Turracher Höhe Ski Resort

Turracher Höhe ski resort extends over 43 kilometres of slopes between the two Austrian regions of Carinthia and Styria. At a unique location on a plateau around Lake Turrach, it is known for its snow safety. Some of the 15 lifts start running in late autumn, giving it one of the earliest seasons in Austria.

Besides its extraordinary location, Turracher Höhe also features a service that is largely unheard of. A ski-butler tours the resort on his butler mobil, helping guests with all kinds of questions, and providing tissues, sweets, or even a glass of prosecco. Places to relax and restore can be found all over the resort, and from February or March, cars' windscreens are cleaned. Furthermore, parking is free of charge.

The beginners' trails are right by Lake Turrach. Mängländer-, Ottifanten-, and Übungswiesen-Lift take you to the practice runs. On Wednesdays, the run at Übungswiesen-Lift is even open for night skiing. Once you've gotten a hang of it, you can ski a number of clues at the east side of the resort.

More experienced skiers explore the area on the 12 kilometre (7.5 miles) Turrach circuit. Numerous red trails make sure you don't get bored. Carvers will love the wide slopes at Kornockbahn's top station - at 7,234 feet you start at the highest spot of the resort. True experts only find one black run, Direttissima (no. 35), but there is ample opportunity to go into the back country.

Freestylers will enjoy the terrain park at Hirschkogelabfahrt (no. 2). You can choose between beginners' intermediate, and expert trails. Furthermore, there is a jib arena. If you don't want to jump obstacles, check out the Funslopes  at Turracher Höhe. Nocky's WinterZeit is the place to go for children.

Nobody has to ski on an empty stomach at Turracher Höhe. A total of 14 on-mountain dining facilities are on option. Each of them has their own speciality. Gasthof Almstube at Übungswiesenlift is known for its hay soup, while Bauernstub'n at Panoramabahn features cheese soup in a bread pot. Get a proper meal with the Skifahrer-Pfandl at Hotel Turracherhof, or a steak at Alpengasthof Siegel am See. If you just want to get back on the slopes as soon as possible, go through the ski drive-through at K-Alm by Kornockbahn's base station.

Beginners should try the beautiful panoramic run (no. 8) with its great views of the surrounding mountains. Athletic skiers should try the long Eisenhut (no. 21) and the FIS run (no. 20).

Off-piste you will find lots of trails for cross-country skiing and hiking. Ice skating on Lake Turrach, at the mountain backdrop, is another highlight. Race down Nocky Flitzer, a year-round Alpine rollercoaster. Furthermore, lighted toboggan runs are open Tuesdays and Thursdays until 9.30 pm.

You've had it with the outdoors? Visit the gemstone museum Kranzelbinder. Besides gemstones from all over the world, you can marvel at giant berg crystals.

If you're looking for a party after the lifts have closed, check out K-Alm or Sonnalm. At Nockalm's pavillion you will get cold beer on tap.

Treat yourself to dinner at Schlosshotel Seewirt after a long day on the slopes. The menu features traditional dishes as well as creative international cuisine. Moreover, the restaurant offers gala menus and theme nights. At Gasthof Zum Bergmann, chef Georg Meier spoils the guests, while Almgasthof Wildbachhütte is known for its trouts from their own pond as well as home-made Kärntner Kasnudel. Hotel Hochschober also features a vegan menu.

By car:
Turrach is situated off B95. Coming from A10, take exit St. Michael (from the north) or Villach-Ossiacher See (from the south). Traveling from Graz, take A2 until Klagenfurt Nord and change onto B95. Coming from Vienna, pass Judenburg to Scheifling. You get to B95 via B97 at Predlitz-Turrach.

By train:
There are several options to come here by train: Südbahn goes until Unzmark, then you go on to Predlitz with Murtalbahn. From there, you can take a taxi to Turrach. Furthermore, Tauernbahn goes until Spittal, from where you can get a bus or a taxi.

By plane:
Klagenfurt Airport is located approximately 60 kilometres from Turrach.