Ischgl is a town in the Paznaun valley in the Austrian state of Tyrol. Its ski resort is connected with that of Samnaun across the border in Switzerland to form one of the largest in the Alps. Ischgl was a major hotspot of the COVID-19 pandemic in Europe.
Ischgl is located on the Austrian side of one of the world's largest ski areas. Its 238 kilometres (148 mi) of groomed pistes are served by over 45 mechanical lifts including cable cars, gondolas, detachable chair lifts and some T-bars. Three ropeways give access to the ski area from the village: the Pardatschgratbahn, the Fimbabahn and the Silvrettabahn. Only the Fimbabahn and the Silvrettabahn have middle stations. Many of the lifts converge at Idalp, where there is a restaurant. The area above Idalp offers wide, easy pistes and a snow park. Other parts of the Ischgl area, towards Höllboden and Paznauner Thaya, offer many red runs and some more challenging blacks. The steepest run in the resort is a black run with a gradient of 70%, located in the Höllboden bowl, and accessed by the "Lange Wand" chair lift. Paznauner Thaya offers many red runs suitable for intermediate-level skiers.
Ischgl is known for lively après-ski parties and nightlife. The resort hosts pop concerts celebrating the end of the annual ski season (Top of the Mountain Concert) at the Idalp (2,300 metres or 7,500 feet). Bob Dylan, Tina Turner, Elton John, Mariah Carey, The Corrs, Thirty Seconds to Mars, Rod Stewart, Jon Bon Jovi, Nena, Sugababes, Enrique Iglesias, Pink, Anastacia, Beyoncé, Melanie C, Rihanna, Gabriella Cilmi, Leona Lewis, Kylie Minogue, Katy Perry and Alicia Keys have performed at these concerts. In April 2002 Bill Clinton gave a speech at Ischgl.
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