Ischgl

Way up in the Paznaun Valley, the Silvretta Arena offers 238 kilometres of pistes - one of the most extensive interconnected ski areas in the Austrian Tyrol. The lift system is top notch so you'll merrily speed your way up the mountains to enjoy a huge range of runs for every ability level. Snow is assured from the end of November right through until the beginning of May.

Galtür has its own 40kms of slopes and is linked to Ischgl by a whizzy bus service, which is free to ski-pass holders. There's a lovely sunny bowl at the top of the Ischgl Gondola and this is where you'll find the nursery slopes, which always have good snow because of their altitude.

For more advanced skiers, there's the Alp Trida run over the Swiss border to duty-free Samnaun, as well as some of the best intermediate terrain in the whole of Austria, wonderful for cruising.

Apres-Ski in Ischgl

Boy, has Ischgl got a starry reputation for its après-ski! It sure is the place to be for the glitterati and attracts such stars as Elton John, Madonna, Bon Jovi, Deep Purple, Kylie and Bob Dylan to give open air concerts. Yes, a lively après-ski. It's bold, it's busy and it's buzzy. Everyone that's anyone meets up in the Schloss Lounge or the Ice Bar at the Hotel Elisabeth. Niki's Stadl has live music and a disco/dance club, Fire and Ice is a great nightclub, or, for a more relaxed feel during the day, try the beautiful Paznauner Thaya mountain lodge.

Galtür, a charming traditional Tyrolean village, is at the quiet end of the après-ski spectrum so perfect for families and anyone wanting an early night! Meet up at the Weiberhimml ski hut at the end of the day and enjoy a floodlit ski down to the resort. Try Huber's Stadl, the Almhof-Tenne or the Platzl. For night owls, there's Tommy's Garage.

Enjoy the local swimming pool with its own waterslide, take a sleigh ride, or indulge in some bowling , indoor climbing , curling, and ice skating.

You have the best of both worlds at Ischgl & Galtür - great skiing for all and a choice of après-ski style, depending on your energy level or desire for peace and quiet. GetSkiing has all the answers for your perfect skiing holiday.

Gary's Little Gems in Ischgl

Ischgl has it all. Great skiing both on and off piste with great night life as well. It is very international and nearby Galtür is a lovely family resort with better prices but same access to the great skiing of the area.