Ischgl is world-renowned ski resort in Austria but is coming of age as a mecca for active adventurists looking to hike, bike, boulder, climb and paraglide in the summer, whilst also being a family-friendly high alpine retreat. Once the snow has melted and the first green shoots of spring start to emerge, so does the opportunity to explore this epic landscape from many different perspectives, which can be in hiking boots, or from the saddle of a mountain and e-Mountain Bike (e-MTB); the latter is fast becoming the most popular way to navigate more challenging uphill terrain and go much further.
The ultimate e-MTB experience can start on the Austro-Swiss border and snake off on numerous trails for all abilities crisscrossing between both countries. This includes the very elite who come to compete in the Ischgl Iron Bike or Paznaun Ischgl Ultra Trail. But for most travellers, a colour coded selection of trails will highlight their difficulty level.
One recommended e-MTB trail is the ‘Red’ marked ‘Smuggler’s Trail, which depending on route choice can end at Heidelberger Hutte. The cable-car journey from the Silvretta Cable Station in the heart of Ischgl, up to the Flimjoch Mountain Station at 2,752m and proceeding ridgeline bike route is just the start of your introduction into the dramatic, challenging and breathtaking world of e-Mountain Biking experiences in the Paznaun.
Bike paths vary in size from wide trails to tracks so narrow, it can just about fit the diameter of a tyre, whilst crossing streams, stone bridges, un-melted snow and hugging the precipitous edge of mountain-sides, which in some cases, even the heavy-duty e-MTB grips and extra propulsion from the e-MTB battery, struggles to cope with.
Yet each kilometre passed, new landscapes, flora and fauna unveils itself and is never in short supply at these heights. When the high-alpine refuge ‘Heidelberger Hütte’ finally comes into view, it is a solitary dot at the end of the gently rising Fimbatal Valley, surrounded by a crucible of 3,000-metre peaks and ridges, creating the perfect conditions to watch birds of prey glide elegantly on the thermals; the region is home to peregrine falcons, bearded vultures and even the golden eagle. When birds of prey are in the skies above, the marmots sound a warning call before darting for cover. The roe deer, ibex and chamois are elusive but can be spotted occasionally.
Galtür village
Further on from Ischgl is the highest village in the Paznaun is Galtür at 1600m, located at the head of the valley and home to a modest population of just under 900 people; the cycle path between both villages is scenic, serene and family-friendly before arriving at the feet of the majestic ‘Ballunspitze Mountain’.
Hikers and cyclists pass little hamlets of Tirolean charm, surrounded by alpine meadows in full summer bloom replete with aging barns and the ‘Gentian’ plant which is cultivated for the purposes of making schnapps and cosmetics. Ballunspitze Mt has a trail and via ferrata leading to the summit at 2,761m, but at the Alpkogelbahn valley station, Siggi’s Trail Park offers pump tracks and jumplines, before mountain bikers can ascend on the cable cars to a height of 1,970m and descending back to 1,630m on the Alpkogel MTB Trail. It is a beautifully fluid dirt track of 6.68km, curated into sweeping turns, boardwalk crossovers and complimented by the grand vista of the valley floor, leaving a lasting visual memento and wanderlust to explore more.
More ways to feel at one with nature….
Ischgl Skyfly – adrenaline-fueled fun
At the mid-mountain terminal of the Silvrettabahn Gondola, the ‘Ischgl Skyfly’ is an adrenaline-filled way to break nature’s tranquil silence; the two-person zipline prompts squeals of joy and fright in equal measure for those brave enough to try it. Suspended in a harness 50 meters above the Kitzlochschlucht Canyon, the zipline journey has three sections, each one can send participants hurtling above the ravine at speeds of 84km/hr.
Ischgl’s culture through cuisine
For those that want to experience Iscghl in a more calm and cultured way or at the very least combine this with their active sports adventures, then gourmets can consider ‘Culinary Paznaun’; over the last 15-years, every summer local gourmet chefs serve up regional specialities at seven selected mountain huts in the Paznaun Valley, living up to a fine culinary reputation and tradition, now known as ‘Culinary Paznaun’.
A lyrical hike in Ischlgl
The resort of Iscghl is inextricably linked with music and some of the world’s most famous singers and bands have performed here. One can follow in the footsteps of super stardom with the ‘Walk of Lyrics’ that highlight songs and performers from the likes of Tina Turner to Rihanna and Sting to Sir Elton John. The route passes along 100m suspension bridges suspended some 70-metres off the ground. During winter, the opening and closing winter season concerts can attract crowds of up to 50,000 people.
Wellness is good for the soul
Sunrise mountain yoga, can be a delightful way to start the day for early risers or indeed a sunset hike to ‘Paznauner Taja Lodge’ to celebrate the romance of the Silvretta mountain range. Waiting in the centre of Ischgl is the ‘Silvretta Therme Ichgl’ a new 85m complex which includes sauna and steam cabins of all varieties, outdoor and indoor panoramic pools and even the world’s first e-bike riding centre on its roof.
See & Kappl villages
Their are many other ways to immerse and appreciate this cinematic landscape. They are spread throughout the valley and across the four villages which make up the Paznaun region. At the valley entrance you have ‘See’ a destination particularly good for families. Why not ascend the Medrig mountains on go-carts; ramblers and hikers, share a winding track descending from the top station of the Medrig Mountain with go-carters, who kick-up dust in their wake especially when drifting around tight bends and best viewed from the ski-lift that passes above various sections of the track. In ‘Kappl’, the all-year-round ‘Sunny Mountain Adventure Park’ at 1,830m is a highlight for families, including a low-rope course and even a petting zoo, amongst many other activities.
