10 Reasons to enjoy Winter around Villach

1. Sunny side of the Alps
The Gerlitzen Alp on Lake Ossiach is not only known as a top ski resort for families, it is also famed for its many hours of sunshine, wide pistes and reliable and dry weather conditions. A great place to spend your winter outdoors – it’s not surprising that a majority of mountain huts here have a terrace enabling you to soak in some sun.

2. Plenty of fresh air
This is the motto of both the Gerlitzen Alp and the Dreiländereck lift systems. The ski pistes of the Gerlitzen Alp are accessed via a 4 person cable car with windows from Annenheim and via a 4 person chairlift from Klösterle. At the Dreiländereck a 3 person chairlift takes you to the top. In addition there are a lot of beds on the mountain as well as plenty of fresh air!

3. Memorable winter experiences with the Erlebnis CARD
On many a wish list and now available – the new Winter Erlebnis CARD. Capture the loveliest holiday impressions on a Photowalk, take a beautiful Alpaca Winter Walk in Bad Bleiberg or sample some winter spirit on a tour of the Distillery Jesche. Additionally, the Erlebnis CARD programme offers a number of other leisure activities - free of charge for guests in the region.

4. Villach’s Winter Wonderland
Straight out of a fairy tale. The park of the former Park Hotel in Villach has become magical. The well-known author Thomas Brezina has initiated a winter wonder woods for Villach. Not only a tip for families, but for all winter romantics. Let yourself be mesmerised!

5. Experience nature
Far away from stress, with breath-taking and vast views, a holiday with us can be quiet and peaceful. Whether you take a snowshoe hike on Verditz mountain, a winter hike on the Gerlitzen Alp, a ski tour at Nature Park Dobratsch, cross country ski in the Alpen Arena of Villach, or skate on natural ice – enjoy the beauty of our landscape.

6. Ski & Thermal Swim
Would you like to take a dip in thermal waters after a full day’s skiing? We have two great opportunities for your relaxation. With your ski tickets from the Gerlitzen Alp and the Dreiländereck you will receive a 20% discount on your entry from 5 p.m. Or you can purchase a Ski & Thermen Combi ticket – this ticket includes all the benefits of the thermal baths from 4 p.m.

7. Livingroom Villach
Winter and summer, the historic old town of Villach becomes the largest outdoor living room in Carinthia. Decorated with attention to detail, atmospheric open-air cafes and restaurants will invite you to linger during this wintry season. You can stroll through town, warm-up with a Glühwein or Glühmost (mulled wine or cider) and exchange a kiss under the mistletoe at the Heart of Villach on the Hans Gasser Square.

8. Carnival with a difference
Extraordinary times call for extraordinary measures. Unfortunately, the parade can’t take place. That is why Villach Fasching, the carnival organisers, have come up with something special. More information to follow.

9. The Winter Kärnten Card
In keeping with the motto „winter pleasures and holiday fun“ you can use the Kärnten Card to explore excursion destinations, thermal baths and mountains too. Additionally, there are several discounts with bonus partners. A one or two week card can be purchased at tourist information offices, online and at designated sales points. For all those who arrive during Advent, there is a special treat, a 3 day Kärnten Card.

10. Health tips for your winter holiday
So that you can feel safe during your winter holiday, all tourist establishments in our region have put special measures in place, whether for your skiing adventure in the ski resorts Gerlizen Alp and Dreiländereck, during a relaxing wellness day in the KärntenTherme in Warmbad-Villach, during magical moments in the Nature Park Dobratsch or while visiting the historic town centre of Villach, the city of lights. The excursion destination partners of the Winter Kärnten Card as well as the guides working with the Winter Erlebnis CARD programme have considered everything to protect you and your loved ones. Further information about the current situation in Carinthia can be found here.