Not what i was expecting. I had only gone skiing in the US. In Ischgl, it was very different, seemed much less organised, no orderly queues for the ski lift and personal space on the slope was limited, added with the fact that most people seemed to be racing down the slopes, sometimes cutting you off.Drinking at lunch seemed to be a big thing, perhaps that is the norm in Europe but quite frankly that seems like a terrible mix for skiing....
The actual quality of the snow was decent although the "easier" slopes in Iscghl were a lot tougher than other resorts. The food on the montain was similar standard to anywhere else, perhaps slightly more reasonable in terms of price.
The apres ski did not meet expectations, small bars packed way too full with loud drunk people, and smoking inside was not that fun. THe general age at Ischgl is that of an older crowd.
Restaurants in the area were either full or empty, If you went to the full ones, you needed reservations, (we did not have), and hence we had to go to the empty restaurants - some were good, others not.
The nightlife was similar to the apres ski, overpacked venues with smoking inside, lack of ventilation so you come out smelling like an ashstray, too full to move around.
Annoyingly, one of our 2 day lift ticket passes was lost, the card had a identification number, we had the reciepts etc but when asked if they could replace it, we were told that only card for 3 days or longer could be replaced.
The ski rental on the mountain was really good (Sport Adler), fast service and offered the ability to store your boots during the day and then keep your ski equiment during the evening, really close to the slopes with decent prices, all things considered.
All in all, our experience to Ischgl was a lesson, don't think we will be returning anytime soon, it wasnt bad, it was just that the drunken loud older crowd atmosphere and environment wasnt expected. read more