Winter around the Balance - what our guests can experience
Winter at Lake W̦rthersee has a very special magic: tranquil shores, clear air and countless opportunities to be active or enjoy nature in a relaxed way. From Balance **** Superior, you can reach a number of varied ski areas, winter hiking trails, cross-country ski trails and excursion destinations Рideal for anyone looking for both exercise and relaxation in winter.
Ski resorts in the surrounding area
From the Balance you can reach some of the most beautiful ski areas in Carinthia and the neighbouring regions in a short time.
The Nassfeld (approx. 90 km, approx. 1 h 15 min) is one of the largest and most snow-sure ski areas in Carinthia. With around 110 kilometres of pistes in all levels of difficulty, both beginners and sporty skiers will find the perfect descent. The large selection of wide, sunny pistes makes it an ideal destination for a day trip.
Bad Kleinkirchheim (approx. 65 km, around 1 h) is known for its varied red pistes. Around 103 kilometres of pistes are dominated by medium-difficulty runs, supplemented by some easy and challenging routes. If you wish, you can round off your day’s skiing in a cosy atmosphere in the thermal spa resort.The Gerlitzen Alpe is only around 25 kilometres away and is particularly close to the Balance and can be reached in around 30 minutes. The family-friendly ski area offers almost 53 kilometres of pistes with a balanced mix of easy, intermediate and more challenging runs – perfect for a spontaneous morning of skiing or a leisurely day in the sun.The Turracher Höhe can be reached in just under 1 h 15 min (approx. 70 km). The area is known for its high altitude and guaranteed snow as well as its perfectly groomed pistes, which are suitable for beginners and advanced skiers alike. The Turrach also offers a variety of winter hiking and cross-country skiing options.The Petzen (approx. 55 km, approx. 55 min) is a smaller, very straightforward ski area. The pistes are predominantly easy to moderately difficult and therefore ideal for families, beginners and leisurely days of skiing.The Simonhöhe is around 30 kilometres away and is a classic for beginners. The journey only takes around 35 minutes, the pistes are predominantly blue and therefore ideal for families with children.The Katschberg (around 95 km, approx. 1 h 10 min) offers over 70 kilometres of pistes on two connected mountain sides. Most of the runs are in the red area, supplemented by a few easy pistes – perfect for sporty connoisseurs.Tarvis in Italy is around 60 km away from the hotel (approx. 50 min) and impresses with its ski resort Monte Lussari. The mix of Italian flair, wide slopes and picturesque panoramas makes the trip particularly appealing.</p
Cross-country skiing & winter hiking
There is also plenty to experience away from the pistes.
Bodental (Rosental, Carinthia)
The panoramic high-altitude trail in Bodental runs for around 11 km from Gasthof Sereinig via the “Meerauge” to Märchenwiese. It is considered medium in terms of difficulty: slightly ascending sections across meadows and through forest sections, so good for pleasure cross-country skiers with some fitness. (The distance from the hotel is approx. 35-45 minutes – exact start of the tour depending on traffic).
Nassfeld-Pressegger See (cross-country skiing centre)
The cross-country skiing centre at Nassfeld offers a network of trails – a total of around 130 km in the regional network, of which around 22 km directly at Nassfeld. The difficulty levels range from easy to medium – thanks to the large network, everyone will find the right level.
(Ideal excursion for cross-country skiers looking for slightly longer routes).
Cross-country skiing around the Balance
The first cross-country ski trails start just a few minutes away from Balance. The Rauchenberg/Moosburg cross-country ski trail, which is perfect for beginners and connoisseurs with its gentle meadows and forest passages, is particularly easy to reach. The Zauchen cross-country ski trail between Pörtschach and Velden is also nearby if the snow conditions are good. For all those looking for a real nature experience, we recommend the impressive Panorama-Höhenloipe in Bodental, one of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in Carinthia.
sledging, snowshoeing, ski touring & ice skating
Sledging & ski tours in the mountains of Carinthia
There are several idyllic sledging runs around Lake Wörthersee, including in the Bodental, on the Simonhöhe or in the Gerlitzen area. Snowshoe hikes are possible in almost all higher regions – the area around the Turracher Höhe, the Bodental and the Gerlitzen Alpe are particularly beautiful.
Those who love ski tours will find numerous routes with different altitude profiles throughout the region. The selection ranges from easy beginner tours to more challenging routes in the Karawanken or the Nockberge. Safe planning and the current avalanche situation are always a prerequisite.
Ice skating on natural lakes
When the temperatures allow, some of the surrounding lakes are transformed into impressive natural ice surfaces.
The Weißensee (approx. 80 km, approx. 1 h 15 min) is known throughout Europe for its huge, prepared ice surface – an experience not to be missed in winter. However, smaller natural lakes such as Rauschelesee (approx. 10 km, approx. 15 min) or Längsee (approx. 35 km, approx. 35 min) also offer wonderful conditions for relaxing laps on the ice – provided the ice is thick enough.
