Klaus Ehrenbrandtner, Managing Director of Carinthia Tourism, on the winter experience in southern Austria.
SKI GUIDE: What does winter in Carinthia have that other Austrian states don't?
KLAUS EHRENBRANDTNER: The pleasant winter weather in Carinthia, with its above-average number of sunshine hours and reliable snow cover, is particularly highlighted in guest surveys. Carinthia's landscape scores highly with its views of numerous lakes, and because our region lies at the tripoint of Austria, Italy, and Slovenia, the influence of the Alps-Adriatic region is also noticeable in its cuisine and culture. Austria's ski resorts are all characterized by their exceptional family-friendliness. According to guest surveys, this is also particularly true of Carinthia. Therefore, we are prominently showcasing Carinthia's attributes for a family-friendly winter holiday.
What are your favorite personal winter activities? Are you more of an on-piste or off-piste type?
Definitely the type of slope. Skiing is a real family event for us; I don't need to persuade my children at all. Everyone is thrilled when we hit the slopes.
When you stop at a mountain hut, which typical Carinthian drink or dish do you absolutely not miss?
I'm quite traditional here: I mean Kaspressknödel soup, Käsnudel (cheese noodles), Kaiserschmarren (shredded pancake). And I like to have a Skiwasser (a local drink) with it.
What should a winter holidaymaker in Carinthia absolutely not miss?
365 days of lake wellness – this motto is lived out in Carinthia all year round, even when it snows. Our three bathing houses on Lake Millstatt, Lake Wörthersee, and Lake Klopein invite you to take a break after winter sports, enjoying sauna, spa, and fresh lake air. And in the three thermal baths, two of which are in Bad
In Kleinkirchheim and Warmbad Villach, you can relax with the power of thermal waters. I would also highly recommend the Winter Carinthia Card to our guests. It includes access to selected thermal baths, mountain lifts, and leisure activities.
What insider tips do you have for our readers?
Experience Carinthia's winter at night or at sunrise: for example, with night skiing, including in Bad Kleinkirchheim, Katschberg, and Nassfeld, or on a ski tour with a headlamp at the border of three countries. Full moon snowshoe hikes are also incredibly fun, for example, on the Dobratsch. And for a truly unique experience, try early morning skiing with our ski legend Franz Klammer at sunrise in Bad Kleinkirchheim.