Ski adventures

Smuggler’s Trail from Ischgl to Samnaun

Get gold (or silver, or bronze)!
divider divider
Skiing fun

Ischgl’s Smuggler’s Trail

Follow in the footsteps of the smugglers in Ischgl und Samnaun

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.

divider divider
Schmugglerrunde Schmugglerrunde Schmugglerrunde Schmugglerrunde Schmugglerrunde Schmugglerrunde
divider divider
Bronze, silver or gold

3 options of the Smuggler’s Trail

Pick your favourite

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!

Just like the gold medal is the hardest to win during the Ski World Cup, the “Gold” route is also the most difficult version of the Smuggler’s Trail. If you’re looking for a challenging ski adventure, the “Gold” option is the one for you!

  • Distance: 61.8 km
  • Altitude difference: 13,740 m (incl. cable car ride)
  • Duration: about 4 h

The checkpoints

There are a total of 13 checkpoints to complete on the Gold Smuggler's Trail. Anyone who takes part in the competition and tracks their ski day via the app will receive a hint on their smartphone at each checkpoint. Important: To take part in the prize draw, all checkpoints must be completed in the correct order in one day and uploaded by 5:00 pm. 

  1. Start: Fimbabahn valley station A3
  2. Sassgalunbahn mountain station C3
  3. Höllspitzbahn mountain station E2
  4. Palinkopfbahn mountain station D1
  5. Piz Val Gronda mountain station E5
  6. Twinliner valley station L1
  7. Visnitzbahn mountain station N2
  8. Grivaleabahn mountain station M1
  9. Viderjochbahn 1 mountain station N4
  10. Greitspitzbahn mountain station O1
  11. Velillbahn mountain station B1
  12. Velilleckbahn mountain station F1
  13. Destination: Fimbabahn valley station A3

Good to know: If you start the Smuggler's Trail Gold from Samnaun, you start and finish at checkpoint number six, the Twinliner L1.

The “Silver” route of the Smuggler’s Trail is slightly shorter than the “Gold” route but also quite challenging. The demanding route is a great choice for accomplished skiers.

  • Distance: 41.4 km
  • Altitude difference: 9,530 m (incl. cable car ride)
  • Duration: about 3.5 h

The checkpoints

There are a total of 10 checkpoints to complete on the Silver Smuggler's Trail. Anyone who takes part in the competition and tracks their ski day via the app will receive a hint on their smartphone at each checkpoint. Important: To take part in the prize draw, all checkpoints must be completed in the correct order in one day and uploaded by 5:00 pm. 

  1. Start: Fimbabahn valley station A3
  2. Sassgalunbahn mountain station C3
  3. Höllspitzbahn mountain station E2
  4. Gampenbahn valley station E4
  5. Twinliner valley station L1
  6. Visnitzbahn mountain station N2
  7. Mullerbahn mountain station M2
  8. Flimsattelbahn mountain station N1
  9. Gratbahn mountain station B8
  10. Destination: Fimbabahn valley station A3

Good to know: If you start the Silver Smuggler's Trail from Samnaun, you start and finish at Checkpoint 5, the Twinliner L1.

Do you feel most at home on the blue slopes? Then the “Bronze” version of the Smuggler’s trail is the right option for you.

  • Distance: 40.2 km
  • Altitude difference: 8,282 m (incl. cable car ride)
  • Duration: about 4 h

The checkpoints

There are a total of 11 checkpoints to complete on the bronze Smuggler's Trail. Anyone who takes part in the competition and tracks their ski day via the app will receive a hint on their smartphone at each checkpoint. Important: To take part in the prize draw, all checkpoints must be completed in the correct order in one day and uploaded by 5:00 pm. 

  1. Start: Fimbabahn valley station A3
  2. Gratbahn mountain station B8
  3. Flimjochbahn mountain station B2
  4. Piste 62 to Samnaun - Laret 
  5. Twinliner valley station L1
  6. Viderjochbahn 1 mountain station
  7. Viderjochbahn 2 mountain station
  8. Höllkarbahn valley station C2
  9. Zelblasbahn mountain station D2
  10. Nachtweidebahn mountain station C4
  11. Destination: Fimbabahn valley station A3

Good to know: If you start the Bronze Smugglers' Trail from Samnaun, you start and finish at checkpoint 5, the Twinliner L1.

  • A folder with the exact route descriptions is available at all ski ticket offices in Ischgl and Samnaun.
  • You can also track in offline mode. Please note: The current EU roaming regulation does not apply to Switzerland!
  • As soon as the "finish and send" button is pressed, you are automatically entered into the competition.
  • Speed is not a criterion in the prize draw.
  • Free Wi-Fi is available in all restaurants in the Ischgl and Samnaun ski areas and at the valley station of the Fimbabahn cable car A3.

Current status

Closed
S
GOLD smuggler’s circuit
Closed
S
SILVER smuggler’s circuit
Closed
S
BRONZE smuggler’s circuit
Last update:
divider divider
Take part!

The Smuggler’s Trail competition

From checkpoint to checkpoint

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

You can collect Smuggler COINS by completing rounds. Use our app to track your progress on the Gold, Silver or Bronze Smuggler's Trail and win instant vouchers.

  • Gold round: 10 coins
  • Silver round: 8 coins
  • Bronze round: 5 coins
Prizes
  • 20 coins - NEWBIE: You will receive an immediate voucher for the Silvretta Therme Ischgl
  • 40 coins - MASTER: You will receive another immediate voucher for the Silvretta Therme Ischgl
  • 100 Coins - PROFESSIONAL: You will receive another immediate voucher for the Silvretta Therme Ischgl

MAIN PRIZE: 3 nights in a 4* hotel with half board in Ischgl incl. 4-day ski pass with admission to the Top of the Mountain Concert for 2 persons or 2 nights in Samnaun incl. 2-day ski pass on the weekend of the Spring Snow Festival for 2 persons.

divider divider
Great variety

Experience winter sports fun in Ischgl

Skiing, freeriding and more
SNOW FUN

SILVRETTA ARENA SKI RESORT IN ISCHGL

Powder action

Freeriding in Ischgl

WINTER ACTION

A SPORTY, ACTIVE WINTER IN ISCHGL

GREAT SERVICE

SKI RENTAL IN ISCHGL