What happens when winter slips away without the chance to hit the slopes, yet the longing for a ski adventure still lingers? Spring offers the perfect opportunity to turn things around, presenting a chance to choose a destination that not only delivers stunning alpine scenery but also lets you make up for those missed moments on the snow, because who says ski season has to end with winter. Even in the early months of spring, there’s still time to enjoy the beauty of the snow.
©TVB Paznaun – Ischgl
The breathtaking Alps remain an unrivaled choice, but the question arises: where exactly should the journey lead? Switzerland, France, Austria? St. Moritz and Courchevel certainly sound tempting, yet when it comes to the best skiing experience, one destination stands above the rest: Ischgl, Austria.
Ischgl, with its state-of-the-art lift systems, top-tier gondolas featuring heated seats, and an incredibly convenient layout where everything is just a short walk away, Ischgl sets the standard for the most comfortable ski trip. Step outside, and within just 3 minutes, the cable car whisks you away to pristine slopes, offering breathtaking views at every turn. Even beyond skiing, the Golden Valley is a sight to behold – frozen waterfalls cascade down the mountainsides, and the freshly fallen snow glistens under the winter sun, sparkling brighter than the finest diamonds.
© TVB Paznaun – Ischgl
Surely, if you’ve decided to visit Ischgl, you need to plan in advance, as most hotels are fully booked. This area is well-known and internationally popular, so it’s best to reserve a great hotel as soon as possible. The top recommendation is the Elizabeth Arthotel, the closest hotel to all cable cars and shopping areas, located in the heart of Ischgl. The Elizabeth Arthotel is open for 5 months a year, covering late autumn, winter, and the beginning of the spring season.
Elizabeth Arthotel, Night View (© Elizabeth Arthotel)
Family Heritage, Art, and Culinary Mastery
The hotel has a rich history. Founded in 1976 by Günther and Elisabeth Aloys, the family’s influence in shaping Ischgl into a world-class ski destination goes back even further. Mirjam’s grandfather, Erwin Aloys, played a key role in developing the town’s first cable car system in 1963. He often spoke with his family about his work, sharing stories of his vision and dedication. In the hotel rooms, guests can even find a book dedicated to Erwin Aloys, who grew up in humble circumstances as the youngest of five children. In 1975, he became the town’s mayor, further cementing his legacy in Ischgl’s history.
Today, his granddaughter Mirjam Aloys and her husband, Markus, lead the hotel, sharing a deep passion for art, fine wine curation, and creating the ultimate winter experiences for their guests. While honoring its rich family heritage, the hotel continues to set new standards in hospitality, blending alpine adventure, luxury, and art.
Through collaborations with renowned galleries and artists, the hotel has become a showcase for exceptional artwork. Guests can admire a carefully curated collection displayed throughout the property, with many pieces available for purchase, allowing them to take home a part of this inspiring environment.
Christian Eisenberger & Evy McKenzie (Courtesy of Elizabeth Arthotel); Gavin Rain (Courtesy of Elizabeth Arthotel)
As soon as you walk in for the check in, you’re greeted with a glass of champagne and warm towels to refresh your hands. What a perfect start, isn’t it?
At the hotel, you’ll often come across the attentive Mirjam Aloys—the owner and managing director—who always looks after the guests. But it’s not just her hospitality that stands out; she has a beautiful aura, combining elegance with genuine kindness. Having spent her entire life in the hotel, Mirjam grew up in this family-run establishment. She now lives on the 7th floor with her husband, Markus, and their children, keeping the family tradition alive.
The hotel attracts an international clientele, welcoming guests from England, Denmark, China, USA, and many other countries. What makes the experience particularly enjoyable is the warm and friendly atmosphere, where visitors often have the opportunity to meet and connect with like-minded travelers. This social dynamic is especially vibrant at Schatzi Bar, a lively and exciting venue where après-ski parties take place daily.
Schatzi Bar at Elizabeth Arthotel (© Elizabeth Arthotel)
For those with a refined palate, the hotel’s restaurant, Eliza, offers a special culinary experience, masterfully combining classic French cuisine with a lighter, contemporary approach. Guests can look forward to a relaxed yet sophisticated dining experience at an award-winning level. Head Chef Thomas Zechner, who has been with the hotel for nearly a decade, has built a distinguished career within its kitchen, refining his craft and elevating the restaurant’s reputation. Notably, a significant portion of the hotel’s staff has been part of the team for many years, reflecting the hotel’s strong family values and fostering a welcoming, close-knit atmosphere. The cuisine at Eliza is of the highest quality, with a meticulously curated six-course menu that changes daily.
Elizabeth Arthotel, Head Chef Thomas Zechner (© Elizabeth Arthotel), image on the right side.
A Fusion of Tradition, Design, and Comfort
Over the years, the hotel has undergone extensive renovations, continuously enhancing its level of comfort and design. A major transformation took place in 2011, when the property was rebranded as the Elizabeth Arthotel, followed by the 2017 refurbishment of its wellness area, balconies, and outer façade—upgrades that contributed to the hotel earning its prestigious five-star rating.
The design concept reflects a mix of Rhaeto-Romanic influences, complemented by African stone flooring and select vintage furniture pieces from the 1970s, originally owned by the parents of the hotel’s current proprietor – Mirjam Aloys. This carefully curated aesthetic creates an elegant atmosphere, paying homage to both tradition and contemporary luxury.
A true highlight of the hotel experience is its exceptional bedding. Anyone who has ever stayed in a hotel and wished they could take the luxurious bed set home will instantly recognize the feeling. At the Elizabeth Arthotel, guests can literally sink into ultra-soft pillows and plush duvets, ensuring a night of relaxation.
Elizabeth Arthotel, Junior Suite, Living Area (© Elizabeth Arthotel), image on the left side.
Bookings, Exclusive Perks, and Exciting New Beginnings
For those looking to book their stay, the most convenient option is through the hotel’s official website. However, reservations can also be made via booking.com or through travel agencies. That said, most guests are loyal visitors who prefer to book directly on the website. A major advantage of staying at the Elizabeth Arthotel is the organization of ski passes, making access to the slopes effortless. Additionally, the ski rental shop is conveniently located just across from the hotel, ensuring a smooth and hassle-free experience for winter sports enthusiasts. Inside the hotel, there is a dedicated ski room conveniently situated on the same floor as the reception, where guests can store their equipment. Nearby, a water dispenser offers a refreshing drink, and next to it, a wall adorned with beautiful photos of Erwin Aloys and his family captures cherished moments and impressions from his life.
For those seeking a lively après-ski atmosphere, the neighboring Hotel Madlein offers the perfect escape. Guests can easily stop by to enjoy freshly prepared sushi at the restaurant’s bar. The resident DJ sets the mood with energetic beats, creating a relaxed yet dynamic après-ski setting. For those who wish to extend the night, the hotel also features a nightclub, making it an ideal spot for guests looking to dance and celebrate well into the evening.
Next year, the Elizabeth Arthotel will celebrate its 50th anniversary. In honor of this milestone, the hotel will introduce an exciting new concept: an adults-only experience, welcoming guests aged 16 and above.
Elizabeth Arthotel, Lounge & Bar Fire (© Arthotel).
Spa Retreat with Mountain Views
The hotel’s spa offers a breathtaking view of the mountains, where guests can watch skiers glide down the slopes while enjoying a peaceful retreat. Remarkably, the spa remains uncrowded, especially during the daytime. Guests can experience in a range of facilities, including saunas, a steam bath, and an excellent selection of Thai massages. The spa menu features a variety of massage options, allowing each guest to choose the treatment that best suits their needs. A deep, soothing massage is particularly beneficial after an intense day on the slopes, helping to relax sore muscles and restore energy.
Elizabeth Arthotel, Bio-Sauna (© Elizabeth Arthotel); Elizabeth Arthotel Infinity Pool (© Elizabeth Arthotel); Elizabeth Arthotel, Panoramic Finnish Sauna (Courtesy of Markus Mayor / © Elizabeth Arthotel).
Ischgl: World-Class Skiing, Breathtaking Views, and Events
The Silvretta Arena is the third-largest ski resort in the Austrian state of Tyrol, offering diverse and exciting ski days. As a cross-border ski area, the Silvretta Arena in Ischgl spans approximately 515 hectares and features 239 kilometers of slopes. With runs extending up to 11 kilometers in length, as well as special pistes and snow parks, the resort ensures plenty of variety for all winter sports enthusiasts. The ski area is equipped with 46 state-of-the-art cable cars and lifts, capable of transporting around 97,000 people per hour, ensuring that all skiers reach the peaks as quickly as possible.
Thanks to its high-altitude location, with slopes reaching nearly 3,000 meters above sea level, Ischgl guarantees excellent snow conditions from November to early May. Additionally, a state-of-the-art snow system with 1,100 snow cannons ensures optimal conditions for winter sports. The season concludes in style with the renowned Top of the Mountain Closing Concert in early May.
The beauty of this area is that it lies right on the Swiss border. And you don’t necessarily have to be a skier to enjoy the mountain. You can simply grab a coffee to go from the restaurant, take a gondola ride up to the Swiss border, and delight the breathtaking views along the way. Once at the top, you can take a leisurely stroll, capture stunning photos—perhaps next to the large Ischgl sign—and breathe in the crisp mountain air. The gondola ride back down is even more spectacular, offering unforgettable panoramic views.
© TVB Paznaun – Ischgl
Beyond the slopes, Ischgl will mark a major milestone in 2025, celebrating 30 years of its legendary Top of the Mountain Concerts, which have brought world-class music and entertainment to the Alps for three decades. This season’s Spring Blanc festival will feature an extraordinary lineup of global artists performing in breathtaking mountain settings. Highlights include Shaggy (20 April), who will bring his signature reggae and dancehall rhythms to the Top of the Mountain Easter Concert, followed by Dimitri Vegas & Like Mike (1 May), the globally renowned DJ duo and two-time winners of the world’s No. 1 DJ title, headlining the 30th-anniversary event. Closing the season on a high note, OneRepublic (3 May) will deliver a great performance, ensuring a spectacular finale to this year’s festivities.
© TVB Paznaun – Ischgl
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