Travel: Ischgl – For many, the name mainly stands for après ski and winter sports. In recent years, however, the tourism region in Paznaun has spared no expense or effort to become one of the top destinations for active holidaymakers in summer too. Hiking, climbing and of course cycling are very popular here. The conditions are very good due to the decades of winter sports in the region: many peaks are accessible by lift or forest path, the infrastructure including huts and inns is also available far above the tree line and there is of course no shortage of accommodation - even if many of the hotels are only in winter are open.
The region has done a lot for cyclists in particular in the recent past. Cycle paths for touring cyclists, trails for mountain bikers, free information material and biker infrastructure including appropriate accommodation and shops are available. Events like the notorious Ischgl iron bike are not new, but fit perfectly with this new summer direction.
Together with Diana and Steffi von www.girlsridetoo.de we were now on the road in Ischgl for two days with the E-MTB and are getting to the bottom of the question: Is the region worth a trip for bikers?
Countless tour options, free lifts - wow!
As soon as you arrive, you notice that things are better here in the summer quiet and tranquil too - at least if you know what's going on here in winter. But many vacationers are likely to be looking for just that: rest, relaxation and an escape from everyday life.
Not quite as important as in winter, but still a decisive argument for or against a region for many bikers: the lift situation. Ischgl is setting a good example here and offers its summer holidaymakers very good service. Up to seven cable cars and chairlifts also transport hikers and bikers to the peaks during the summer. Bicycles are allowed and even free of charge (!). Those who also stay overnight in the region receive the so-called Silvretta Card all inclusive. Here the name says it all: with her is the Use of all lifts for the duration of your stay free of charge, no ifs and buts – great!
If you prefer to work out the view and descent yourself, you can either Download free GPX tracks from TVB Ischgl, rely on the good signage directly on site or simply use the official bike guide use in paper form. There is also real trail and touring expertise at Silvretta Bike Academy: Heinz and his wife Renate, both trained bike guides, offer a varied weekly program with different tours, private guiding and riding technique courses.
Trails and tours for connoisseurs, endurists and mountain bike beginners
Over 750 km of mountain bike trails waiting between the peaks of the majestic Paznaun - that is an impressive number, but the great strength of the region lies not only in the extent of the path network, but in its diversity: relaxed tours through the valleys, which often seem straight out of a postcard, are also possible like trail fireworks where Beginners and professionals alike that can make sparks fly. For example, while with the new Flimjoch trail MTB beginners can also enjoy the high alpine trail feeling, experienced riders can, among other things, at the notorious Velill Trail or on the way down from the Friedrichshafener Hütter. If you are unsure, you can find it in BikeGuide also detailed information on the levels of difficulty and what awaits on the trail - so don't be afraid of contact!
Almost all trails and paths have theirs in common alpine character: No wonder, after all the town of Ischgl is already at 1.350m, the mentioned Velill or Flimjocht trails start well above the tree line. Endless rocky landscapes, breathtaking views and a fresh breeze even in summer should make the hearts of mountain lovers beat faster. The character of the trails is also corresponding - as a newcomer, you may have to get used to the often loose ground and the many stones. With well-maintained berms, most of the paths down are smoothed out and therefore do not pose any major challenges, even for beginners.
Ischgl: Made for E-MTBs?
No matter the lift or the difference in altitude – of course Ischgl is a paradise for e-mountain bikers. Thanks to the e-support, the easily accessible peaks can also be climbed comfortably in the saddle, without having to use the lift. The numerous panoramic tours are also very easy for bikers of average fitness; however, you should Keep an eye on the battery level, the partly steep paths sometimes destroy the watt hours faster than you would like and the eco mode is actually mandatory. Practical: Tours that are particularly suitable for e-bikes are marked as such in the online portal and in the bike guide.
[testimonial cite=“Marc Freriks, TVB Ischgl“] Enjoyment and mountain biking can be perfectly combined here. The numerous huts are perfectly accessible by e-bike. 754 km of routes, 28 routes, 9 trails – a remarkable selection[/testimonial]
We were with several on our trip Atom-X Lynx by BH Bikes traveling. The Basque manufacturer has been a premium partner of the Ischgl region since 2017 and last year this partnership was even extended to a special Ischgl edition of the successful E-MTB Atom-X Lynx celebrated. Of course, such a special edition is primarily a marketing measure, but in the case of the BH E-MTB, the name could hardly be more appropriate, as it almost seems to be made for the region (and comparable...) for several reasons. First of all, there would be the huge one 720Wh battery, which can be easily removed from the frame from above and gives the bike a particularly long breath - perfect for the sometimes tough climbs. The thick tires at the front and rear also perform extremely well on the sometimes very loose surface and are a great help for drivers who are not really used to such terrain.
[testimonial cite=“Steffen Krill, Market Manager BH Bikes Germany”]We have continually developed our partnership with Paznaun over the past few years, and we will continue to initiate joint projects here. For example, we launched a limited-edition atomX Ischgl Edition. The bike was designed to meet the needs of the more challenging trails around Ischgl. The design, color, and limited edition reflected the motto "Relax, if you can." The bike sold out within a few days and was an absolute success for our brand. We work together as equals, attend trade fairs and events together, and truly "live" our partnership; this isn't just fake marketing.[/testimonial] [testimonial cite=“Andreas Steibl, Managing Director of TVB Ischgl”]The partnership with BH Bikes is going very well; our own Ischgl Edition—an e-MTB—has sold in large numbers. Bike tourism has developed significantly, especially in the e-bike sector. Especially here in the high alpine region, the most beautiful spots are accessible to everyone.[/testimonial] [blog specific=“110191″ taxonomy=“post_tag“ order=“desc“]Great MTB tours in alpine terrain
After looking at the almost finished new bike path in the region in the morning, we swap trekking tires for studs, bike bags for protectors: together with Heinz from the Silvretta Bike Academy we want to take on some of the highlight tours.
On the tour to Friedrichshafen Hut you have to do without lift support. In our case not so wild, because with the BH E-MTBs the path is quickly climbed. But the tour is also doable for “analog bikers”: from the valley it is about 600 meters in altitude to the hut. There are a few more to start the trail - but if you take your time and have some basic stamina, you shouldn't have too many problems. However, the tour, the hut, the view and the descent are worth every drop of sweat.
Our two e-mountain bike tours could hardly have been more different. In terms of landscape, it's an A with an asterisk in both cases, but while the round to the Friedrichshafener Hütte with the downhill trail is more for experienced bikers, the trip to the Lareintal was pure enjoyment and should also bring a relaxed smile to the faces of occasional touring bikers.