Someone once described Ischl to me as being “just like the opening scene to the Jetsons.” They were dead on. Picture all those zooming flying cars going in all directions in lanes above and below each other. The lifts in Ischl are just like that.
If you like lifts and if you like the kind of modernity that gets you to the top of the mountain in record time so that you can absolutely maximize your runs per hour, Ischl is for you.
They’ve got chairs for 1 for 2 for 3 for 4 for 6 for 8. There’s really nothing like you and your 7 closest friends riding a big high-speed chair, with a bubble, to really get the intimacy going.
Besides the lifts, there are lots of runs. There’s a huge variation in the terrain, mostly for intermediates and beginners. Nice long runs that meander through trees and out into big open groomed slopes, help you un-wind from the high-speed ride up. There is a lot of exposed terrain and so if it’s sunny, you’ll be sure to catch a goggle tan but if it’s windy and cold, it can be chilly. Luckily, there are small mountain restaurants to duck into for some grosti.
If you are looking for powder, not the best place. And if you love that old European cozy ski hill, vibe, this modern, high-tech ski hill may not be your fave. It is the fave however of many celebs. When we arrived, Paris Hilton had just left via helicopter. (Don’t worry, I don’t think she’s a regular.)
If you drive in to Ischl, it might look a little dull at the base of the mountain. But take a right before the helicopter pad and you can head through the mountain on a moving escalator thingy like those at airports and get a smooth ride right to the village. The village has narrow streets lined with shops, restaurants and bars. The après seen is a little more chill than most Austrian ski hills but more along the cozy, sophisticated side of chill.
And be sure to try and ride all the different lifts, especially the magic carpet that goes inside a tunnel! What can I say; I’m a sucker for a fun lift ride.
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