Region Villach Tourismus GmbH Stefan Leitner

Enjoy a beautifully sunny winter holiday in Austria

The slopes of Carinthia are so sunny because Carinthia is on the southern side of the Austrian Alps, making this beautiful region of Austria ever more popular as a winter sports destination. Combine sun-drenched slopes with a generous helping of southern hospitality, rounded off with delicious Carinthian Alpine-Adriatic cuisine, and you have one of the best places in Austria in winter. The numbers don’t lie – Carinthia’s ski resorts register around 100 more hours of sunshine in the winter months than destinations north of the main Alpine ridge. This abundance of winter sunshine makes Carinthia one of the best places to visit in Austria.

Austria has a continental climate that varies widely due to its diverse terrain, from the mild, sultry plains around Vienna to the colder mountain regions where cold air is pulled in from the north. The Alpine ridge forms a significant meteorological divide. In the province of Carinthia, the coldest month is January with an average maximum temperature of 0°C (32°F). The capital of Klagenfurt is particularly cold in winter with average temperatures in January of minus 3.5°C (26°F), compared to 0.5°C (33°F) in Vienna.

Of course, all this cold and snow makes it perfect for an Austrian winter holiday. In the mountainous regions, the weather tends to be sunnier than in the valleys, where low clouds can hang even during good weather. Snow is plentiful in the mountains during winter but at the same time this is usually the driest season. February usually has the least precipitation, while July is the wettest month with frequent afternoon thunderstorms.

If you visit Austria in December, or throughout the winter months, you will be skiing towards the sun in Carinthia. While the days are shorter in December, the festive atmosphere and traditional Christmas markets make an Austrian winter holiday a special time. Once February rolls around, the days become longer and by March the weather is noticeably milder. From the middle of March until the end of the winter season sunny skiing can be enjoyed thanks to Carinthia’s location on the south side of the Alps.

The region’s exceptional number of sunny days is particularly celebrated in the Nassfeld ski area, which transforms into the largest sun terrace of the Alps. There are various themes at the ski huts, from palm trees and southern flair to fruity drinks and water slide pools. Inviting deckchairs await guests at the ski huts in the other Carinthian ski areas too, where food and drinks are primarily enjoyed outdoors.

The number one item for your packing list is a good coat. Something light, warm and waterproof, perhaps with a fur-lined hood and a longer length to keep your whole body warm. Underneath your coat, wear layers of clothing. Include a good set of long thermal underwear and a thin merino wool jumper, which can be worn under jeans and other clothes when you want to look smarter. Thermals are designed to allow the heat to circulate optimally, keeping you toasty. If you are enjoying winter sports, make sure the clothing you wear next to your skin is made of a wicking fabric rather than cotton. Pack a good quality hat, scarf and gloves because keeping your head and extremities warm is an easy way to ensure your Austrian winter holiday is fun and not freezing.

Whether you are visiting in December or April, the other essential item for your packing list is warm and waterproof footwear. Hiking boots can work, or you can invest in a quality pair of winter boots with a cosy lining. These can be worn for a wintry city break and for stomping around the ski resort. While you’re thinking about your feet, make sure to bring some quality warm socks.

What else needs to go in the suitcase when you are packing? Toiletries, tech and of course a camera to capture all those magical moments. Finally, don’t forget to pack a swimsuit because there’s nothing more delightful than soaking in a thermal spa surrounded by a snowy landscape. Some of the best places to visit in winter are famous for their thermal waters and wellness facilities.

The best places to visit in Austria in winter

1. Thrills but no spills on the Nocky Flitzer coaster

Region_Nockberge_Himsel

c_Attisani

The Nocky Flitzer is a spectacular year-round Alpine coaster accessed via the panoramic Turracher Höhe cable car in the Nockberge region. Whizz down the mountain from 2,000 m/6,562 ft above sea level over the mile-long track through idyllic Alpine pastures and forests.

The Nocky Flitzer has three spirals and multiple jumps and waves to get your adrenalin pumping, whether you visit in winter or summer.

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2. Ascend the Pyramidenkogel for 360-degree views

Woerthersee Tourismus Gert Steinthaler
Pixelpoint / Wolfgang Handler
c Gert Steinthaler

Amongst the multitude of things to do in Austria in winter, make your visit to Carinthia even more exciting with a trip to the top of the Pyramidenkogel. This viewing tower on the shores of Lake Wörthersee offers stunning 360-degree views over the lake and surrounding mountain landscape. It’s the highest wooden viewing tower in the world at 100 metres, and the structure is an architectural marvel.

The three viewing platforms are reached by 441 steps, or you can take the panoramic lift but that’s not all … For thrill seekers, Europe’s tallest indoor tunnel slide shoots down to the ground at speeds up to 25 kilometres per hour. You may need some refreshment at the café after that!

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3. Turracher Höhe for a perfect Austrian winter holiday

Christoph Rossmann

Turracher Höhe

Nestled in the Nockberge region, Turracher Höhe offers a diverse and snowy winter paradise at altitudes of up to 2,205 metres from November to early May. Skiers and snowboarders can tour around the exquisite frozen lake on 42 km of immaculately groomed pistes, with a good variety of slopes served by 14 cable cars and lifts.

There are also 16 km of cross-country ski trails. A winter holiday in Turracher Höhe is never dull with night skiing, an XXL fun slope, the Kids Slope and snow park. It’s also home to the thrilling Nocky Flitzer Alpine coaster. Adventurous skiers can complete the "2,205 m around Turrach" trail, all linked by the modern lift infrastructure.

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4. The magical Katschberg Advent Trail

Gerald Ramsbacher

This is Christmas as it used to be, before commercialism took over. Listen to the sound of your boots crunching through the snow as you follow a lantern-lit trail through the unspoiled Gontal nature reserve at Katschberg. Here at 1,750 metres above sea level, you can enjoy the romantically illuminated winter hiking trail, its living nativity scene, Christmas handicraft stalls, and tea huts along the way offering warming drinks.

If you are planning on visiting Austria in December, put this on your list. Perhaps also enjoy a horse-drawn sleigh ride to the Pritzhütte lodge. A beautiful celebration of the winter season and time spent together in nature.

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5. Fun for all the family at Minimundus

Minimundus GmbH

Minimundus GmbH

Minimundus is a well-loved attraction in the Carinthian capital city of Klagenfurt. Started in the late 1950s, this miniature world was built with the heart-warming goal of bringing the sights of the world together in one place.

Over recent years, Minimundus has seen extensive expansion, including family interactive features and it is now open year-round.

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6. Towers of ice and snow on the Grossglockner

Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse
FranzGERDL_Grossglockner Bergbahnen

It’s always snowy on the Grossglockner, which is not surprising for Austria’s highest mountain peak, at a towering 3,798 metres of altitude. Seeing this magnificent jewel in the Austrian Alps will be high on many visitors’ lists of things to do here.

The Grossglockner High Alpine Road is particularly famous with drivers and sightseers in the summer months but if you enjoy an Austrian winter holiday, the biggest draw is of the snowy variety. This is one of Carinthia’s highest ski areas where skiing is possible well into spring.

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7. Beautiful Christmas markets for holiday cheer

Tourimusregion Klagenfurt Pixelpoint Multimedia

BRM Mathias Praegant

Advent_BKK_Alpiner Thermen Advent Pferdekutsche

Tourismusregion Klagenfurt am Woerthersee Pixelpoint Multimedia

Advent Klagenfurt Advent11 Nikolaus und Krampusse_Umzug

European Christmas markets bring pleasure to locals and visitors alike and if you are visiting Austria in December, you absolutely must experience this festive tradition. Lights sparkle over the wooden chalets, snowflakes land on your nose, and the delicious smells of mulled wine and grilled sausages waft through the air. In Carinthia you will find beautiful Christmas markets that are less crowded compared to other parts of Europe.

The regional capital of Klagenfurt transforms its streets into a particularly extensive and beautiful Christmas market, while smaller towns like Villach, Pörtschach and Velden offer joyfully authentic and uncrowded experiences. Shop for a festive souvenir that you can take home and add to your own family Christmas tradition. We promise that this is one of the most magical things to do in December.

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Discover the best things to do in Austria in winter

Nassfeld_Martin Lugger

Sunny skiing in Austria

Carinthia’s ski areas offer ideal conditions for an exciting winter holiday on the slopes, far from mass tourism. The lift operators focus on safety – particularly when it comes to COVID-19 measures –, comfort and snow reliability.So where are the best places in Carinthia for skiing?Enjoy the comfortable modern lifts with heated seats on Nassfeld or the Gerlitzen Alpe, the challenging downhill runs on the Turrach and Katschberg, or Carinthia’s highest ski areas amidst three-thousand-metre summits on the Mölltaler Gletscher/Ankogel and the Grossglockner/Heiligenblut. These high mountain resorts guarantee snow-sure fun until well into spring. If you are looking for quiet, family-friendly slopes, head for the smaller Carinthian ski areas in the Lavanttal Valley and Nockberge Mountains.

Michael Stabentheiner

Schneeschuhandern Naturpark Dobratsch_Region Villach

Glorious snowshoeing and winter hiking

Strap on your snowshoes, breathe in the crisp winter air, and you will soon be striding through a snowy winter wonderland in Carinthia. Stop at a traditional Alpine hut to enjoy the sun terrace, delicious Carinthian specialities, and even accommodation during your Austrian holiday. The Dobratsch Nature Park near Villach is a particularly inviting area for ski touring, snowshoe hiking and winter walks.

Franz Gerdl

Mölltaler Gletscher - Flattach - Familien-Schlittenfahrt

Winter tobogganing fun

There is plenty of superb sledding terrain in Carinthia so wrap up and enjoy tobogganing down a traditional snowy slope, or get your adrenalin pumping on a mountain coaster. You can be sure you will never run out of things to do in Austria in winter with tobogganing in the Dobratsch Nature Park near Villach. You can also head to Bad Kleinkirchheim and Feld am See where no fewer than six varied natural toboggan runs await you, both night and day.

Franz Gerdl

Calling all ice skaters

Nothing could be more exhilarating than skating across a frozen pond or lake. In winter, the idyllic Lake Turrachersee in Carinthia becomes a giant skating rink. Or visit Lake Weissensee, a beautiful lake that is the largest continuously frozen and prepared natural ice surface in Europe. And ice-skating fans looking for things to do here don’t have to wait for nature to freeze over. In Villach you can take a twirl on a romantically lit skating rink right in the town centre, and many other towns have pretty ice rinks.

Michael_Stabentheiner_Kaernten Werbung

Sun-kissed winter wellness at Austria’s thermal spas

Winter wellness perfectly complements winter sports in Carinthia. The warming winter sun is particularly intense from behind the window panes of well-being centres and the natural thermal waters infused with minerals have long-established healing and health-giving properties. It really is one of the most magical things to do in Austria in winter. Enjoy the lake saunas, bathhouses and lakeside pools on Lake Millstättersee, Lake Turrachersee and Lake Wörthersee, or outdoor swimming at the Kärnten Therme in Warmbad Villach. A visit to Bad Kleinkirchheim’s St. Kathrein and Römerbad thermal spas will ensure your Austrian winter holiday is a special one.

Experience more when you visit Austria in winter

Find your happy place in Carinthia. Explore our website to find information about resorts and accommodation, travel and eating out in this beautiful Austrian province. We have everything you need to plan your trip and experience the best places to visit in Austria in winter. You can book directly online or call our info line on +43 463 3000 or email us at info@kaernten.at.

Skifahren in der Region Bad Kleinkirchheim

BRM c Mathias Praegant

Enjoy a beautifully sunny winter holiday in Austria

The best places to visit in Austria in winter

1. Thrills but no spills on the Nocky Flitzer coaster

2. Ascend the Pyramidenkogel for 360-degree views

3. Turracher Höhe for a perfect Austrian winter holiday

4. The magical Katschberg Advent Trail

5. Fun for all the family at Minimundus

6. Towers of ice and snow on the Grossglockner

7. Beautiful Christmas markets for holiday cheer

Discover the best things to do in Austria in winter

Sunny skiing in Austria

Glorious snowshoeing and winter hiking

Winter tobogganing fun

Calling all ice skaters

Sun-kissed winter wellness at Austria’s thermal spas

Experience more when you visit Austria in winter

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