From Smugglers to Pioneers
The Paznaun Valley, once one of Tyrol’s poorest regions, was a remote and rugged area reliant on agriculture and a little trade. Ischgl, a modest mountain village, survived through livestock farming and occasional cross-border smuggling. Skis in the 1920s were not recreational tools but practical means to traverse snowy passes, particularly for transporting goods like coffee and cigarettes to the duty-free area of Samnaun.
However, the 1920s marked the beginning of a significant shift. The establishment of a ski club introduced the sport to the area, sparking interest in its tourism potential. Early pioneers like Erwin and Bruno Aloys saw skiing as a gateway to a brighter future. By 1929, the Ischgl Ski School was established, and the village began hosting its first ski races, attracting visitors and laying the groundwork for its transformation.
Yet the path to becoming a premier ski destination was fraught with challenges. After World War II, tourism in Ischgl was virtually non-existent, and the community faced immense hardship. It was during this time that visionaries like Erwin Aloys began crafting bold plans for the future.
The Dream of the Cable Car
The idea of a cable car to the Idalp was revolutionary. The Idalp, a scenic area four kilometres from Ischgl, offered unparalleled potential for skiing but was largely inaccessible. Establishing a ski resort there required not only imagination but also extraordinary determination.
The first discussions about a ski lift began in 1950, but the idea remained in its infancy. A decade later, in 1961, the vision gained momentum as 73 shareholders founded the Silvrettaseilbahn AG. They collectively raised the remarkable sum of 6,671,000 Austrian Schillings (approximately 485,000 Euro) to finance the project.
The construction of the Idjochbahn presented significant logistical challenges. The 9,000-metre-long cable alone weighed 130 tonnes, requiring extensive upgrades to the roads leading to the Paznaun Valley. Wooden bridges were reinforced, tight bends widened, and steep sections tackled with additional machinery. After two years of intense work, the Silvrettabahn opened on 21 December 1963, becoming Austria’s longest cable car at the time. It marked the beginning of Ischgl’s rise to international prominence.
From Vision to Premier Destination
The opening of the cable car was more than a technical achievement; it was a turning point that paved the way for Ischgl’s transformation. Over the following decades, the ski resort expanded rapidly. New lifts and state-of-the-art grooming techniques made the slopes increasingly attractive, while the village itself underwent modernisation.
Hotels and guesthouses were upgraded, new restaurants opened, and après-ski culture began to flourish. With a clear focus on quality and innovation, Ischgl gradually established itself as a premium ski destination.
The Advent of Event Tourism
A game-changing moment for Ischgl came in the 1990s with the introduction of event tourism. Günther Aloys, the son of Erwin Aloys, recognised that skiing alone would not suffice to sustain long-term growth. He proposed a bold new concept: world-class concerts in the Alps.
In 1995, Elton John became the first global superstar to perform at a "Top of the Mountain" concert in Ischgl. The event was a resounding success, attracting 500 journalists and putting Ischgl on the international map. The formula was repeated in subsequent years, with icons like Tina Turner, Sting, Robbie Williams, Rihanna, and Kylie Minogue taking the stage. These events not only drew huge crowds but also reinforced Ischgl’s reputation as an innovative and vibrant resort.
Unity and Ambition: The Keys to Success
Behind Ischgl’s rise lies a strong sense of community. The Silvrettaseilbahn AG still has 270 private shareholders who forgo dividends, reinvesting profits into the resort’s development. This collective commitment has enabled Ischgl to maintain its position at the forefront of alpine tourism.
But Ischgl does not rest on its laurels. Continuous investments in new lift systems, expanded ski areas, and even summer tourism options ensure the village remains a leader in the industry. Ischgl’s story is a testament to what can be achieved through vision, resilience, and collaboration.
