A closer look at the "super-spreader" ski resort in Europe.

In recent days, Ischgl has been mentioned in European media as a tourist destination that may have contributed to the spread of the Covid-19 virus across Europe. Official figures show that there have been 8 cases of nCoV infection in Iceland, 298 in Denmark, over 300 in Germany, and over 450 in Norway originating from Ischgl, with some individuals directly linked to the ski resort. Health experts believe it is impossible to pinpoint the exact number of people infected with nCoV from the Ischgl ski resort, as most tourists have returned home, meaning all countries across Europe. Following this information, Austrian authorities were finally forced to close the entire ski resort, along with restaurants and bars, from March 13th.

What makes this ski resort so attractive that it draws crowds of tourists for vacation, despite the tense situation with the Covid-19 pandemic? Let's explore the beauty of this small town with only 1,600 inhabitants.

The town of Ischgl blends modernity with traditional Tyrolean architecture. Skiers can reach the summit via three cable car systems. Two cables at each end of the resort ascend to the Idalp station halfway up the mountain at an altitude of 2,320 m, while the third cable goes to Pardatschgrat at an altitude of 2,624 m.

The Ischgl ski resort, with its perfectly sloped hills stretching 239 km and connecting to neighboring Switzerland, offers visitors the experience of cross-country skiing. In addition, Ischgl offers many other exciting winter sports such as ice skating, snowboarding, and snow climbing.

If you're new to skiing, don't worry, there are plenty of classes with enthusiastic instructors ready to teach you the ropes. If you're looking for seclusion, Ischgl offers restaurants and accommodations in the form of huts nestled amidst the pristine snow-covered mountains. If you're traveling with family, Ischgl provides safe recreational activities for children. Or if you want to party, the bars and clubs here stay open until dawn.

Ischgl regularly hosts a skiing competition on its 7-kilometer, downhill course from an altitude of 950 meters, open from 7 pm every Monday and Thursday. However, the large number of skiers sometimes leads to quite dangerous collisions.

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