12 good reasons to visit Carinthia in winter!

No matter whether you’re a beginner, an experienced skier or returning to the sport – skiing in Carinthia offers something for everyone. 30 ski areas across Carinthia and East Tyrol guarantee variety, each with their own character and all included in the Kärntner Skipass. There are plenty of regional ski passes with a range of additional offers too. More than 800 kilometres of snowsure and well-prepared slopes provide unforgettable experiences in the snow to suit every mood and ability level amidst mighty three thousand meter summits, gentle peaks and child-friendly hills. Not to be forgotten: the challenging moguls, half pipes and untouched slopes for freeriders and those who love deep powder snow.

40 Carinthian ski schools provide a further reason to visit Carinthia in winter. Experienced instructors with a high level of training and friendly Carinthian mentality teach beginners the right technique in the snow. This reduces physical effort and also the risk of having an accident, meaning that beginners can enjoy skiing from their very first lesson. Carinthian ski schools are equally ideal for advanced skiers to correct any bad habits they may have picked up over the years and to learn the latest techniques, for example when skiing with new gear. Furthermore, it’s fun to ski in a group and you get to know lots of interesting people. Plenty of sun, the mild climate on the south side of the Alps and wide, safe slopes also play their role in ensuring that ski lessons in Carinthia are a complete success.

The Slope Butlers deliver an exclusive service on the Turracher Höhe every day and are embodying a unique feel-good factor, they sweeten life on the slopes for young and old skiers with tissues, sun cream, sweets, Prosecco and delicious ice cream from the mountain farm (from March). Special services await guests in other Carinthian ski areas too, making a day on the slopes particularly enjoyable. They include ski depots (e.g. Heiligenblut, Nassfeld, Mölltaler Gletscher), shuttles from the car park to the lift (Nassfeld), a horse-drawn carriage service from the hotel to the children’s ski course (Katschberg), ski servicing on the slopes (Nassfeld), parking apps and online updates on available spaces (Gerlitzen, Turracher Höhe), tissues at the lift stations (e.g. Turrach and Nassfeld) and the option of topping up keycards from the comfort of home for most Carinthian ski areas, getting you to the slopes quicker and with even greater peace of mind.

Some of Carinthia’s lakes freeze over in winter and become smooth open-air ice rinks, bustling with ice skaters, hockey players and ice curlers. Europe’s largest natural ice surface is also located in Austria’s southernmost state: Lake Weissensee, host to the Alternative Dutch Eleven Cities Tour that leads across 200 kilometres. More information on ice skating in Carinthia.

Winter wellness has many facets in Carinthia. One of the nicest can be experienced at the Carinthian bathhouse by Lake Millstätter See, Lake Wörthersee or Lake Klopeiner See where the unique, sun-kissed lake panorama is close enough to touch through large window panes, even in winter.

The winter sports resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim has something special to offer. Two separate thermal spas – the Thermal Römerbad and Family & Health Spa St. Kathrein – await those looking for some downtime away from the snow. The Thermal Römerbad is even located right by the slopes.

The Kärnten Therme in Villach is known as one of the most modern adventure worlds in the south of Austria, boasting slides for races in its water world, a sports pool, children’s area and extensive spa. An insider tip for nature lovers: the Maibachl hot springs in Warmbad Villach from which the water only flows after heavy rainfall or when the snow has melted. The warm water collects in little pools that invite you to bathe in the open air. Carinthia also has various wellness accommodations where guests can dive straight into the lake after a sauna session, such as at Lake Wörthersee or on the Turracher Höhe.

It’s not just the Christmas markets, Krampus and Perchten that create the atmosphere in Carinthia throughout winter. The Klöckler in the Gegendtal Valley are a highlight of Carinthian tradition, which sees young men going from house to house and “klöckeln” (knocking) on the doors, requesting access to chase away the ghosts of winter. They are rewarded with a hearty “Jause” platter whilst the Klöckler song is sung. The sinking of the Christmas trees as a reminder of those who have lost their lives in the water at some Carinthian lakes and the carol singing in Heiligenblut, a custom that became a part of UNESCO intangible cultural heritage in 2010, are also passed on from one generation to the next in Carinthia. Further examples are the Pehtra Baba and “Kirchleintragen” (carrying of little churches) in Bad Eisenkappel.

Have you heard about the "Magic Moments" amidst Carinthian nature? They are guided day and half-day tours that lead you through protected flora and fauna to untouched, often mystical places between mountains and lakes. Enter a natural world of wonder under expert, local guidance. The spectrum ranges from snowshoe hikes to see the ibex in Nationalpark Hohe Tauern to stargazing in Nature Park Weissensee.

Ski touring is booming – also in Carinthia. 160 official tours are to be found in the Tourenportal Kärnten with one particular highlight being the Nockberge Trail, which connects the five ski areas of Katschberg, Innerkrems, Turrach, Falkert and Bad Kleinkirchheim/St. Oswald. It is Austria’s first year-round trail that can be booked online. The five day stages are ideal for practiced ski tourers in good physical condition who aren’t interested in exploring high alpine passages. Allow up to six hours for each stage, with some lifts and cableways giving the option of saving yourself a few metres in altitude along the way. Another special feature of the Nockberge Trail: instead of sleeping on mattresses in dormitories, as you would on other multi-day ski tours, you can stay in premium (wellness) hotels that serve first-class Alpe-Adria cuisine. Come summer, hikers can be found along the Nockberge Trail.

Winter days are filled with fun, adventure and exciting, often new experiences in Carinthia. As the sun disappears behind the mountains for the night, it doesn’t mean that the games have to end. Quite the contrary – there is plenty for adventurous night owls to enjoy in the south of Austria. Take, for example, night skiing (e.g. in Bad Kleinkirchheim and Nassfeld) or ski touring with a headlamp in the Dreiländereck. There are also several places that offer full moon snowshoe hikes (e.g. Dobratsch) or night tobogganing (e.g. on the Katschberg, Turrach and in Innerkrems). And at the Kärnten Therme, guests can enjoy full moon sauna nights.

It’s good to leave your comfort zone every now and then, so why not try your hand at a new sport? There could be no better time for this than whilst on holiday…let the adventures begin! Two extra special experiences are waiting in the ice: ice diving in Lake Weissensee and ice climbing, e.g. on the Nassfeld or in Heiligenblut within the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern. There is even a centre for "special winter sports" on the Nassfeld where you can try snowbiking, Hammerhead sledding, snowtriking or the mini Zipflbob. And there are opportunities to snowbike in Bad Kleinkirchheim, by Lake Weissensee and in the Dreiländereck.

For a slower pace, try lama trekking (e.g. in the Nassfeld region) or on a romantic horse-drawn carriage ride (Nassfeld, Katschberg).

Throughout the ski resorts and along the slopes, numerous inns, restaurants and huts invite visitors to stop. Most of them spoil their guests with typical Carinthian delicacies, many of which follow the Slow Food philosophy. Culinary highlights can be found in almost every corner of Carinthia and the appreciation of regional produce is apparent here. Respecting nature and using its valuable resources responsibly, promoting sustainability and preserving the regional variety of tastes – this is of importance in Carinthia. Local specialities include “Kärntner Käsnudel” (filled pasta pockets), “Kärntner Laxn” (lake trout), “Brettljause” (cold platter including Gailtal bacon and cheese), regional game, Glockner lamb, organic goose, Lesachtal farmhouse bread (UNESCO World Cultural Heritage), “Kletzennudeln” with honey butter (“Kletzen” are dried pears) and “Reindling” (yeast cake with sugar and cinnamon). Not to be forgotten: the homemade “Zirbenschnaps” (pinecone schnapps).

From exploring the snow-covered mountains to a relaxing snowshoe hike through Carinthia’s stunning nature, the Kärnten Card is the ideal winter companion. Impressive views from the top of the Pyramidenkogel, a spot of culture at the Carinthian museums, various mountain lifts and more complete the winter experience. Further information: www.kaerntencard.at