Smuggler’s Trail in Ischgl
Ischgl’s Smuggler’s Trail
In the olden days, it was the perfect place to smuggle nylon stockings, coffee and tobacco – today, it is the perfect place to go skiing! The trail between Ischgl in the Paznaun valley and Samnaun in the Swiss Engadine is one of the highlights of Silvretta Arena ski resort. Since the 2016/2017 winter season, the Smuggler’s Trail has been the go-to place to enjoy winter sports bliss, covering a total distance of 61.8 kilometres and an altitude difference of up to 13,740 metres.
Interesting fact: In times of need, especially during the post-war period, the border region of the Paznaun valley was very popular with smugglers. Smuggling wasn’t an easy feat back then: The backpacks the smugglers had to carry through the mountains for six or seven hours often weighed around 40 kilograms.
3 options of the Smuggler’s Trail
The best thing about the Smuggler’s Trail: There is a version for everyone. In ascending order, the “Bronze”, “Silver” and “Gold” routes offer varying levels of difficulty and altitude difference.
Tips:
- The best time to start one of the Smugglers' Circuits is early in the morning. This allows you to enjoy the freshly groomed pistes and have enough time for a refreshment stop or two
- Fascinating views await you at the numerous checkpoints along the ski route. Don't forget your camera or smartphone for a holiday snapshot.
- The smugglers' trail combines skiing fun with shopping! The ski route leads directly to the Swiss duty-free paradise of Samnaun. What are you waiting for? Take a look at the current customs regulations, strap on your skis and off you go!
The Smuggler’s Trail competition
Smuggle and win on Ischgl’s Smuggler’s Trail! It’s easy to join the competition: Simply pass all checkpoints of the respective route in the right order and track your ride with your smartphone.
All you need to do first is download the free “iSki Ischgl” app. It will provide you with further details on the competition and the respective checkpoints.
Competition procedure
Three cross-border smugglers‘ circuits – Gold, silver and bronze - in various lengths and levels of difficulty lead through the Silvretta Arena.
SMUGGLERS‘ CIRCUIT COMPETITION
Track your smugglers‘ circuits (Gold, Silver or Bronze) with the Ischgl or Samnaun app.
All the participants who have successfully tracked and uploaded at least one smugglers‘ circuit will be entered into a draw to win some amazing prizes at the end of
the winter season.
Tracking works offline, i.e. without roaming costs.
To successfully participate in the smugglers‘ circuit, all checkpoints in a circuit must be visited on one day in the correct order. After the GPS recording has been
completed, the tracking is sent to the server and you are automatically entered into the draw.
Start and finish is at the Fimbabahn A3 valley station in Ischgl or at the Twinliner L1 in Samnaun.
MAIN PRIZE:
- 1 x Ischgl/Samnaun season pass
- 5 x Deluxe day passes at the Silvretta Thermal Baths
- 3 nights in a 4-star hotel with half-board in Ischgl, including a 4-day ski pass and tickets to the "Top of the Mountain Closing Concert with Christina Aguilera" for 2 people
- 1 x Fischer Alpin skis
- 3 x Insta360 X5 action cameras
- 4 x LEGO Technic sets
- 3 x Gi35 Gloryfy Ischgl Edition models, including tickets to the "Top of the Mountain Closing Concert with Christina Aguilera"
- Three nights with breakfast in a 5-star hotel for two people in Samnaun, including ski passes
