 Poster: A snowHead
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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Ischgl does have a reputation as one of the most expensive resorts in Austria - probably only 2nd to St Anton.
There are many other resorts at least as suitable for beginners but a fair bit cheaper, some of them with good night life.
Saalbach-Hinterglemm is pretty good for beginners, and has a good reputation for nightlife (I have skied there, but not stayed there, so can only speak from reputation about nightlife).
I'm sure others will be along soon with other recommendations.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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Ischgl is a fantastic resort, and ticks pretty much every box - except for price.
However, I don't think novices would really get the most out of it. The piste skiing is quite challenging, and you would certainly need to download by lift back to the resort every day as the home runs are not for the inexperienced or faint-hearted.
But there is a beginner area, and the apres is arguably the best in the world.
If I was you, I'd look at Saalbach. Generally easier skiing, cheaper than Ischgl and still brilliant for partying.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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^^Saalbach is pretty popular with South Africans (or was when I was teaching there) too, so there are probably SA tour operators with trips there too.
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You'll need to Register first of course.
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Saalbach is excellent but Hinterglemm is probably a bit better suited to novices.
You can ski back to the village from both sides of the valley.
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Thanks for all the info so far! It's very helpful!
Regarding the expensiveness of Ischgl, is the mostly for accommodation or is everything a bit more expensive (e.g food/beer/passes etc.)?
I had a look at Saalbach, it's also looking really good. I'm a bit concerned about the altitude (although I've read that I should not take it too seriously). But it seems that the chances are fairly high to get natural snowfall during January?
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@loops, Austria has a more continental climate and is generally colder at lower altitudes, Saalbach is also in the Eastern Alps which also adds to lower temperatures. I went to Saalbach in New Year week this year and it was fine, even with the reasonable poor pre New Year snow. In January you will have a high chance of it being good, and yes there at least some of that will be natural snowfall too.
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You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
You'll get to see more forums and be part of the best ski club on the net.
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Saalbach-Hinterglemm-Fieberbrunn has a pretty good snow record, and even better snowmaking.
I was in that area first week of January this year, and natural snow everywhere was pretty poor, but most of the runs were open, but without much in the way of off-piste available (didn't bother me, and won't bother you if you are near beginners  )
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We're just back from Ischgl and 1st time to Austria for us and I have to say we were very impressed.
For a beginner I think the ski area is really quite good, right there at the top lift station (assuming you take Fimbra or Silvetta) and looked to have a couple of magic carpets, then a short button, then a slightly longer chair and then a much longer chair all feeding back to the top of the lift station.
OK you can't "ski home" unless you progress really well, but you know what.. skiing home isn't all it's cracked up to be, I reckon I down load 50% of the time whichever resort I'm in and it's not that I "lack confidence" or "ability" I just can't be arsed!
We end the day with a beer near the lift station, a short ski or walk get to the lift and then chat about the plans for the Apres on the way down.
As for the apres in Ischgl it really is something else!
Cost wise, we didn't find it that expensive; lunch for 2 up the mountain came in at around €25 each day and our total bar bill for the week was only about €300!
The final test for us is "would we go back?" to which we agreed that we would, possibly the best "ski holiday" experience we've had in many years.
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snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
snowHeads are a friendly bunch.
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I also think that Ischgl isn't the best place for you. I've been several times, and I really like it, and would go back. But the first time I went I was my 3rd week on skis. I could get around in control, was mainly parallel, albeit cautiously. I could get down reds. But I found the Idalp overwhelming, and the whole area just a bit too much of a jump up for me. On that trip I didn't go back to the main Ischgl area after the first day but instead got the bus to Kappl and Galtur which are quieter and have easier bits to them. A year and ~20 ski days later, I went back, and loved it. I don't doubt there is a good beginners area, but progression past the beginners area is a big step up. There are plenty of other areas that are better from this perspective. And cheaper. Ischgl is expensive. Predominantly on the accommodation front, but I think restaurants, ski hire, etc are also expensive for Austria. You can save on accommodation if you stay in one of the satellite villages, but then your amenities in the evening will be limited and you need to get the bus to the slopes. I'd save it till you have a few more weeks ski experience.
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And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
And love to help out and answer questions and of course, read each other's snow reports.
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Another vote for Hinterglemm, skied and stayed they three years ago, great beginners area right by the main apres bar  you can ski back to the village from both sides of the valley, pretty dam good snow history. ski south slopes am and north pm, perfect. Great on piste restaurants, and great apres. can transfer for Innsbruck or Salzburg. Plenty of hotels and accommodation to suit all pockets.
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You know it makes sense.
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Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
Otherwise you'll just go on seeing the one name:
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Hey, I ski in Switzerland!
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Poster: A snowHead
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@loops, if your holiday is in January after new year you could afford to wait and see how the snow conditions are going.
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Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
Obviously A snowHead isn't a real person
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| pam w wrote: |
| @loops, if your holiday is in January after new year you could afford to wait and see how the snow conditions are going. |
I'd guess someone who will be booking fairly long haul flights might want to plan a bit more in advance.
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Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
Well, the person's real but it's just a made up name, see?
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we couldn't get enough of so we are now going for 10 days skiing
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My other question; It seems that almost all the accommodation in Ischgl is booked out for 2017- I looked on a booking.com. Is this possible or are they just not showing availability for so far ahead? If you got any accommodation tips I would really appreciate it!
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I'm not familiar with the situation in Ischgl, but in many resorts a lot of accommodation is only available on a Saturday to Saturday (or sometimes Sunday to Sunday) basis. Obviously if you want to stay for 10 days it doesn't fit with this. Therefore it is possible that if you are finding availability very limited it is because hotels are not taking bookings for your arrival and/or departure dates rather than because they are already fully booked.
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You need to Login to know who's really who.
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@sugarmoma666, booking flights early makes sense but there should be plenty of choice of accommodation. Booking odd days is likely to be easier nearer the time and resort tourist offices are geared up for that. Booking months in advance for early season means going for the most "snow sure" whereas in many years there will be plenty of resorts with good conditions.
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Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
Anyway, snowHeads is much more fun if you do.
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@loops, deal direct with the tourist offices of any resort you are interested in. Depending on what part of January, you may well find that many regulars have already booked their slots which will be confirmed closer to the time. I'm currently staying in my regular hotel and despite all the gloom and doom surrounding this season, they have been booked out every single week this season, i.e. full. This is a 2/3-star in the middle of town not slopeside (you need a car or use the excellent bus system)nor with any fancy spa facilities. But it does have one of the best restaurants in town as witnessed by the queues out of the door every evening, especially at weekends!
With long haul I can see why you want to book up now while flights are being marketed relatively cheaply. I'm getting a few good offers through for Munich to Jo'burg and Cape Town at the moment and those are just the direct routes. The offers coming through Shabby Dabby other such locations are extremely tempting
If you list what it is you are looking for - self-catering 3-star, 600-stars with free wine or whatever they then send out your details and the hotels/accommodation people get in touch with you with their best offer for your dates
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You'll need to Register first of course.
You'll need to Register first of course.
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Agree with @Samerberg Sue, we found the hotel we wanted and then dealt with them directly, there was none of this Saturday to Saturday, we actually paid a nightly rate like a normal hotel..
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@loops, If you're considering Saalbach, PM me your e-mail address and I'll send you my comprehensive guide.
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FAQ
South African Rands is pretty much useless these days)
