Carinthia is one of the most beautiful regions in theAustria, even in winter the climate is pleasant, with sunny days that illuminate the snow-covered landscapes of Corinthia and in particular of Villach, declared in 1997 Alpine City of the Year, perfect location to spend a White week on the snow full of emotions and activities to do in the open air.
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Villach, a small jewel in the heart of Carinthia
The name Villach refers to an ancient post station from the Roan era, Bilachium o Bilachinium and, throughout its history, it has experienced difficult moments, especially during the two world wars.
Today Villach is a charming tourist resort that experiences its peak especially in winter, when the nearby ski resorts of Gerlitzen Alpe and Dreiländereck offer spectacular slopes to whiz around and when the Dobratsch Natural Park becomes a destination for romantic snowshoe excursions.
It is no surprise that Villach is one of the most popular destinations for families looking for a relaxed atmosphere to carry out their favorite activities, whether sporting or more peaceful such as visiting a botanical garden in the middle of winter, enjoying spa benefits and visiting the beauties of the city.
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Villach is located right on the border with Slovenia and Italy and is crossed by the Drava river, right at the confluence with the Gail.
Villach ski resorts
The beautiful town of Villach is part of the Villach-Faaker See-Ossiacher See region, which includes ski areas with slopes with perfect conditions in winter, of all types and suitable for beginners and more expert skiers.
The area of Gerlitzen Alpe is served by 20 ski lifts on 6 extremely modern rails and from 6 ski lifts: it is therefore easy to reach the 32 slopes ski slopes present here, which extend for 52 km, not counting the 15 km of ski trails that wind through the fresh snow. The value of this area is linked to snowmaking system rather technological, thus allowing you to ski from December until late April.
The Gerlitzen Alpe is home to one of the best ski schools of all of Austria and can be reached via the Kanzelbahn cable car, which starts from the shores of Lake Ossiach, clearly visible during the crossing up to 1909 m. in height. This ski area is completely free for children.
The other area where you can ski right between Austria, Slovenia and Italy is that of Dreilandereck, a stone's throw from the village of Arnoldstein: what attracts skiers are the 17 km of slopes suitable especially for families and beginners, with 7 ski lifts, one of which is suitable for children. There is also a 3-seater chairlift called the Jet of the 3 Nations, thanks to which you reach the Dreiländereck ski area at 1506 m. high, in just 15 minutes: along the journey, guests on board cannot help but admire the Karavanke mountains in Slovenia, the Julian Alps and the valleys that host Villach, Klagenfurt and Gailtal.
Children, for whom there is a dedicated ski lift, will also be able to enjoy a few moments of fun on the snow of the Dreiländereck thanks to the presence of suitable ski slopes, a flying carpet and a small amusement park.
What to do for those who don't ski
What makes a ski holiday in Villach beautiful is the opportunity to dedicate yourself to multiple leisure activities, which also satisfy those looking for an alternative to skiing. For example, those who love it cross country, you will find the fantastic Klösterle route in the Gerlitzen Alpe ski area, 4 km long and located at around 1000 m. in height. The cross-country ski trail in the Dreiländerec area is much longer, stretching for 10 km. Anyone who loves to practice this Nordic sport can reach it then the Alpen Arena, located in the shadow of the Dobratsch: this track is just over 5 km long, a good part of which is approved for professional races by the FSI, fully lit and snow-covered when necessary.
In Villach you can then ice skating at the Aichwaldsee, which is one of the first lakes to freeze in the Carinthian winter and you can also play hockey there. A valid alternative, perhaps even more suggestive, is to skate on the rink that is installed in the heart of Villach, in the shadow of the Town Hall: during the Advent period, lights are installed that simulate a starry vault, making the atmosphere truly magical for families with small children.
There is also no shortage of opportunities to try your hand at climbing at the Kletterhalle centre, with routes suitable for athletes of all levels, but above all they are present in the area toboggan runs: the 8 km long one in the Dreiländereck ski area stands out, alongside that of Hundsmarhof.
You can't fully experience a ski week in Villach without taking part in one snowshoeing in the uncontaminated nature of the area, from those around Lake Ossiach to walks in the heart of Dobratsch Nature Park.
In this naturalistic area you can snowshoeing starting from the Rosstratte refuge until reaching the summit of Dobratsch, where the Gipfelhaus refuge stands with a view of the Ossiach and Faaker lakes. Only in this natural park can you take an unforgettable walk with snowshoeing at night, among trees weighed down by snow and the light of lanterns leading the way, under a starry vault that leaves everyone speechless.
Snow holiday
There are many reasons for opting for a ski week in Villach and obviously the presence of the Dreiländereck and Gerlitzen Alpe ski areas has its weight, especially for the more sporty.
However, the idyllic atmosphere of the landscapes and the slow pace of life in Villach attract families above all, who not only can ski on more accessible slopes but also try their hand at different equally exciting sporting activities.
Only those who prefer a quieter snow holiday will be able to enjoy the pleasure of visiting, for example, the Citrus Garden, a large greenhouse near Faakam See: at least 280 species of citrus fruits of different species are preserved inside, including the Cedar Maxima , Hand of Buddha. You can also taste citrus chocolates, liqueurs, jams and lemon tea.
During a quiet ski week in Villach, you can't help but dedicate yourself to family relaxation in the futuristic rooms Kärnten Therme, with treatments and pampering for the body ranging from the hamam to massages up to the SPA and the Urquellbecken thermal bath, where you find yourself bathing in thermal water with a bottom made of natural gravel.
For those looking for a unique experience, in Villach and precisely in Warmbad you can take a bath in the middle of winter in the warm waters of a natural lake immersed in a snow-covered forest, in a truly spectacular dreamy atmosphere.
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