On January 13, we arrived in Ischgl, Austria, a lively ski town nestled deep in the Tyrolean Alps near the Swiss border. The drive up wound through mountain valleys dotted with chalets, frozen rivers, and church steeples poking through snow. Ischgl sits at over 1,300 meters (4,260 feet) and is part of the vast Silvretta Arena, one of Europe’s largest ski areas, connecting Austria to Samnaun, Switzerland — you can literally ski across an international border here.

The town itself has a fascinating history. Once an isolated farming village, Ischgl transformed into a premier ski destination after World War II. The first cable car opened in 1963, and by the 1980s it had become known as “the Ibiza of the Alps” for its après-ski nightlife. During the Cold War, American and NATO forces stationed in Germany and Italy often came to the Tyrolean Alps on leave, making resorts like Ischgl popular recreation spots for U.S. military families in Europe.

Our days were spent skiing through powdery trails framed by towering peaks — the kind of views that make you stop mid-slope just to take it all in. The weather was crisp and clear, perfect for beginners and seasoned skiers alike. But the highlight of the trip came after dark: night sledding down the mountain.

Ischgl’s illuminated sled run stretches for over 7 kilometers, one of the longest in the Alps. Racing through the cold air under a sky full of stars felt both exhilarating and surreal — laughter echoing through the snow-covered forest as we descended toward the valley lights. Locals told us that sledding (“Rodeln”) has been a tradition here for centuries, long before skiing arrived.

Evenings were filled with hearty Tyrolean food — dishes like Käsespätzle (cheese noodles) and Gröstl (a potato and bacon skillet) — and warm conversations with travelers from across Europe. In true Alpine fashion, the hospitality was unmatched, and by the end of the weekend, we felt like part of the mountain rhythm: ski, eat, laugh, repeat. 🇦🇹