Samnaun is a high alpine village and a valley at the eastern end of Switzerland and a municipality in the Engiadina Bassa/Val Müstair Region in the Swiss canton of Graubünden. It's situated close to the Austrian border and in fact it's an "independent" duty-free area which means that you might be controlled by the Swiss customs as well when going to or leaving Samnaun.
Samnaun ski resort - Silvretta Arena ski area
In the winter Samnaun is a place for snowboarders and skiers, as Samnaun is a part of the ski center in Ischgl at the Austrian side of the border, in the summer people come there mostly for shopping and enjoying the nature. There are many shops selling jewellery, swiss watches, alcohol and tobacco as well as many restaurants and hotels.
The shared ski region of Samnaun and the Austrian resort of Ischgl – the Silvretta Arena between Arlberg and the Silvretta Group – is the biggest joint ski region in the Eastern Alps. 45 transport facilities, including the Samnaun Twinliner as the only double-decker cable car, take carvers, snowboarders and sun-worshippers to airy heights. With over 200 kilometres of groomed pistes as well as designated deep-snow areas for off-piste skiers and wide pistes for carvers and lovers of fast descents are perfectly catered for.
Skiing & Snowboarding
Alp Trida is a hub of blue runs - including the long #60 back towards Samnaun Laret. There are some easy connections over to Idalp, where the Höllbodenbahn’s Skipiste 2 breaks off into two different routes back to the main station at 2320m. A favourite is the blue from Palinkopf, which tends to be one of the quieter slopes in the area.
Red run skiers and snowboarders are best served in these parts, with a socking great 148km of pistes to roam. Don’t miss the seriously scenic #80 from Palinkopf down into Dorf (best skied first thing before the lunchtime). Head down into Ischgl via piste #1 from Idalp to experience skiing on the Austrian side, or while away the hours by Alp Bella on one side of Trida where all you’ll find a gaggle of red-only terrain.
There aren’t tonnes of black graded pistes here (and many of the ones you do find would probably be reds elsewhere), but that’s not to say Samnaun ski resort isn’t good for advanced skiers. The Gold, Silver and Bronze Smuggler’s Routes are expert territory, the longest a whopping 35.7km long, and the shortest still a thigh aching 19.8km. Expert skiers can tackle the slopes on the Greitspitze, as well as at the Palinkopf (accessible via the Gampenbahn) where there are a number of beautiful ski routes.
The Kinderland Samnaun offers ideal conditions and perfect supervision for ski beginners. Three magic carpets and the Musella platter lift offer unlimited fun in the snow. The Kinderland and the Musella lift are generally open during the main winter season. Already in the early and late season, there is an additional magic carpet and a platter lift with easy terrain for snow sports beginners on the Alp Trida, ideal for getting started in winter sports.
With numerous rails, boxes and obstacles, the Ischgl Snowpark powered by JEEP is guaranteed to offer something for everyone - from freestyle beginners who would like to get a taste of park air to pros. The comfortable 6-seater chairlift Velillbahn B1 brings park visitors back to the start. In the cozy chill-out area next to the Bag Jump you can enjoy the sun and watch the others jumping.
Samnaun village
Samnaun is known for its duty free shopping thanks to an ancient law. Back in the day it was too remote for tax collectors to bother policing and the exemption has stayed. It’s not a free-for-all though – some limits do apply so it’s worth checking beforehand! The village is home to Europe's highest shopping centre at 1'840 m.
Unlike it’s neighbour Ischgl, après is pretty chilled in Samnaun but there are a number of bars and restaurants to relax after a day on the slopes. The Schmuggleralm is a popular drinking and eating spot - try their Jagertee for an après ski tipple, or sit down for a fondue or pizza dinner. If you’re celebrating a special occasion, secure a table at Homann’s restaurant, which was awarded two Michelin stars in 2011 and seems to clock up more Gault&Millau points every time we return. Or, for a low key vibe try El Rico and feast on Tex Mex.
The Alpenquell spa is another attraction - the highest spa in the nation with all kinds of pool (adventure, multipurpose, paddling, whirlpool…), all kinds of sauna: Finnish, Pine, Infared…