Carinthia is one of the most beautiful regions of Austria, even in winter the climate is pleasant, with sunny days that illuminate the snow-covered landscapes of Carinthia and in particular Villach , declared Alpine City of the Year in 1997 , the perfect location to spend a week on the snow full of emotions and outdoor activities.
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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 or Bilachinium , and throughout its history it has experienced difficult times, 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 Gerlitzen Alpe area is served by 20 ultra-modern six-track ski lifts and six surface lifts : it's easy to reach the 32 ski slopes, which extend over a full 52 km, not to mention the 15 km of ski trails that wind through fresh snow. The area's advantage lies in its highly advanced snowmaking system , allowing skiing from December until late April.
The Gerlitzen Alpe is home to one of Austria's best ski schools and can be reached via the Kanzelbahn cable car, which departs from the shores of Lake Ossiach, clearly visible during the ride up to an altitude of 1909 meters. This ski area is completely free for children.
The other skiing area nestled between Austria, Slovenia, and Italy is Dreiländereck , just a stone's throw from the village of Arnoldstein. Skiers are drawn to its 17 km of slopes, especially suited to families and beginners, with seven ski lifts, including one suitable for children. There's also a three-seater chairlift called the 3-Nation Jet, which takes you to the Dreiländereck ski area at 1506 m in just 15 minutes. Along the way, guests can admire the Karawanken Mountains in Slovenia, the Julian Alps, and the valleys that are home to 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 wonderful is the opportunity to indulge in a variety of recreational activities, which also satisfy those seeking an alternative to skiing. For example , cross-country skiing enthusiasts will find the fantastic Klösterle trail in the Gerlitzen Alpe ski area, 4 km long and located at approximately 1000 m above sea level. The cross-country ski trail in the Dreiländerec area is much longer, stretching 10 km. Those who enjoy this Nordic sport can also head to the Alpen Arena , located in the shadow of the Dobratsch: this trail is just over 5 km long, much of which is approved for professional competitions by the FSI, fully lit and snow-covered when needed.
In Villach, you can ice skate on the Aichwaldsee, one of the first lakes to freeze in the Carinthian winter, and you can also play hockey there. A great alternative, perhaps even more charming, is to skate on the rink installed in the heart of Villach, in the shadow of the Town Hall. During Advent, lights simulating a starry sky are installed, creating a truly magical atmosphere for families with small children.
There is 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 there are toboggan runs in the area : the 8 km long one in the Dreiländereck ski area stands out, alongside the one in Hundsmarhof.
You can't fully experience a skiing holiday in Villach without taking part in a snowshoe hike in the unspoiled nature of the area, from those around Lake Ossiach to walks in the heart of the Dobratsch Nature Park.
In this natural area, you can snowshoe from the Rosstratte Hut to the summit of the Dobratsch, where the Gipfelhaus Hut overlooks Lakes Ossiach and Faaker See. Only in this nature park can you take an unforgettable nighttime snowshoe walk , among snow-covered trees, the light of lanterns guiding the way, beneath a breathtaking starry sky.
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 more tranquil snow holiday will enjoy the pleasure of visiting, for example, the Citrus Garden , a large greenhouse near Faakam See: inside are preserved at least 280 different citrus species, including the Citron Maxima and the Buddha's Hand . You can also enjoy tastings of citrus chocolates, liqueurs, jams, and lemon tea.
During a relaxing ski week in Villach, you can't miss out on some family relaxation in the futuristic Kärnten Therme , with body treatments and pampering ranging from the hamam to massages, right up to the spa and the Urquellbecken thermal pool, where you can bathe in thermal water with a natural gravel bottom.
For those seeking a unique experience, in Villach, and more precisely in Warmbad, you can bathe in the warm waters of a natural lake immersed in a snow-covered forest in the middle of winter, in a truly spectacular dreamlike atmosphere.
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