Petzen

Petzen
Sonnenberg in southern Carinthia

At the eastern end of the Karawanks, south of the cultural city of Bleiburg, rises the inviting Petzen ski, hiking and mountain bike area, with the last 2,000-meter peaks of the Southern Alps. Since the traditional ski area was taken over seven years ago, things have been looking up again on the Petzen - incidentally the local mountain of former ski star Rainer Schönfelder. There has been a lot of investment and the infrastructure has been brought up to modern standards. The mountain is currently being expanded - for example the panoramic restaurant at 1,700 meters above sea level with the geodome below, which is scheduled to open at the end of the year. Since this year, guests can also stay in ten chalets directly in the ski area.

The sporting starting point is located 650 meters above sea level and the spacious parking spaces are easily accessible in just 20 minutes from the A2 southern motorway (Griffen exit). The cable car takes you up to 1,700 meters above sea level, where you can enjoy a magnificent panoramic view of southern Carinthia, Lavanttal and Slovenia. Truly a delight for nature lovers. This great backdrop also provides the setting for Austria's highest Christmas market. In summer, the cable car mountain station is the starting point for the eleven-kilometer-long Flow Country Trail, the longest of its kind in Europe, the first 18-hole disc golf course in Carinthia, and for extensive hikes. The lifts on the mountain open up varied slopes for carving and boarding up to an altitude of 1,920 meters. The 7.5-kilometer-long valley run starts from there, overcoming 1,270 meters in altitude. In the valley area, there are two drag lifts right next to the car park, as well as Petzi's children's area with ideal slopes for beginners and those returning to skiing. Currently, 90 percent of the slopes have artificial snow, ensuring skiing from the mountain to the valley. In the winter season before last, the old Stollenlift drag lift was replaced by a 4-seater chairlift, significantly increasing the comfort of the ski area. But the Petzen not only offers a small but fine range of activities for skiers and snowboarders, there is also fun in the snow away from the slopes.

For snowshoe and winter hikers There is pure winter enjoyment around the reservoir at 1,700 meters above sea level. The 30-minute Emmi's Mosthütten snowshoe tour is also a tip. Ski tourers are also welcome on the Petzen and can enjoy nature during the slopes' operating hours (ski tourer Fairplay Card for 8 euros). Every Wednesday until 8 p.m. (last descent), the ski route along the valley run and tunnel slope bypass to the "Alte Zollhütte" or the Siebenhütten guesthouse and "Ezzo's Skihütte" is available for use at your own risk. For cross-country skiers, the nearby Pirkdorf cross-country ski arena offers snow-covered trails (also under floodlights) and a laser biathlon facility. And last but not least, there is no shortage of culinary delights: no fewer than five ski huts spoil winter sports guests with delicacies from the regional cuisine. Nothing stands in the way of sporty and relaxed days of skiing on the Petzen.