Behind the lift the fun starts: Ischgl, a freeriding insider tip
From extreme terrain to easy powder flow: in Ischgl, freeriders in search of pristine powder find it no less than 22 times, completely without climbing. Snow included, thanks to the optimal altitude.
In Ischgl, freeriders don’t need to go on long hikes or strenuous climbs to get to pristine terrain. Of 38 varied powder runs, no less than 22 can be reached completely without climbing. Getting off the lift and taking a single turn is usually enough here to enjoy swinging down the powder snow untroubled, away from the groomed pistes. What makes Ischgl a freeride destination? Wide slopes. Playful crests and hollows. Plenty of space. And thanks to an altitude of over 2,000 m and the special geographical location, enough fresh snow. A further plus: even days after the last snowfall, pristine draws and downhill runs can be found here, accessible directly from the ski area. Be it off-piste runs or freeride tours, from steep couloirs for experts all the way to flat powder fields for less experienced freeriders, everything can be found here. Those who want to play it safe, discover secret local gems or experience the best off-piste runs in all snow conditions should grab a local guide from the Ischgl ski school. So where can beginners and pros leave their finest powder lines in the snow without climbing?
Five powder runs without climbing for every level
Easy: Panoramic powder-skiing on "Nederberg" Piz Val Gronda
A possible entry point to the Ischgl backcountry is provided by the Piz Val Grondabahn, which takes winter sports fans up to 2,812 metres. There, untouched powder snow runs across wide slopes and playful crests open up directly from the upper terminus all the way into Fimba as well as across almost 900 m of vertical drop to the Gampenalp. The easy "Nederberg" downhill run with some 750 m of vertical drop starts right at the upper terminus of the Piz Val Grondabahn and takes freeriders across wide slopes down into Fimba. Here, you are suddenly right in the heart of the backcountry without climbing and can enjoy the peaceful nature. The way back to the ski area leads along the Heidelberger Hut ski route. Panoramic views across all of Fimba included.
Medium: Across wide freeriding slopes through the "Lange Wand"
Starting at Greitspitze or the upper terminus of the Lange Wandbahn, the "Lange Wand" route greets freeriders with a playful powder field in gently broken terrain across 720 m of vertical drop. On the extensive north-west facing slope, rated as medium difficulty, there is never a shortage of opportunities for finding your own lines through pristine terrain.
Medium: A visit to Gamsgarten
A beautiful powder downhill run through varied terrain can be found at "Gamsgarten". Starting at Palinkopf, the medium-difficulty route leads down 880 m of vertical drop into Fimba. The north to north-westerly exposed slopes guarantee fresh lines in pristine powder, even days after the last snowfall.
Medium: Under observation on the "Höllkar Seite"
Getting to the steep and very sweeping face of this medium-difficulty downhill run (approx. 300 m vertical drop), with an average gradient of 28 degrees, doesn’t take much effort. The fun starts right at the first turn of Piste No. 32. From the more or less exposed ridge, the entire edge can be seen, letting everyone choose their optimal line. But beware: winter sports fans riding on the Höllkarbahn chairlift can watch every move up close.
Difficult: "Velillrinnen" for steady nerves
The difficult "Velillrinnen" can be reached without climbing directly from Piste No. 4. The vertical drop varies between 250 and 400 m. Careful: these runs are not for beginners or the faint-hearted! Good freeriders, however, will find endless fun here in terrain up to 40 degrees steep.
Further information on www.ischgl.com/en