Heaven on Earth for Skiers

Alpine Skiing in Carinthia 2015/16 Alpine Skiing Heaven on Earth for Skiers

There is hardly anywhere else in the world where one feels the "joy of living" as much as in Carinthia. A ski holiday in Austria's southernmost state stands for active enjoyment and zest for life, for guaranteed-snowy, wide slopes on the one hand and for snow parks and breath- taking freeride areas on the other. The general conditions could not be better: a varied mountainous landscape with magnificent panoramic views interspersed with idyllic lakes, boasting a mild winter climate and a particularly high number of sunny days, and offering ideal conditions for winter delights away from the slopes as well. And because Carinthia lies within the border triangle of Austria, Italy and Slovenia, the southern charm and the influence of the Alps-Adriatic region is also gastronomically noticeable.

Whether you are a beginner, a recent returner to the sport or a skiing expert, those who choose to ski in Carinthia will definitely get their money's worth. 31 diverse ski areas in Carinthia and Eastern Tyrol offer more than 800 kilometres of safe and well-groomed slopes. Depending on one's desires, mood and demands, choose between high alpine slopes amidst mighty three thousand metre peaks, wide, gentle hillsides for families, or mogul slopes and half-pipes, all ensuring unforgettable adventures in the snow. Not to be forgotten are the untouched hillside slopes, perfect for deep-snow enthusiasts. There is no lack of snow in Carinthia - in case there is a period of low-precipitation, state-of-the-art snowmaking systems provide a base for guaranteed-snowy slopes from November until springtime. And the year-round Mölltal Glacier ski area is operational more than 300 days per year. During a day of skiing in Carinthia, you'll find not only safe and wide slopes, but also extra details, big and small, which add to both comfort and enjoyment: cushy lifts featuring heated seats, infrared saunas located directly on the ski slopes, a ski butler and horse-drawn carriage taxis. A tip for true connoisseurs: sunshine skiing under the warm springtime sun.

The TopSkiPass for Carinthia and Eastern Tyrol as well as other various regional ski passes and flat-rate passes serve as door-openers to wintery fun in the area, offering particularly budget- friendly rates and attractive benefits. For those trying to conserve a family budget, you'll find the Family Euro at Bad Kleinkirchheim (children up to 12 years of age ski for one Euro per day), Meterix at Lake Weissensee ("the smaller the better"), the "Nice Surprise" package at Nassfeld (children up to 10 years of age are invited to ski free of charge under certain conditions), and the Snowman Ticket at Heiligenblut (children up to ten years of age and costs only 2 Euro in combination with their parents), among others. Because 2016 is a leap year, and February 29 is an exceptionally special day, several Carinthian ski resorts have special offers, such as free skiing and free spa entry for all birthday kids.

Something that makes skiing in Carinthia into a real experience: the possibility to ski alongside alpine Olympic champion Franz Klammer in Bad Kleinkirchheim on selected dates, or the opportunity to take part in the Snow Challenge at Gerlitzen, in which valuable prizes can be won, including a car. The longest ski race in the world "Beat the Ace" ("Schlag das ASS"), stretching across 25.6 kilometers and 6,400 meters in altitude, is also not to be overlooked.

Investments in the Future Turracher Höhe provides a good example of the way that Carinthia is steadily investing in the quality of its ski areas. The "Schafalmbahn" Project will add an additional track and five new ski runs within the next three years. Further investments in ski infrastructure were also implemented at Nassfeld and Gerlitzen. Depending on the ski area, new wellness houses such as the new Almhotel Nassfeld **** are being developed directly on the slopes.

Learn to Ski or your Money Back We’re certain that everyone will get the hang of skiing through courses with the Carinthian ski schools, which is why we offer a money-back guarantee. After a three-day course, absolute beginners will be able to navigate the blue slopes without any difficulty. The lessons are offered at a flat rate of 129 Euro including equipment for both children and adults, all with a money-back guarantee. Gerlitzen, Villach's local mountain, has a "Welcome Beginners" seal of approval. And for the very beginners among us: at the Windel-Wedel-Camp in the Lieser and Maltatal Region, children 2 years and up can start learning the basics of skiing.

Discover an Old Love Anew Even if you never entirely forget how to ski, people who have taken years off since their last ski trip can feel somewhat uncertain hitting the slopes again for the first time after a long break. That’s why the Carinthian ski and snowboard schools offer specialised courses for people trying to re-learn the sport in which trained instructors in individual and small-group courses help students learn the newest techniques. The goal is safe, enjoyable skiing and snowboarding.

Freeriding and Ski Touring Skiing and snowboarding is also possible away from the marked and groomed slopes. The most attractive freeride areas include the area around Großglockner Mountain, where you're underway at about 3,000 meters above sea level, as well as at Nassfeld, Ankogel and Goldeck. Ski tourers also delight in special winter moments in Carinthia. With a backpack, climbing skins and touring skis, one can get around in (amongst others) Hohen Tauern, the Nockberg mountains or in Lesachtal.

More than just Skiing While the leisure skiiers, ski tourers and free riders romp about on the mountain, cross-country skiers explore the beautiful scenic routes and skaters the winter scenery on frozen, naturally ice- covered lakes. Lake Weissensee is credited as the largest natural ice surface in Europe. For those who wish to recharge their batteries and unwind, a wintery walk through a snow-covered landscape

or a horse-drawn carriage ride might be just the thing. Among the most impressive experiences available include the "Night of the Stars" in Heiligenblut and the full moon hike with snowshoes on the Dobratsch. Winter wellness is also a big theme here, with thermal spas, bath houses and proprietary hotel facilities available.

Culinary Delights Aside from the regional customs, the regional cuisine is also given high priority in Carinthia. The region’s Alps-Adriatic cuisine combines fresh, regional ingredients, age-old cooking traditions and new interpretations into a tasty ensemble. As is fitting of a truly authentic cuisine, it is the different regions as well as seasonal fluxes that impact the varying spectrum of the regional cuisine. Without a doubt, visitors should try the Kärntner Käsnudel, Reindling, Kärntner Laxn, Gailtaler Speck and Zirbenschnaps. In selected, though not every, mountain lodge ("Hütte"), samples of Carinthian winter cuisine await, including Ritschert (a stew made of barley, beans and cured meat) and/or specialties made with Glockner lamb and Nockalm cattle.

Press Contact Kärnten Werbung GmbH Mag. Ute Zaworka Völkermarkter Ring 21 - 23, A-9020 Klagenfurt Tel. 0043(0)463-3000-46, Fax. 0043(0)463-3000-60 [email protected], www.presse.kaernten.at In the Media Archive you will find pictures to accompany your Carinthian story: www.media.kaernten.at