna area (five saunas, two steam baths)
- 320 square metre fitness centre
Your 4+ day ski-pass also gives 20% discount on entry during promotional periods.
Is Ischgl Good For Après-Ski?
Ischgl claims to have invented Austrian après-ski (or at least ‘posh après’) and remains the benchmark with Kuhstall at the Silvrettabahn base station kicking off when lifts close with live music, dancing and crowds spilling onto the street. Schatzi Bar (opposite the Pardatschgratbahn) and Kitzloch (near Pardatschgratbahn and famous for spare ribs) are great alternatives and later on Pacha nightclub in Hotel Madlein is the biggest late/all night venue.
Ski boots and carrying skis is banned in the village after 8pm and you can be fined up to €2000 so make sure you end après ski in time to go back and get changed beforehand.
Top of the Mountain Concerts three times per winter are my big highlights for the season opening, Easter and closing. These free concerts feature major international headliners like previous performers Robbie Williams, Elton John, Rihanna, and Alicia Keys. Entry is included with your lift pass and I really think it’s worth booking your Ischgl ski holiday to coincide with them! 2025 opening concert on 29th November was headlined by Alicia keys and the closer 2nd May 2026 is Christina Aguilera.
Other Ischgl Off-Slope Activities
- Tobogganing on the 7km floodlit run with night sessions on Mondays and Thursdays
- Ice skating at Silvretta Center
- Cross-country skiing on 74km of trails in the Paznaun Valley
- Winter hiking on 100km of cleared paths
- Duty-free shopping if you take the lifts to Samnaun for tax-free watches, spirits and perfume etc
Ischgl Skiing For Mixed-Ability Groups
This is where Ischgl makes most sense for beginners because the resort has 143km of red runs and 34km of blacks, plus 15km of ski routes for off-piste exploration so advanced skiers in your group won’t feel remotely held back. Meanwhile beginners are well-looked-after on good nursery slopes and pro instruction progressing at their own pace without pressure.
Meet for lunch at Idalp which is central to everything and later reconvene for après-ski which you can learn without lessons 😉 Evenings together in restaurants the spa and the bars and nightclubs plus all the non-skiing options mean everyone is holidaying together regardless of skiing level.
Should You Learn To Ski Galtür Instead?
It’s worth considering as Galtür is 15 minutes up the valley and has village-level nursery slopes and a more relaxed atmosphere plus lower prices and terrain weighted toward easier blues. If learning to ski as quickly and cheaply as possible is your sole priority, Galtür probably makes more sense but I would not recommend it if what you’re really going for is the real Ischgl experience as it lacks Ischgl’s restaurants, nightlife, spa and general buzz. It’s a lovely quiet village for a quiet week but not the same experience.
The Silvretta Ski Pass covers both resorts so you can stay in Galtür for the savings and visit Ischgl for a day or two when you want the bigger ski area or livelier après-ski but I would find myself a bit disappointed at having to leave the nights out early to get home.
Budget Planning and Being Realistic About Ischgl Ski Holiday Costs
Skiing essentials per person for one week:
- Lift pass (6 days) costs €292-323 depending on season
- Ski school (5 half-days) starts at €185
- Equipment rental costs from €100-200 for 6 days skis and boots
Total skiing costs: roughly €580-800
Add accommodation (€80-300+ per night) food, drinks and transfers and your week in Ischgl realistically costs £1,500-3,500 per person depending on where you choose to stay eat and party.
Money-saving options:
- Visit during START, POWDER or FIRN discount periods (ask my team)
- Stay in Mathon, Galtür, Kappl, or See rather than Ischgl village
- Book equipment rental in advance (ask the SNO team for our discount code)
- Self-cater breakfasts and some dinners (this can save a lot)
- Take advantage of children-ski-free lift pass offers
- Use the free ski bus rather than taxis as Ischgl taxis are London prices
When is the Best Time to Visit Ischgl?
Best periods for beginners:
- January (after 6th, avoiding school holidays) for Good snow and manageable crowds
- Early March for longer days, spring sunshine, decent snow and it’s quieter than February
- April FIRN season has discounted lift passes, warmer temperatures and softer snow
When to Avoid if On a Budget:
- Christmas and New Year (20 December onwards) has max crowds and prices
- February half-term is the peak of peak season (but so fun)
- Easter week is also busy because the snow is still great on Ischgl’s high slopes
What’s the best way to Get to Ischgl from the UK?
My top recommendation is to have the team at SNO Ski Holidays help you pick your perfect package ski holiday, so everything is sorted out for you. It’s especially helpful for beginners to avoid all the hassle and gotchas of trying to build your own package and also gives you ATOL protection so your holiday and payments are safeguarded by the Govt scheme.
| Airport | Distance | Transfer time |
| Innsbruck (INN) | 100km | 80-100 minutes |
| Memmingen (FMM) | ~160km | 2.5 hours |
| Zurich (ZRH) | ~200km | 2.5-3 hours |
| Munich (MUC) | 230km | 3-3.5 hours |
Private transfers from Innsbruck cost €135-200 for a vehicle and shared shuttles from Munich range from €45-70 per person.
The nearest train station is Landeck-Zams (30km from Ischgl) which is connected by free ski bus.
If you’re driving, winter tyres or chains are mandatory on Austrian roads from November to April.
Getting Around the Resort a free ski bus connects Ischgl, Mathon, Galtür, Kappl and See but the village itself is compact and walkable, with an escalator linking different levels.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Ischgl suitable for complete beginners?
Yes it can work really well as the beginner terrain is good, the ski school is excellent and there’s plenty to do off the slopes, but you do pay full lift pass price for access to terrain you won’t use.
How many days of lessons do I need?
Five ideally and three minimum daily lessons make a big difference compared to ad-hoc instruction.
Can I learn to ski without lessons?
Some will say technically yes but at altitude on unfamiliar terrain it’s a huge mistake and you’ll progress much faster and stay much safer with a pro ski instructor.
Can I ski back to the village?
Not as a beginner because the only run down (Piste 1) is red-graded so you should download on the gondola.
What if bad weather closes the upper mountain?
It’s very rare but I would use the spa, explore the village and take the free bus to Galtür for a change of scenery.
If I’m travelling with advanced skiers will I feel left out?
Ischgl is great for mixed-ability groups because your buddies have huge terrain to explore while you learn and then meet up for meals and après-ski.
What if I hate skiing?
The spa, restaurants and shopping in Samnaun plus the village atmosphere means Ischgl offers more non-skiing diversions than almost any resort in Austria so you won’t regret your trip.
Ischgl isn’t the obvious choice for learning to ski, with its’ reputation as an intermediate playground but there’s no where like it for upmarket après ski and you don’t need lessons for that! If you’re travelling with better skiers, want a complete Alpine holiday rather than just ski lessons or just prefer a ski resort with a bit of glamour and things to do beyond the slopes, Ischgl can work well for beginners. I love this place and would recommend you go for it – book your lessons, don’t attempt the valley run and tick off your wishlist of all the famous après ski venues!
Are you considering booking a beginner ski holiday to Ischgl?
Read more about our Ischgl ski holidays view our package ski trips or call our ski specialists on 020 7770 6888.
