The Paznauntal

Introducing The Paznauntal

Grazing the Swiss border and running west of the Inntal, the Paznauntal (Paznaun Valley) is a dramatic landscape overshadowed by the glaciated peaks of the Silvretta range. The villages are low-key in summer, but the lull is broken in winter when a deep carpet of snow draws skiers to party-hearty resorts like Ischgl .

The valley is undoubtedly one of Austria’s best ski areas, despite (or because of) its relative isolation. The Silvretta Ski Pass (2-day pass adult/child €80/45.50) covers Ischgl, Galtür, Kappl and Samnaun, a duty-free area in Switzerland. Its summer equivalent (3-day pass adult/child €32.50/19.50) comprises cable cars, lifts, public transport over the Bielerhöhe Pass into Vorarlberg, and a number of swimming pools in Ischgl and Galtür.

Around 10km from Ischgl is the uncrowded resort of Galtür. This unspoilt village suffered a major disaster in February 1999 when an avalanche all but swept it away. A museum documenting the event has been built on the spot, the Alpinarium Galtür (05443-200 00; www.alpinarium.at, in German; adult/child €8/4; 10am-6pm Tue-Sun). Inside you’ll find many poignant reminders of the devastation in the shape of photos, newspaper reports and some incredible video footage.

Last updated: Feb 17, 2009