Austrian ski resort Ischgl announced last week that a Nov. 28 concert by pop star Katy Perry will highlight the opening weekend of the 2009-10 ski season.
The ski lifts are scheduled to open on Friday, Nov. 27. The Saturday concert is expected to draw about 20,000 fans.
Known for high-profile concerts to begin and end each ski season, Ischgl has brought in performers such as Elton John, Peter Gabriel, Diana Ross and Sting for past events. While last season’s opening concert featured Leona Lewis and Gabriella Cilmi, Kylie Minogue closed out the 2008-09 Ischgl season on May 2 with a daytime show on the mountain.
Born in California, the 24-year-old Perry is known for her hits “I Kissed a Girl” and “Thinking of You.” A one-day ski pass for Nov. 28 costs 55 euros ($78). Entry to the concert is free with a ski pass.
Renowned for its apres-ski scene, Ischgl (pronounced Ish-gull) offers plenty of on-snow entertainment as well. Skiers at this massive area can even cross the border into the Samnaun area in Switzerland. By European standards, the resort is known for its high altitude and dependable snowfall.