Tips for winter experiences
The Spitzegel House is located at the foot of the mountain of the same name, which is the highest peak between the lakes Pressegger See and Weissensee. This location offers a wide range of possibilities to enjoy the leisure time you have come to spend with your loved ones, whether you are seeking active or passive relaxation. We have prepared a few suggestions for you to try in the winter season.
1. Ice Skating on Frozen Lakes
One of the most popular winter activities, aside from skiing and snowboarding, is ice skating. Take advantage of the location where you are for an unforgettable experience—ice skating on the frozen lakes Pressegger See and Weissensee.
Pressegger See offers an ice surface of 55 hectares, with a 2.5 km long circuit prepared for skaters. Being one of the first lakes to freeze in Carinthia, it becomes a destination for skaters of all ages. If you didn't bring your skates, you can rent them at the Strandbad Hermagor hotel, which serves as the starting point for lake skating.
Weissensee, with its area of 6.5 km2, is the largest natural ice surface in Europe. It provides skating and hockey lanes up to 25 km long and an additional 400-meter track for speed skaters. In addition to skating, you can also enjoy tobogganing or hiking here. You can rent skates at Alpensport Intersport Stammhaus in Techendorf near Weissensee.
2. Snow sledding
After a full day of skiing, you can relax and add some excitement to your day with tobogganing. Several toboggan runs are prepared for you:
Rattendorf - a peaceful, 2 km long track suitable for families with children, couples, or a group of friends. You can reach the starting point with a 30-minute walk.
Guggenberg - a gentle, 2 km long toboggan run. It also offers a shuttle service to the start, so you don't have to walk. However, if you choose to walk, you can reach the start in 30 minutes and then enjoy the toboggan ride from there.
Weissbriach - a longer, 3 km toboggan run where you can be transported to the top by a snow groomer. It will drop you off at Berggeishutte, where you can enjoy a great meal. If you plan to arrive for dinner, don't forget to make a reservation in advance.
3. Horse-drawn sleigh ride
The most beautiful view of the world is from a horse's saddle. Or from a sleigh pulled by horses. And what about a ride through the mountainous landscape with breathtaking views of the Austrian Alps? Wrapped in warm blankets, accompanied by the gentle jingling of horsebells.
The ride is suitable even for the youngest enthusiasts. Let the horses guide you through the romantic corners of Carinthia.
You have two options to choose from:
The total duration of the ride is approximately 1 hour, and it is suitable for 4-8 people. Reserve your spot with the Heberle family at tel: +43 (0) 650 4860 609.
4. Ski alpine tours
Ski touring is becoming a more sought-after and well-known activity year after year. It's no wonder—the tranquility, fresh snow, beautiful views, and far fewer people compared to ski slopes make it an even more enjoyable form of active relaxation!
The place you are currently in offers the opportunity to go on a tour of the local hills. Both beginners and advanced hikers can find the right route, and not having your own equipment won't stop you either. Local rentals are ready, and below is the contact information:
Adventure sport (Tropolach 141, 9631 Jenig; +43 677 620 13179)
Marco Koller (also a mountain guide, ski touring guide, and biking guide)
Sport Solle Tropolach (opposite the Millennium-Express cable car station; +43(0) 42857100)
You can easily choose your route at this link >>.
Filter by difficulty, route length, time requirements, or elevation gain.
5. Ski resort Nassfeld
One of the most beautiful Austrian places. Whether you came for skiing, snowboarding, mountain hiking, cycling, or sunbathing.
The ski resort is located in the Austrian Carnic and Italian Gailtal Alps, offering 110 km of slopes of all difficulty levels, catering to complete beginners and highly advanced riders. Hunger and thirst can be satisfied at one of the many mountain huts, offering local specialties to warm up and replenish energy.
Equipment can be rented at local rental shops, at Sport Solle and Intersport Alpensport branches in Tropolach or Nassfeld. For absolute beginners, there are three ski schools available: Skischulle Thommi, Skischulle Sunny Side, and Die Skischule.at Sonnenalpe Nassfeld & Tressdorfer Alm.
A comfortable ski bus will take you to the Millennium Express main cable car station in Tropolach, picking you up about 400 meters from the house, near the main road in Obervellach, so you can avoid searching for parking. The ski bus is not only for skiers and snowboarders but also for ice skaters or cross-country skiers. The timetable can be found here >>.
6. Small family ski resorts
If you prefer a smaller ski resort where you are less likely to encounter as many people, there is an option to head to small family resorts. These are more suitable for beginner skiers, with only a few meters of slopes and not as modern lifts. Family ski resorts have limited operating hours, so always check the current situation on their websites.
Weissbriach Family Ski Resort - located at 820 meters above sea level, offers 5 km of slopes of easy and moderate difficulty, and a children's tow with facilities for learning. You can also take advantage of the services of the ski school or ski equipment rental. The surroundings of the Weissbriach Family Ski Resort also offer 40 km of cross-country skiing trails.
Kotschach-Mauthen Family Ski Resort - a family resort with 7 km of slopes of easy and moderate difficulty, a children's tow, and space for complete beginners who can use the services of the ski school. There are also 37 km of cross-country skiing trails, 18 km of winter hiking trails, and a natural toboggan run.
Weissensee Family Ski Resort - in a larger family resort in the beautiful setting of Lake Weissensee, you can plan a full-day program, not just about skiing. In addition to 6 km of slopes from easy to moderately advanced FIS slope, you will find 35 km of cross-country skiing trails, 40 km of winter hiking trails (including trails on the lake), and 2 toboggan runs. You can rent ski equipment at the local rental, and beginners can take advantage of the ski school. Ice skating on the largest natural ice rink in Europe, with an area of 6.5 km2, is also an unforgettable experience at Weissensee.
Griminitzen Ski Lift - a great place for complete beginners. A 500 m long slope with a tow, at a very favorable ski pass price.
Feistritz/Hrast Ski Lift - another option where complete beginners of any age can go. A blue slope with a 500 m long tow. You can also try night skiing here.
7. Snowshoe hike
Far from the hustle and bustle of the city, amidst Alpine nature. Trails for both beginners and advanced, just choose the one that suits you. If you don't feel like going on a hike alone, arrange it with one of the guides where you can also rent all the necessary equipment:
Thomas Themeßl (+436645740106),
Alpinschule Go-Vertical (+436643527305),
Na On this lin >>, you can choose a route tailored directly to you. Filter by difficulty, route length, time requirements, or elevation gain.
8.Cross-country skiing
The Nassfeld-Pressegger See region, including the Gailtal and Gitschtal valleys, offers 130 km of cross-country skiing trails at elevations ranging from 600 to 1500 meters. This area provides excellent cross-country skiing facilities, revolving around the Millennium Express cable car station. Cross-country skiing schools, such as the Nordic Competence Center Tropolach, are available here. They can help you choose all the necessary equipment, beginners can learn essential basics, and advanced skiers can receive interesting tips and tricks.
A beautiful cross-country skiing trail runs along the Austrian-Italian border around Lake Pramollo. It is suitable for both beginners and advanced skiers, approximately 2.3 km long. Exercise your muscles in a location with stunning views.
On this link, you can choose a route tailored directly to you. Filter by difficulty, route length, time requirements, or elevation gain.
If the trails in the Nassfeld-Pressegger See area are not enough for you, you can find additional opportunities for this sport at Lake Weissensee and another 60 km of trails in the Lesachtal region.
9. Villach Thermal Spa
If you crave perfect relaxation and rejuvenation or seek entertainment for rainy weather, don't hesitate to visit the thermal baths in Villach. Spanning over 11,000 m2, these thermal baths cater to all age groups. If you want to unwind with your family, you'll surely appreciate the thermal park with pools for all age groups. You can enjoy warm water, water attractions, and even a children's playground. For couples and those seeking a tranquil atmosphere, there's a beautiful wellness and spa area where you can indulge in massages, saunas, and other relaxing procedures. For those preferring a more active relaxation, there's a 25 m long swimming pool and fitness facilities. And for adrenaline enthusiasts, there are slides, water slides, a wild river, and other surprises.
What makes this destination even more interesting is the thermal springs themselves. The water in Villach is known for its healing properties and is rich in minerals. It can help those with muscle or joint problems.