Silvretta Spa Ischgl sets new standards

The Silvretta Spa Ischgl building has been planned and set up in a way to be as sustainable and energy saving as possible. 'We took this fundamental decision long before the current energy issue and have thus opted for greater investment in sustainable energy cycles', explain Markus Walser and Günther Zangerl, executives at Silvrettaseilbahn AG.

Sustainable building as a fundamental approach
The concept of sustainability is not an advertising strategy, rather it is the inner conviction of those responsible for the project. 'Silvretta Spa has a cubic content of approx. 75,000 m³ and by and large the specified aim was to achieve a building with a fossil-free heating system', emphasise Walser and Zangerl. As a result, attention was paid to ensuring maximum insulation and to comprehensive installation of heat recovery systems. In the construction of the skating facility there was a conscious decision to forgo materials such as ammonia - still currently used in many similar skating facilities. Instead, the operators used CO2 – even though this is still regarded as uneconomical in terms of construction. The benefit is that this technology provides the cold required for areas of ice, yet also warmth, and a high temperature level - which is positive in terms of operational costs.

Geothermal energy as the central energy profile
With the exception of the outdoor pool, the entire building is heated using geothermal energy. To do so, a specific geothermal facility (with 37 ground ground probes per 290 linear metres) was set up. In view of the tense international position with regard to the topic of energy, the company was far-sighted enough to check other savings potentials, in order to ensure solidarity in line with other industrial and economic sectors - should it be required. The building contractor and operator of the new spa facility is Silvrettaseilbahn AG, with the test operation set to begin in November 2022. The new infrastructure complements the holiday and leisure offer available for guests and locals alike, in the context of providing a year-round destination. In summer 2023, the cable cars in Ischgl/Samnaun will be operational for around one month longer, that is, up to 15th October.

Optimal capacity thanks to a dynamic pricing system
A dynamic pricing system will be used at Silvretta Spa Ischgl enabling optimum capacity management; whereby capacity will be optimally organised. Entry tariffs will be calculated and determined each night using an algorithm for the next day and for the following days. Pricing information is conveniently available on site via monitors for visitors and also in the webshop as a price calendar. With a wide range of ticket options available – from a three-hour stay to a full day in the Private Spa – Silvretta Spa Ischgl provides something for everyone.

Region creates 80 new year-round jobs
After a design and planning phase of around a year and a half, 5th September 2019 marked the ground-breaking ceremony of the plans for the new terrace-shaped spa. In total, Silvrettaseilbahn AG invested some 75 million Euro in the project, with around 80 year-round jobs created in the region. 'Silvretta Spa Ischgl has set a precedent for exceptional architecture, combined with a future-oriented approach. A place where the focus is on health, sport, relaxation and coming together', say Walser and Zangerl in unison.

Impressive architecture in Ischgl
The artistic form of Silvretta Spa Ischgl blends perfectly with the surrounding landscape. The champagne-coloured exterior facade is an architectural highlight, emphasising the elegant appearance and its interaction with the surroundings, which change in the course of the seasons. In the interior, the element water in its three aggregate forms: ice, water and steam, set the theme.

Complex offer for locals and guests
Spanning four storeys in two buildings, Silvretta Spa Ischgl  is a multi-faceted leisure paradise. From indoor and outdoor sports pools, to an extensive luxurious pool with whirl tower, to the outdoor pool with pool bar, there is something for each and everyone on the 1000 m2 water area. Gourmets are well catered for in the three restaurants and in the bars. The ice rink, which spectacularly proceeds around the building – spanning an area of 1300 m2 – awaits, while the fitness area, equipped with state-of-the-art training facilities provides spectacular views to the area. There are numerous saunas available for mental and physical well-being, while in the Medical Spa the focus is on health. Events for up to 600 people can be held in rooms that are very well equipped for just that purpose. Alexander von der Thannen, Chairman of Paznaun – Ischgl tourist association, cuts to  the chase: 'Silvretta Spa Ischgl enriches the entire region with its complex offer – available to locals and guests alike.'

Silvretta Spa – Facts at a glance:

• Construction period: 2019 – 2022
• Energy-efficient construction method: Silvretta Spa is practically solely heated using geothermal energy, with a geothermal probe facility which has 37 ground probes set up for that purpose. In addition, the emphasis is on maximum insulation and a comprehensive installation of heat recovery facilities.
• Costs: As per the currently available cost budgeting, full set-up costs were around 75 million €.
• Medical Spa: Physiotherapy practice for ÖGK and BVAEB policy holders, also a private practice for physiotherapy, underwater therapy, Sensopro, Skillcourt (cognitive motor skills training), sport & therapy massages, cryotherapy (cooling chambers at –85°C), FIVE stretching facilities
• Ice-skating rink: 1300 m2 ice skating area, ice rink around the building complex, 250 tunnel, ice bar, skate hire and curling tracks
• Water area: water area spanning over 1000 m2, outdoor pool, children's pool, 1700 m2 lounger area outdoors, salt water pool, sports pool, luxury pool, whirlpool grotto, outdoor pool, outdoor pool on the roof
• Sauna area: more than 1500 m2 sauna area with two steam baths, Event sauna, mountain herb sauna, Panorama sauna, 'Zollhütte' sauna, organic Swiss pine sauna, outdoor pool, two plunge pools, Kneipp facility, infrared cabins, snow grotto, sauna garden, various lounge areas, massages and various relaxation rooms
• Private Spa with separate sauna and steam bath
• Fitness area: 320 m2 area for training equipment by Milon & five, Skillcourt, Sensopro, body analysis, training sessions – with or without supervision – available
• Events: Rooms for up to 600 people, 500 m² hall, stage, state-of-the-art technology
• Gastronomy: Trattoria, ice bar, spa buffet, pool bar and lounge/grill