Trofana Royal’s Wintergarten Terrasse © West
Fine dining at Trofana Royal
Babenberger Parlour Dining Room © West
There are few places that embrace winter quite like Ischgl. Tucked into Austria’s Paznaun Valley, close to the Swiss border, this lively Tyrolean resort draws skiers from across the world with its high-altitude slopes, long winter season and famous après-ski scene. Yet beyond the busy mountain bars and ski lifts, there is another side to Ischgl, one that has made it a favourite among travellers who want their time in the mountains to come with a little more luxury.
At the heart of it all is Trofana Royal, a five-star superior hotel that has been welcoming guests since 1996. Run by the von der Thannen family, now in its third generation, the hotel combines the charm of a family-owned retreat with the comforts and service of a leading luxury resort. Its peaceful position, just a short walk from the centre of Ischgl and the gondola, makes it a convenient base for exploring the mountains without giving up the chance to unwind.
Exterior of Trofana Royal © Valentin Fotoo
And there is plenty to explore. The Silvretta Arena stretches across the Austrian-Swiss border, allowing skiers to spend their mornings carving through the Austrian Alps before crossing into Switzerland for lunch. Modern lifts, sweeping mountain views and a wide choice of runs make it one of the region’s most popular winter playgrounds.
For the 2026/27 season, Ischgl is also part of the international Ikon Pass network, opening the resort to pass holders who want to explore some of the world’s best-known ski destinations. Both the Ikon Pass and Ikon Base Pass offer a set number of days on Ischgl and Samnaun’s slopes, giving international skiers another reason to add the Tyrolean resort to their winter plans.
Back at Trofana Royal, the focus is on making every part of a ski holiday as comfortable as possible. The hotel’s ski storage area has undergone a complete luxury refurbishment, making it easier for guests to store their equipment and prepare for a day on the mountain.
Clockwise from top left: interior of the Royal Spa; sauna at the Royal Spa; relaxation area at the Royal Spa; hammam at the Royal Spa
Of course, a holiday here is about far more than skiing. After a day in the snow, the hotel’s 2,500-square-metre Royal Spa offers a welcome refuge. Guests can swim in the heated outdoor pool while looking out at the mountains, relax in the outdoor saltwater whirlpool, or explore the extensive sauna facilities. A brand-new experience sauna is the latest addition, giving guests another way to recharge after an active day outdoors.
The spa also features relaxation spaces, steam baths and a range of treatments, with products from Sisley Paris and Ligne St Barth. Those who prefer to keep moving can make use of the fitness centre, while personal training is available on request. The wellness facilities have earned considerable recognition, including 98 out of 100 points in the Falstaff Spa Guide.
Clockwise from top left: dining at Heimatbühne © Valentin Fotoo; Wine Cellar © Stephanie M. Lohmann; dessert; Royal Lounge Bar © West
Food is another reason to stay at Trofana Royal, and the hotel takes its dining as seriously as its skiing. Executive chef Martin Sieberer, one of Austria’s most respected culinary names, oversees two acclaimed restaurants that offer quite different experiences.
At the MICHELIN-starred Paznaunerstube, which also holds four Gault&Millau toques, the emphasis is on fine dining, with carefully chosen ingredients and dishes that reflect Sieberer’s years of experience. Heimatbühne, meanwhile, presents a more traditional take on Austrian cuisine, earning three Gault&Millau toques for its approach to regional cooking.
Guests need not book a fine-dining table every evening to eat well, either. The hotel’s half-board offering includes a five-course dinner menu with a choice of dishes, and the kitchen can cater to vegan, kosher, and other dietary requirements with advance notice. Wine lovers will find plenty to savour, too, with a cellar housing around 25,000 bottles from wine regions across the world.
Paznaunerstube dining room © West
The accommodation delivers a similar blend of tradition and contemporary comfort. Rooms and suites range from classic Alpine interiors, complete with warm woods and cosy furnishings, to more modern spaces with clean lines and a softer palette. Across the hotel, thoughtful touches and attentive service make it easy to settle in, whether visiting for a long weekend or a full week in the mountains.
There are also plenty of extras for those who enjoy a little indulgence. An in-house hair salon, boutique and golf simulator sit alongside the fitness and wellness facilities, while chauffeur services and assistance with luggage help take care of the practical side of travelling.
Although winter is undoubtedly Ischgl’s biggest draw, Trofana Royal has plenty to offer once the snow melts. Summer brings hiking trails, mountain biking, guided walks and food festivals to the Paznaun Valley. The mountains take on an entirely different character, and the longer days leave more time to explore before returning to the hotel’s pools, spa and restaurants.
With a MICHELIN Key recognising its hospitality, a MICHELIN-starred restaurant and seven Gault&Millau toques across its two gourmet dining venues, Trofana Royal has an array of accolades to its name. However, the hotel’s appeal is not simply down to its awards. It is the combination of an excellent location, family hospitality, memorable food and well-considered comforts that keeps guests coming back. And with its latest improvements ready for the winter season, there are even more reasons to return—or visit for the first time.
Rooms come with plush beds © Dominic Kummer
Room bathroom
Suite interior
To find out more about Trofana Royal and book, visit the links below:
Trofana Royal 5***** Superior Resort
Dorfstraße 95
A-6561 Ischgl
Tyrol – Austria
Web: trofana-royal.at
Tel: +43 5444 600
Email: office@trofana-royal.at
Instagram: @trofanaroyal
Featured image © Dominic Kummer