1. uphill tobogganing on the Saualm
Because the tobogganing fun is often quite short compared to the time it takes to climb to the starting point, the lift operators on the Saualpe have come up with the BergAufRodeln, which is already in its third season this year. Once again this year, 40 toboggans are available for hire in the Steinerhütte-Saualpe ski area, high above Eberstein. And because the resort has also invested in floodlights, tobogganing fun is even possible until 9 p.m. at weekends and during school vacations.
The family ski resort also offers two T-bar lifts and wide, perfectly groomed pistes. Snowshoe hikers and ski tourers will also find their summit happiness here, which guarantees sweeping views of Carinthia. Tip: Start in the afternoon and enjoy the sunset – a truly epic moment! The Central Carinthia region also offers guided snowshoe tours with a mountain hiking guide to the Großer Sauofen. These take place on January 15 and 22 as well as February 8 and 15, 2025 – it’s best to register for these magical moments right away.
2. experience the winter atmosphere in the castle town of Friesach
One of the negative aspects of the cold season is the fact that daylight tends to be in short supply. As well as regularly taking artificial vitamin D, it is therefore also advisable to turn night into day. The castle town of Friesach has a particularly mystical atmosphere in winter. Elisabeth Pirker takes the experience to the extreme. As a night watchwoman, she guides you through Friesach in the evening and tells stories from days gone by. She also knows the legend about the town ghost, who is said to be on the loose in the town from midnight. Tip: The calories burned during the winter Friesach excursion can be replenished with a stop at the Craigher chocolate factory.
3. carving through the snow on the Simonhöhe under floodlights
Many Carinthians have nostalgic feelings when they think of the Simonhöhe, as it was here in the Wimitz mountains that they first strapped on their skis. The ski area in the municipality of St. Urban is easy to reach thanks to its central location and, with 15 kilometers of pistes, offers families in particular an exciting day’s skiing for skiers of all ages. With the digital lift pass, there is no need to queue and you can hit the slopes straight away. The night skiing on the Simonhöhe offers a very special flair every Friday from 16:00 to 19:00.
The Simonhöhe is also well on the way to becoming the center of excellence for snowboarders in Carinthia. Every Saturday, courses are held for the potential successors of local stars Alexander Payer and Sabine Schöffmann. And anyone who wants to watch the pros race boarding will have the opportunity to do so on January 25 and 26 and February 8 and 9, 2025. That’s when the European Cup races take place again on the Simonhöhe.
4. experience magical moments on the Lorenziberg
The Lorenziberg, high above St. Veit, is not only a wonderful panoramic mountain, but also the setting for the guided snowshoe or hiking tour (depending on snow conditions) every Thursday in January and February 2024. The relaxed tour through the winter forest starts at 14:00 and is easily doable for any hiker with a basic level of fitness. In the Dammerung, the “blue hour” high above the ducal city appears particularly intense.
5. simply immerse yourself in St. Veit or Magdalensberg
If you want to escape the cold for a day in winter and do something good for yourself, book a day spa at the Gipfelhaus on Magdalensberg. Always included: the unique view over large parts of Carinthia, the constantly steaming, heated outdoor infinity pool and many other highlights. Culinary delights are also included, as either breakfast or a five-course dinner menu are always included in the package. The natural swimming pond is also available for the ever-increasing number of die-hards who have discovered winter swimming for themselves. The indoor pool in St. Veit an der Glan is available for all those who want to swim their lengths in pleasantly temperate water. And there is also a sauna and solarium for a warming kick.
6. burn off some energy cross-country skiing on the Flattnitz
The gentle pass landscape in the Gurktal Alps is currently in its full glory after almost half a meter of fresh snow. Wonderful snowshoe hikes and ski tours are possible up to an altitude of 1,860 meters. The natural spectacle on the Hirnkopf is particularly impressive on full moon nights. You can even stop off at night at the Hirnkopfhütte, which is open especially for moon lovers. By day, on the other hand, skiers also get their money’s worth – whether alpine or Nordic. In addition to the
7. experience the hustle and bustle of carnival
Carinthia is the carnival stronghold par excellence and here in Central Carinthia, too, the jesters get going again in January and February. Whether it’s “Namla-woll-woll”, “Äha-Schau-Schau!” or “Eanta….Do schon”: the variety of carnival cries in the region is almost never-ending. The biggest carnival sessions naturally take place in the district capital of St. Veit, where the fifth season is celebrated with the most colorful carnival parade on Shrove Tuesday. But people in Althofen, Guttaring and Frauenstein also take the mickey out of local politicians, social issues and themselves at carnival – laughs included! In culinary terms, carnival doughnuts (“Never say Berliner to him!”) and the classic herring salad are of course an absolute must.
8. throw New Year’s resolutions of a culinary nature overboard
Last but not least, you can really fill your belly in Central Carinthia even in winter. Now that the Christmas holidays are long gone and good intentions have already been put to bed in mid-January, we recommend stopping off at one of the region’s culinary artisans.
