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Start of the winter season in Samnaun: where smuggling fun meets boundless skiing pleasure

Schmuggler Trophy
The winter season begins in Samnaun on Thursday, 27 November 2025. The first day of skiing marks the opening of the cross-border Silvretta Arena Samnaun-Ischgl. Ideal if you want to start the winter on skis or a snowboard and are looking forward to snow, skiing and a diverse ski area.   

Your highlights for the start of winter

Smuggler Trophy on Saturday, 29 November 2025 – register now! 

The Smuggler Trophy brings historical smuggling routes to life in a fun way. Teams ‘smuggle’ creatively packed rucksacks between Samnaun and Ischgl, solve tasks at checkpoints and encounter ‘flying customs officers’ along the way. Typical stations include knowledge and sensory checks relating to smuggling history, sporting challenges such as biathlon elements, and photo points for the best posts. Registration is now open online. 

Why this suits Samnaun: The Trophy ties in with the region's real smuggling history. Historically, border crossers exchanged butter, cheese and furs from Paznaun for coveted goods such as coffee, nylon stockings, tobacco, rice or flour. Backpacks were heavy, the marches long and customs officers often lying in wait. It is precisely these stories that come to life at the checkpoints during the event. 

 

Winter Opening Concert with the ROCK ANTENNE Band – 29 November 2025 

Celebrate the start of the season in the evening with the ROCK ANTENNE Band on Saturday, 29 November 2025, from 6 p.m. in Samnaun village. Admission is free. Perfect as an atmospheric end to a day in the snow. 

 

Skiing in the Silvretta Arena Samnaun–Ischgl 

The Silvretta Arena connects Samnaun (Switzerland) and Ischgl (Austria) to form an extensive ski area with numerous kilometres of slopes – awarded in independent tests and regularly rated as a top destination. For your winter holiday, this means: varied runs, modern infrastructure and cross-border skiing fun. 

 

Overview of dates 

  • First day of skiing: Thursday, 27 November 2025 

 

 

Good to know – for your perfect winter weekend in Samnaun 

  • Up-to-date slope/facility information: The SamnaunApp is your perfect companion and keeps you up to date at all times. 

  • Unlimited skiing and shopping: Samnaun is located in a duty-free zone – ideal for combining winter sports and shopping. 

  • Quality in the ski resort: The Silvretta Arena Samnaun–Ischgl has been awarded top marks by renowned test portals. A strong signal for slope quality, snow reliability and experience value. 

Schmuggler Trophy1

Further information about the Samnaun–Ischgl ski area 

You can find information about winter, snow, skiing, slopes and facilities here.