Ischgl is as well known for its party spirit as for its fantastic slopes and winter sports facilities. Every day’s an event in Ischgl, but there are highlights through the winter. Here are five of the top events.
New Year’s Eve
The party of the year, as always, the New Year will be seen in here with music and fireworks. The countdown will start at ten to midnight, and the stroke of twelve will be welcomed by the pealing of the Pummerin bells, followed by the Blue Danube. The end of Austria’s national waltz signals in the fireworks with a spectacular musical soundtrack, and the party will carry on through the night.
Shapes in White
This January will see the 22nd annual snow sculpture contest in Ischgl. Between the 12th and the 16th, international artists will compete to produce the finest creation of snow. Each year has a theme, and this year it’s “talent shows” — whatever the artists choose to make of that. The top ten designs submitted to the jury will be created on the slopes above Ischgl over the four days of the contest, culminating in the awards ceremony on the 16th. The sculptures will then remain for skiers to enjoy, until they finally succumb to summer.
Top of the Mountain Easter Concert
The second Top of the Mountain concert of the season will be held on the 5th April in the Silvretta Arena, high on the mountain above Ischgl. The artist hasn’t yet been announced, but the concerts always attract top international acts. Last Easter’s artist was Robbie Williams, while the opening concert in November featured James Blunt. The concert that closes the season will follow on the 2nd May.
World Rookie Finals
The culmination of the Rookie Tour for the snowboarders of the future, this is the chance for up-and-coming performers to show their most spectacular moves from the 9th to the 11th April. Although there are no money prizes, there’s plenty at stake. The best snowboarders at the event can expect sponsorship deals, video shoots and a starting place on the TTR tour.
Silvretta Trophäe
On the 18th April, the International Silvretta Trophy will take place on the slopes above Ischgl. A giant slalom from the Flimjochbahn mountain station to the Idalp, the course drops by 450 metres from top to bottom. If you feel brave enough, you can register to take part. Otherwise, you can watch the skiers negotiating the course, finishing at the Top of the Mountain concert stage. And, of course, you can enjoy the après-ski celebrations afterwards, which promise to be spectacular — as they always are at Ischgl.
