Heiligenblut

Heiligenblut
Against the magnificent backdrop of the Großglockner

The northwest The Großglockner/Heiligenblut ski area, located in Carinthia, has a number of special features: First and foremost, Austria's highest mountain, the 3,798-meter-high Großglockner, which is within sight. But the area itself, with a height of up to 2,902 meters, is the highest in the state - next to the Mölltal Glacier - and offers impressive panoramic views and an idyllic picture-postcard village ensemble. Due to its altitude - the slopes start at 1,300 meters - Heiligenblut is also extremely snow-sure. The area is mostly above the tree line and offers a magnificent panorama. The 129-hectare and 55-kilometer-long slope area, which is accessed by twelve lifts, is very family-friendly: Snowland offers fun and variety for the little ones - and the new wave slope at Fallbichl for the slightly older ones. And while the kids are on the children's ski course, the parents can enjoy their winter fun without worry. And the young wild ones can let off steam in the newly created Snow & Fun Park.

Even sporty types get their money's worth: The steepest groomed slope in Carinthia and East Tyrol is located in the Fallbichl area. The gondola takes you from the village to the 2,604-meter-high Schareck, from where the area opens up in all directions. Waiting times are generally short and the slopes are varied for both skiers and snowboarders. Also worth mentioning is the Hochfleiss ridge slope, which begins above 2,900 meters above sea level. The Fallbichl slope is the steepest at 45 degrees. The descent from Schareck through unsecured open terrain to the Fleisstal is also challenging and only recommended for experts. In total, there are 1,500 hectares of freeride areas divided into six sectors for off-piste skiers, offering numerous different options and slopes with a difference in altitude of up to 1,500 meters. There is a freeride checkpoint at the middle station. Marked ski routes are a good starting point for first attempts in the terrain - ideally with a regional mountain or ski guide. In addition to the four existing routes, a new ski route was recently created in the area of the Hochtor on the Grossglockner High Alpine Road - with the starting point at the Viehbühel lift at 2,420 meters above sea level. Twelve kilometers of groomed cross-country ski trails, an illuminated toboggan run in Winkl, the opportunity to go ice skating and 15 kilometers of winter hiking trails ensure fun off the slopes. Sporty types can also get their kicks from snowshoeing, and adrenaline junkies can try ice climbing.

Nonetheless: The emphasis in Heiligenblut, which advertises itself with the slogan "It's most beautiful at the top", is clearly on closeness to nature and cosiness - and that is what makes the area so charming. This is also reflected in the gastronomy in one of the nine rustic, often beautifully located huts, which place great value on quality and usually offer service - which is unfortunately often a rarity in many ski areas today. Directly in the idyllic town center, the range of options is even greater - from the well-frequented après-ski bar opposite the valley station to fine hotel restaurants. Another tip is the snowman card, which allows children up to ten years of age to ski for nine euros a day when buying an adult card. Heiligenblut is also easily accessible by public bus from Mallnitz-Obervellach train station.