When the British winter begins to bite, Austria’s southernmost province, Carinthia, offers an enticing alternative. Nestled beneath the main Alpine ridge stretching across central Europe, Carinthia isn’t just another ski destination—it’s the Alps’ largest sun terrace, where snow sports meet sunshine, wellness, and a warm southern welcome. With over 100 hours more winter sunshine than resorts north of the ridge, Carinthia is redefining what a ski holiday can be: bright, indulgent, and deeply restorative.
Sensational Sunny Slopes
© nassfeld.at
Carinthia’s claim to fame isn’t just its snow reliability—it’s the sheer amount of sunshine it receives between the snow showers. Across 24 ski areas, from intimate family resorts to expansive alpine playgrounds, skiers and snowboarders can expect kilometres of well-groomed pistes, panoramic descents, and a distinctly relaxed atmosphere. Whether you’re carving through powder at Nassfeld or cruising scenic runs in Bad Kleinkirchheim, the high probability of sunny weather here is part of the experience.
Carinthia is a dream for snow lovers, especially those seeking relaxed, scenic days on the slopes. With a season stretching from October to May thanks to the availability of high-altitude slopes at the Mölltal Glacier, it’s a region that caters brilliantly to both beginners and seasoned skiers.
The largest resort, Nassfeld, boasts around 110 kilometres of pistes and even spills over the border into Italy — perfect for those who fancy a cappuccino with their carving. Bad Kleinkirchheim offers another 100 kilometres of skiing, with the added bonus of two thermal spas for post-ski unwinding. For high-altitude adventure, Heiligenblut delivers snow-sure slopes at nearly 3,000 metres and a vast freeride area beneath the mighty Grossglockner.
© Kaernten-Werbung_photographer_Michael-Stabentheiner
For those watching their budget, Carinthia’s smaller resorts offer great value without skimping on charm and the excellent Carinthia Ski Pass unlocks access to dozens of resorts across the province. For newcomers, there’s even a “Learn to Ski in 3 Days” programme with a money-back guarantee.
Don’t forget, wherever in Carinthia you choose to ski, it’s not just great snow but that abundance of sunshine isn’t just anecdote, Carinthia records around 100 more hours of winter sun than its northern counterparts, making it a magnet for those who crave vitamin D with their downhill thrills.
Carinthia’s Magical Advent
© Woerthersee-Tourismus-GmbH_Gert-Steinthaler
Carinthia’s Advent Season is a real highlight with a celebration of warmth and tradition, set against snow-dusted alpine backdrops and shimmering lakes. Markets spring to life in charming towns and lakeside villages, where wooden stalls brim with handcrafted gifts, mulled wine, and regional delicacies. The festive spirit is heightened by choirs, lantern-lit mountain walks, festive boat rides, and the scent of cinnamon drifting through crisp mountain air. From Klagenfurt’s historic squares to lakeside promenades at Wörthersee and Millstatt there’s so much to see and do. Aong the most popular are the Katschberg Advent Path, Velden’s “Town of Angels,” and Pyramidenkogel’s sky-high celebrations—blending tradition, nature, and joyful surprises for all ages.
Where Lakes Meet Light
© Kaernten-Werbung_photographer_Gert-Perauer-Foto-Perauer
Beyond the slopes, Carinthia’s winter wellness scene is a revelation. Imagine soaking in a lakeside sauna while the winter sun glints off frozen water, or stepping into a thermal spa with snow-capped peaks as your backdrop. At Kärnten Therme in Warmbad Villach, guests can bask in outdoor pools wearing only swimwear, even in the heart of winter.
The lakeside bathhouses of Lake Millstatt, Lake Wörthersee, and Lake Klopeiner See offer glazed sanctuaries where the sun’s warmth is amplified. For those seeking deeper relaxation, the twin thermal spas of Bad Kleinkirchheim—the Römerbad and Therme St. Kathrein—combine Alpine-Adriatic hospitality with world-class facilities.
Even hotels are getting in on the act, providing wellness with a view with heated lakeside pools that let guests float beneath the winter sky.
Touring with Comfort
For ski tourers, Carinthia offers something truly unique: the Nockberge-Trail, Austria’s first bookable multi-day ski touring route. Connecting five ski areas—Katschberg, Innerkrems, Turracher Höhe, Falkert, and Bad Kleinkirchheim/St. Oswald—the trail is designed for leisure tourers with solid fitness and experience, but without the need for high alpine technical skills.
Image © Kaernten-Werbung_photographer_Franz-Gerdl
Each of the five stages takes up to six hours, with lifts and cable cars available to ease altitude gains. The motto is simple: start when, where, and with whom you want. And unlike traditional hut-to-hut tours, the Nockberge-Trail offers overnight stays in wellness hotels serving refined Alpine-Adriatic cuisine.
Add in a luggage shuttle, partner businesses, and a dedicated trail hotline, and you’ve got a ski touring experience that’s as seamless as it is scenic.
The Winter Kärnten Card: Your All-Access Pass
Whether you’re skiing, snowshoeing, or simply exploring, the Winter Kärnten Card is your key to Carinthia’s seasonal treasures. It includes access to selected thermal spas, mountain railways, and leisure activities—ideal for families or those mixing slope time with off-piste adventures.
From panoramic snowshoe hikes to scenic gondola rides, the card opens doors across the region, making it easier to experience Carinthia’s diversity without the logistical hassle.
Events & Experiences Beyond the Slopes
© Weissensee-Information_photographer_Martin-Steinthaler-tinefoto-com
Carinthia’s winter magic isn’t confined to the mountains. Lake Weissensee transforms into Europe’s largest frozen natural ice surface, hosting everything from casual skating to competitive speed events. Cross-country skiers can explore panoramic trails and families will find dedicated areas for sledding and beginner skiing, with family-focused resorts offering tailored packages.
The region’s event calendar is equally rich, with cultural festivals, culinary showcases, and seasonal markets adding depth to the winter experience. For a full overview, the Carinthia events page is a useful resource.
Where to Stay
Accommodation in Carinthia ranges from rustic chalets to luxury wellness hotels. Many properties embrace the Alpine-Adriatic ethos, blending Austrian precision with Mediterranean warmth. Booking is streamlined via the official accommodation portal, which includes everything from lakeside lodges to ski-in/ski-out hotels.
For those tackling the Nockberge-Trail or seeking spa-focused stays, partner hotels offer curated experiences that combine activity with indulgence.
A Taste of the South
© Kaernten-Werbung_photographer_Tine-Steinthaler
No winter holiday is complete without culinary discovery, and Carinthia certainly delivers in this regard. The region’s Alps-Adriatic cuisine draws on Austrian, Italian, and Slovenian influences, resulting in dishes that are hearty yet refined. Think creamy polenta with mountain cheese, lake fish with herbs, and pastries infused with local fruit and nuts.
Many ski resorts and wellness hotels feature menus that celebrate this fusion, turning every meal into a cultural experience.
Why Carinthia Now?
Getting to Carinthia from the UK is easier than ever this winter, thanks to Ryanair’s new direct flights from London Stansted to Klagenfurt. With a flight time of just over two hours and twice-weekly departures, it’s a smooth gateway to Austria’s southern slopes and spa towns. For those tempted by something more restful than racing down pistes, Klagenfurt also offers the Magical Winter Timeout package—a two-night escape of festive markets, cosy comfort, and lakeside charm.
As we seek winter escapes that go beyond the ordinary, Carinthia stands out. It’s not just the sunshine—though that helps. It’s the blend of snow sports, wellness, nature, and hospitality that makes this region feel like a discovery.
See Visit Carinthia to help plan your snowy, sunny trip. Carinthia is waiting.
Find out more at visitcarinthia.at/
Main Image © MBN-Tourismus_photographer_Mathias-Praegant