Tyrol's  Mallorca

Ischgl: world class skiing snow boarding, exquisite dining, year-round activities for all ages

If only a single adjective could be used to describe Ischgl, then it would be international. Although the resort lies in a valley that typifies everything Austrian, the Paznauntal, the huge skiing area allows access all the way across into Switzerland. The Silvretta Ski Arena lift pass that offers access not only to the resorts of Ischgl, Galtür, Kappl and See but equally to the Swiss, tax-free resort of Samnaun. Remember then to take your passport skiing with you as it can be stamped every time you cross the very official border post, strategically situated in the enormous ski area.

Ischgl is also a winter sports resort with a particularly international clientele. Numerous Germans, Dutch and English come and lend the Austrians a hand with the winter festivities. In fact, such is the resort's popularity with German tourists and so raucous are its evenings, that Ischgl has long earned the nickname the "Mallorca" of the Alps.

Essentially, the pistes start at an altitude of 1020 m and rise all the way up to 2872 m, with the resort itself at 1377 m. It's 200 km of pistes are serviced by 41 ski lifts, who for the most part are of recent design, 90 % of which are above 2000 m. As for the snow conditions, there is little to worry about. One the first alpine resorts to open, Ischgl offers, with a good season, snow from November right through to May. This is due to a combination of snow cannons on the lower slopes and a full range of sun exposures.

The numerous slopes of the Silvretta Ski Arena should more than enough fun and excitement to satisfy the appetites of all but the most accomplished of skiers. Only perhaps the experts might still find themselves hungry for a challenge. In such cases, a little off-piste touring comes recommended. Not only is the ski area is vast but thanks to the Swiss-Austrian border, you can ski right across into a different country.