Hard on the border with Switzerland and located in the Silvretta Mountains, Ischgl (pronounced 'Ish-gull') is an extensive ski resort high in the Austrian Alps and is almost unknown by non-Europeans, yet extremely popular for returning skiers. The main part of Ischgl ski resort is situated at an altitude of 2,000 to 2,872m, far above and out of sight from the road, the base stations and the town.

Ischgl town itself, affectionately known as the 'Majorca of the Alps', is a small Alpine resort built on a knoll in a deep valley, easily walkable from one end to the other, thanks to elevators and short-cut tunnels. It is loaded with quality accommodations with no high-rise construction to seriously mar the small village atmosphere. Eleven smaller hamlets complete the region.

Hotels, inns, holiday apartments and guesthouses (both luxury and affordable), are all available in the town, along with private accommodation outside the town. Ischgl has one of the best après-ski scenes in Austria from 15:00 to 19:00, then excellent nightlife from 22:00 to 02:00. The ski school is well-organized, with good English-speaking instructors and a popular ski kindergarten.

Ischgl ski resort has more than 200kms of wide-open runs with 42 lifts, cross-border skiing into Switzerland, and 80kms of challenging off-trail areas. Intermediate and advanced skiers will have a wonderful time in Ischgl, but the resort is not recommended for absolute beginners; the nursery slopes are far above the town.

Twenty minutes higher up the valley, Galtür, known for its cross-country and ski-touring opportunities, is a picturesque little village spread out around a late-baroque church. With its superb slopes and relaxed atmosphere, Galtür is better for younger skiers - beginner to intermediate levels. Alternatively, Landeck, an Alpine crossroads near the entrance to the valley, is a regional shopping centre and is distinguished by the towering Landeck Fortress.

With 90 per cent of its ski area over 2,000ms, Ischgl's snow security is virtually assured from the end of November to the beginning of May. The cheapest weeks are before Christmas, after New Year's Day, and from late March through to April and closing. Regular trains go from Innsbruck to Landeck from where free buses go to Ischgl; alternatively, by car from Landeck, take route B-188 from the E-60 highway.