Everything I need to know about Ischgl?

Hi all

I am one of a group of 6 going to Ischgl at the end of Jan. Anyone able to help with some advice on.

Best runs AM / PM?
Where to avoid the crowds?
Nearby resorts worth a day visit?
Best Apres bars?

Regards
Cully

Been a few times now. Couple of previous reviews cut together. Lots of upmarket hotels but many of these are a long way from the main lifts so it pays to note location before booking. However you can store boots and skis at top of Silvrettabahn for a few euros per day.

We were extremely impressed by the lift system, far more efficient and luxurious than anywhere else we've been.

Pistes are numbered which made recognition difficult for us as on the map the lifts also have codes, C3 etc. but when you arrive at the lift the buildings show names not codes so you need to constantly consult the piste plan.

The skiing itself from Idalp is above the tree line in vast bowls. Quoting Kms. of piste here is irrelevant as almost all the area is skiable. Most of the off piste lines can be picked from chairlifts and most don't contain cliffs etc. and are usually bordered by pistes so you have bail out options.

Favourite runs: anything from top of Palinkopf down to Boden Alp or Gampenalp which gives 900 m vertical, especially the off piste bowl served by lift E2. Run from top of Greitspitze down to Ischgl is 11.5 Km and if skied before the homeward bound crowds is excellent. There is a free speed test by piste 8. The best of the skiing for those like me if there isn't good enough snow for off piste is over on the Greitsptitz and Palinkopf areas where Blacks 20 & 21, 34 & 35 and especially 13 & 14 have challenge and character. Also don't leave the home runs of 1, 1a & 5 for home time - they're brilliant descents through the trees to resort, all with steep pitches, but at 4.00pm the choked with punters.


Our favourite eateries were at the Bodenalp and Alpenhaus.

If you have your car you're not far from St aAnton and sevveral other resorts but you'll not get bored.

Thanks Grizwald. Great advice. Looking forward to it!

"Nearby resorts worth a day visit?"

there are a lot of resorts nearby. How much miles is the max distance? 50mls?
For one day visit is Lech a good resort. With some luck you can meet the dutch royals at there.

There is also St Anton, Fiss-Ladis-Serfaus (good!), or even Zugspitz-Arena (zugspitze is the highest mountain of germany)

[link removed - please read the rules, Admin]

Thanks Ferdinand for the positive word re Ladis, as I'm going there early December. It was booked by an Austrian friend and I've never been there before so I was wondering what it is like. I suppose he must have good local knowldedge !