The Aloys Family Legacy
For nearly a century, the Aloys family has played a pivotal role in Ischgl’s transformation into the world-renowned ski resort it is today. The story began with Erwin Aloys, whose vision led to the construction of Ischgl’s first cable car - laying the foundations for the resort’s future.
A Family Vision
In 1976, Erwin’s son Günther Aloys and his wife, Elisabeth, opened the original Hotel Elisabeth, introducing a level of service and sophistication that would redefine hospitality in Ischgl and re-affirming the family’s enduring commitment to the region.
Top: Hotel Elisabeth; bottom left: Günther Aloys and friend; bottom right: Erwin and Olga Aloys.
In the decades that followed, the Aloys family continued to play a key role in the resort’s growth, with Erwin serving as mayor and Günther bringing the resort to international prominence with the launch of the Top of the Mountain concerts.
Erwin Aloys
Shaping Ischgl
Today, the legacy is upheld by Erwin’s granddaughter Mirjam Aloys and her husband, Markus Pfister. Under their leadership, the Elizabeth Arthotel has achieved five-star status and been awarded One Key by the MICHELIN Guide, making it one of Europe’s premier alpine destinations.
1: Mirjam Aloys and Markus Pfister. 2: Elisabeth Aloys. 3: Günther Aloys. 4: Erwin Aloys with admirer
The Art of Legacy
In 2026, as the hotel celebrates its fiftieth anniversary, it launches The Art of Legacy, a rare archival photography exhibition documenting the family’s history.
Pioneer Erwin Aloys
From a remote mountainside village to a renowned world-class ski resort.
Born on 28 May 1910, Erwin Aloys grew up amid Ischgl’s rugged landscape becoming a skilled mountaineer and hunter, one of only four qualified ski instructors in the 1930s and later a Second World War veteran.
Erwin would go on to take community roles that would shape the future of Ischgl, serving as chairman of the tourism board in 1949 and then joining the town council in 1950.Demonstrating a remarkable entrepreneurial determination, Erwin raised a fund of 12 million shillings through community support, enabling the construction of the region’s first cable car in 1963, revolutionising tourism in this once inaccessible alpine region.
In 1969, Erwin and his wife, Olga, built the Hotel Madlein and contributed further to the growth of the town’s hospitality sector, before Erwin assumed office as Ischgl’s mayor in 1974.
A journey through the past five decades
1960s
1961: Funding for the Silvretta Bahn is secured, thanks to Erwin Aloys, and construction of Ischgl’s first cable car begins.
1963: On December 15, the Silvretta Bahn opens, marking the start of Ischgl’s tourism boom.
1968: Erwin Aloy’s son, Günther, graduates from hotel management school in Innsbruck.
1969: Günther Aloy’s partner, Elisabeth Hämmerle, also graduates from hotel management school. Günther joins the Ischgl tourism board.
1969: Erwin and Olga Aloys built the family’s first Ischgl property - Hotel Madlein.
1970s
1974: Erwin Aloys becomes mayor of Ischgl, overseeing significant developments in the town.
1975: Günther and Elisabeth Aloys open Café 'Marend, expanding the family’s hospitality business.
1976: On 19 December, Hotel Elisabeth opens as a four-star hotel, beginning a new chapter for the family and resort.
1977: The Fimbabahn cable car begins operations, enhancing Ischgl's ski infrastructure.
1978: The Silvretta Ski Arena expands, connecting Ischgl with Samnaun in Switzerland.
1980s
1980s: Tourism continues to boom in the region.
1981: Elisabeth Aloys opens the first boutique in Ischgl inside Hotel Elisabeth.
1986: Erwin Aloys completes his final term as Mayor.
1990s
1990: Günther Aloys invites the Bolshoi Ballet to perform at the top of the mountain.
1994: Mirjam Aloys begins her first season working at Hotel Elisabeth after graduating hotel management school in Innsbruck.
1995: Günther Aloys organises the first Top of the Mountain concert with Elton John as the season’s opener, followed by a fashion show with Vivian Westwood and Naomi Campbell.
2000s onwards
2000: Hotel Elisabeth opens the new Schatzi bar, adding to the vibrant après-ski scene in Ischgl.
2006/07: Günther Aloys and Paris Hilton begin a global, high-profile promotional collaboration. A birthday celebration was held in her honour at the Prennerhang to mark her 26th birthday.
2011: After a progressive transition of leadership, Mirjam and her partner Markus Pfister take over Hotel Elisabeth.The hotel undergoes a big refurbishment, evolving into the Elizabeth Arthotel.
2017: A second refurbishment transforms the Elizabeth Arthotel’s exterior and spa facilities, and it now becomes a five-star venue.
2025/26: Marking its fiftieth anniversary, Elizabeth Arthotel is awarded One Key by the MICHELIN Guide and unveils a new roof terrace overlooking the final descent into Ischgl.