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The Silvretta Arena is a ski area around the villages of Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon. The winter sports area is large, varied and has a very high snow guarantee. More than 90% of the slopes are above 2000 meters. The quality of the slopes and lifts is very good. Relax, if you can ... That is the slogan of Ischgl. The Ischgl ski area is known for its conviviality and exuberant après-ski. It is also a true paradise for experienced skiers and snowboarders. There are so many beautiful and challenging pistes that you can go on and on forever. Especially in April when the days are extra long.
The skiing area Silvretta Arena is one of the largest winter sports areas in Austria. With the normal ski pass for Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon you have no less than 239 kilometres of pistes at your disposal. In addition, you can also opt for the Paznauntal ski pass, which gives access to an additional 121 kilometres of pistes. The ski areas covered by the Paznauntal ski pass are the Silvretta Arena Ischgl, See, Kappl and Silvapark Galtür.
This Paznauntal ski pass is, for example, a nice option when you go on winter sports in Ischgl for more than 2 weeks. Or just if you want to see a bit more of the surroundings. The characteristics of the Silvretta Arena ski area are shown in the table below. In the table you will also find a link to the piste map of the ski area with the location of the villages Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon.
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Characteristics Silvretta Arena Ischgl - Samnaun |
|
| Highest point | 2872 metres |
| Lowest point | 1377 metres |
| Total kilometres of pistes | 239 |
| Blue slopes | 47 kilometers |
| Red slopes | 143 kilometres |
| Black slopes | 49 kilometers |
| Villages | Ischgl, Samnaun, Mathon |
| Snow security | High |
| Après-ski possibilities | Very good |
| Child-Friendliness | Moderate |
| Oportunities for beginners | Moderate |
| advanced options | Very good |
| Post ski pass (6 days) in 2018 | € 254 |
| Extra possibilities ski pass | Paznauntal ski pass |
| Spiste kilometres Paznauntal ski pass | 360 (71 blue, 217 red, 72 black) |
| Post Paznauntal ski pass (6 days) in 2018 | € 298.50 |
| Average price for lunch on the slopes | € 5 - € 25 |
| Price ski lessons (4 days x 4 hours) | € 130 - € 220 |
| Best travel period | December to March |
| Travel time from Innsbruck airport | 1 hour and 20 minutes |
| Distance to Utrecht | Only 925 kilometres |
| Pistecards | Pistecard |
The villages within the Silvretta Arena ski area are Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon. Ischgl is a cosy and traditional village on a hill in the middle of the Paznauntal valley. The village street is car-free and bustling with shops, restaurants and pubs. Ischgl is known for its cosy and exuberant après-ski. Winter sports enthusiasts of all nationalities come here. The village consists of two parts connected by a pedestrian tunnel. There are no less than three modern gondolas. Everywhere in Ischgl you are within walking distance of a lift. You'll find a number of beautiful valley descents far into the village.
Samnaun is totally different from Ischgl. There are five car-free village centres here: Compatsch, Laret, Plan, Ravaisch and Samnaun Dorf. Everywhere it is atmospheric, authentic and wonderfully quiet.
The gondola to the Alp Trido in the ski area Silvretta Arena can be found in Ravaisch. From the other parts of the village you have to take the ski bus to the lift. The village centres are all located along the through slopes. If you choose an accommodation close to the slopes, you don't have to take the ski bus back. In the past Samnaun was difficult to reach. That's why the Swiss government exempted the valley from taxes. Nowadays the accessibility is much better because of the Vereina Tunnel and the Landecker Tunnel. However, tax-free shopping in the village is still possible.
And finally there's Mathon. A quiet farming village that is a lot cheaper than Ischgl and Samnaun. You'll find barns as well as hotels, guesthouses and apartments. Mathon has a small ski lift with practice meadow. There is no direct connection to the Silvretta Arena. By skibus or car you can reach the Silvrettabahn in Ischgl in about 10 minutes.
The bowl-shaped Idalp forms the centre of the Silvretta Arena ski area. The highest peaks in the area are the Greitspitze at 2872 metres and the Palinkopf at 2864 metres. From here you have beautiful views over the snowy mountains in the area. Between Samnaun and Ischgl is the Alp Trida at 2263 meters. Ischgl is a great ski area for beginners. There are several wide and simple blue pistes to descend from, especially at the Idalp. Furthermore, the area is not ideal for anyone just starting out skiing or snowboarding. It is in fact very large and the downhill run to Ischgl is quite tough. Especially at the end of the day when everyone wants to go down.
For advanced skiers, the ski area at Ischgl is perfect. You will find many challenging red and black pistes here. There are also several beautiful ski routes, valley runs and freeride opportunities. The black slope from the Palinkopf is highly recommended. Just like the 'Duty-free run' to the duty-free Samnaun.
The Duty Free run to Samnaun is recommended.
The pistes in Ischgl and Samnaun connect well. There are few flat stretches. Klunen and steppes are hardly there. Actually only the last part of the descent to Samnaun is quite flat. The ski area is very compact. It is therefore not particularly suitable for really long tours. In the Silvretta Arena ski area you will also find the Snowpark Silvretta Montafon. A large fun park for the daredevils.
Snowpark Silvretta Montafon
In addition to skiing and snowboarding, other activities are also possible in winter in the Silvretta Arena. Paragliding in Mathon is possible in both winter and summer. Night tobogganing in Ischgl is also great fun. And there are various cross-country skiing and hiking trails. Or go shooting at the public shooting range in Samnaun.
For children, the Silvretta Arena Ischgl-Samnaun ski area is a bit on the big side. Down in the villages of Ischgl and Samnaun there are no practice meadows or children's countries. The Idalp is particularly suitable for the little ones. There you will find a good ski school, a children's land and several simple practice slopes. Samnaun has a small Kinderland on the Alp Trida and a number of easy slopes. However, the Alp Trida is not very easy to reach from many accommodations.
Mathon has a short drag lift in the village and a small slope. However, you can't go here with children. If you spend the night in Mathon, you have to take the ski bus with the children to Ischgl.
The ski area at Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon is very snow sure. Most of the pistes are above 2000 metres. The villages are also often equipped with a beautiful white blanket in winter. Lovely atmosphere! Between mid-December and mid-March is the snow security the largest. Especially in the months of January and February there is often a large layer of snow. Because of the high altitude you can also often excellent skiing in April. More chance of sunshine and longer ski days!
Winter sports in Ischgl equals cosy and exuberant après-ski! Both in the afternoon on the mountain and in the evening in the village there is a lot of partying going on. For example, the Paznauner Taja is very cosy in the afternoon. And in the evenings it goes loose in tents like the Kuhstall and the Trofana Alm. If you want you can go all night long.
In Samnaun it's a lot quieter. You won't find exuberant après-ski here. But you can have a drink somewhere nice and cosy. Not a fan of après-ski at all, or rather not every night? Then you can go to Mathon. If you feel like having a party just take the bus or car to Ischgl.
Do you go on winter sports to Ischgl and have no or little skiing or snowboarding experience? Then it is wise to arrange ski or snowboard lessons. You will find various ski schools in the ski area. For children and adults there is a choice of group lessons and private lessons. Private lessons are a lot more expensive, but you often learn faster. For a group lesson you should expect to pay between 130 and 220 for four days of 4 hours. More or less teaching days is also possible. As well as fewer lessons per day. See what you like. A private lesson often costs you almost 300 euros per 4 hours.
In the ski area Silvretta Arena you will find many restaurants. From large slope restaurants to champagne huts and traditional mountain huts. You can really eat anything here. From a simple soup to a large plate of meat and chips. Enjoy an Italian pizza, a German Wienerschnitzel or Austrian gröstl in the traditional mountain restaurant Paznauner Taja. You can also sit on the terrace in the sun when the weather is good.
In Samnaun you will also find several nice restaurants. Almrausch is for example very nice and traditional. You can also enjoy après-ski here. The prices for lunch on the slopes are generally a bit higher than in other Austrian ski resorts. For about 5 euros you can order a soup or apple strudel. For a large meal with chips, you're quick to lose two tens. And in Samnaun lying prices often even higher.
In Ischgl, Samnaun and Mathon you will find various hotels, chalets, apartments and guesthouses. Each accommodation has its own price tag. Are you looking for a luxury and expensive four-star hotel in the middle of Ischgl? Or do you prefer a simple and cheap guesthouse in Mathon? Prices for accommodation, restaurants and the ski pass in Ischgl and Samnaun are higher than in other Austrian ski resorts. Certainly Samnaun is quite pricey. For those higher prices you get a large and varied ski area. As well as a lot of fun and a high snow security.
The area is very popular and it can be quite crowded. Especially at weekends and during the Christmas and spring holidays. Because of the size of the area you can easily find a quieter area during the day. Especially the blue slopes on the Idalp can be quite crowded. At the end of the day it is also a bit chaotic on the valley descent. The modern gondolas from the valley are large and fast. So you hardly ever have to wait long in the morning.
To reach Ischgl and Mathon you cross the border at Bregenz. Then you drive through the Arlberg Tunnel and then into the Paznauntal. You can continue on the main road and gradually climb up. Then you will first encounter Ischgl and then Mathon. Please note that it is not possible to drive via the Montafon to Ischgl and Mathon in the winter. The Silvretta Hochalpenstrasse is then closed.
To get to Samnaun, cross the border to Austria at Füssen. Then you drive through the Landecker Tunnel and then towards the Reschenpass. Samnaun is just before this pass. Snow chains and winter tires are no superfluous luxury. It can snow quite a bit in Austria. Winter tires are even mandatory in winter conditions. Don't forget a vignette for the highway. You can view the route via Google Maps or the ANWB route planner.
You'd rather take the plane on winter sports? You can fly via Innsbruck. A taxi will take you to your accommodation within an hour and 15 minutes.
Silvretta Arena is a beautiful skiing area. You come here for beautiful views, lots of snow fun, a high snow security, delicious food and of course the cozy après-ski. An excellent destination for a winter sport to remember. If you've been here once, you're guaranteed to come back again!
