Ischgl's Top of the Mountain Concerts
Ischgl lies a mere 45km from another favourite Austrian ski resort - St Anton. They grew up at roughly the same time and whilst St Anton received worldwide acclaim and the crowds to go with it, Ischgl remained relatively un-known until recently.
What has put Ischgl firmly on the map for ski breaks (for British skiers at least) has been the Top of the Mountain concerts that bring 20,000+ people to the slopes for opening, closing and Easter events. A time where most resorts have nothing but a handful of hardy skiers on the slopes, the lowest of seasons - Ischgl has, arguably, the parties of the year. This, in turn, has helped fund an ultra-modern lift system to whisk skiers around this Intermediate haven in no time.
The old farming village retains much of its charm and the airport-style walking way running through the centre makes getting to the slopes, bars and restaurants easy no matter whereabouts you stay. Huge gondolas take you up the mountain from either end of the village and the mid station is where the huge stages are set for the tremendous Top of the Mountain closing concert.
The concerts have brought countless stars to the mountains over the years. Elton John started it all off opening Ischgl in 1994, Robbie Williams brought record crowds in 2014, Tina Turner, Rod Stewart, The Beach Boys, James Blunt, Pink, Muse Rhianna, Kylie Minogue and even Nickelback with his deep gravely tones, have all graced the stage in this marvellous setting. It's an experience for the stars as well as the public.
And what will this concert on mountains set you back? It's free. Included in a valid lift pass, so open to anyone on the mountain who cares to pop by. The one day lift passes are slightly inflated but if you're staying for a couple of days then a lift pass for 2 days or more is available at the standard rates and includes concert access.
If you like intermediate skiing on long cruisy runs and love an evening of dancing, then we wouldn't recommend anywhere more highly than Ischgl.
Travelling with flexiski, a 3 night ski break from the 24th November (to tie in with the opening party expected dates) staying in the utmost luxury of the Trofana Royal with the slopes on your doorstep and a spectacular spa to relax in, would be £1,015 per person including flights from London Gatwick, private transfers and half board in a Double room Grand Lit.
Find more information about Ischgl.
The resort generally caters to a slightly older crowd than St Anton’s. It's still male dominated 30 - 40 year olds looking to ski hard all day and party even harder at night. The general music is a blasted techno-oompah mix with go-go dancers on the tables to get the crowds goings - it doesn't take much.
Even with the copious amounts of booze-saturated men, the atmosphere is fun and friendly with a cross-word being a rarity. If you like intermediate skiing on long cruisy runs and love an evening of dancing, then we wouldn't recommend anywhere more highly than Ischgl.
This year (winter season 2017/2018) the line-ups are yet to be announced, we'll keep you updated once they are. If you're looking to tie in the concerts with a ski break then the opening party is usually in the last week of November but you may want to hold fire until the dates have been announced. Double check the Ischgl website for the latest information.