Ski tours in the Carnic and Gailtal Alps
Nothing but silence around you, picturesque winter landscapes and soft powder snow: Thanks to the special micro-climate on the sunny side of the Alps, there’s plenty of fresh snow falling in regular intervals. This creates perfect conditions for a ski tour in the Carnic and Gailtal Alps. And this sport is rapidly gaining in popularity: More and more winter sports enthusiasts are discovering their passion for ski touring. No wonder – there’s hardly another sport that makes you feel this close to nature.
An athletic challenge combined with pure skiing fun is what makes ski touring in the World of Mountains & Lakes a truly magical experience.
Reasons for going on a ski tour
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At one with nature: Th snow-covered pastures and harsh summits of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps are definitely a sight to see. The World of Mountains & Lakes is awe-inspiring – no wonder it attracts winter sports athletes from around the globe. And if you’re up for the challenge of exploring higher altitudes on your touring skis, you’ll be rewarded with breathtaking scenic views: the summits of the Carnic, Julian and Gailtal Alps all around – sometimes, you might even be able to see the Großglockner and the Adriatic Sea.
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A sporty challenge: Downhill skiing isn’t the only sport that allows you to test your limits. Ski touring requires strength and a substantial level of endurance. Be sure to bring enough snacks to keep you well-fuelled, and then you’re all set to discover the mountains step by step!
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Routes for every taste and every level of skill: Ski touring is just something for extreme athletes? Far from it! Everyone can go on a ski tour as long as they are familiar with the technique, have a basic level of endurance, and appropriate equipment. The diverse World of Mountains & Lakes boasts perfect conditions for beginners, advanced and even pro ski tourers.
Safety first: Nothing’s more important than staying safe while out and about in the mountains. Find out about the snow conditions and avalanche warnings ahead of every tour!
Good to know: Ski touring means immersing yourself in nature. So please be mindful of your surroundings and the wildlife in the region! Follow the signposted routes and give the animals the space they need! This avoids unnecessary stress and disturbances, and both humans and animals can enjoy some peace and quiet in the mountains …
Ski touring lessons as perfect preparation
You’re fascinated with the mountains of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps? Conquering summits and discovering new routes is your favourite pastime? Accompanied by experienced local mountain guides, ski tourers regularly explore the Alpine terrain of the Nassfeld-Pressegger See region.
During various ski touring courses, technique and theory are explained. And then, you can put your newly gained knowledge into practice exploring the enchanting winter sports destination on the sunny side of the Alps. True to the motto: Learn the necessary skills in a group and know about the possible dangers, before you head up into the Alps on your own!
Ski tours by Go-Vertical
With the ski touring and mountain guides of Go-Vertical, you can explore the two main ridges of the Carnic and Gailtal Alps on skins.
The available tours at a glance:
- Tour 11 onto Gartnerkofel: duration: 4.5 – 6 h, starting point: car park at the meadow south of the river Gail
- Tour 8 up to Rauchkofel: duration: approx. 4.5 h, guaranteed snow until the end of April, starting point: car park at the entrance to Valentintal Valley
- Tour 4 to Wodnerthörl: duration: 3 – 4 h, ascent through Valentintal Valley
- Tour 14 towards Auernig: a beautiful short ski tour of about 3 h
Ski tours by the Nassfeld Mountain Sports School
Ski touring in the World of Mountains & Lakes is quite the experience. And the Nassfeld Mountain Sports School lets you explore the Carnic, Gailtal and Julian Alps in a small group. Mountain enthusiasts can choose between an introductory course for beginners – for easy ski tours with some experience in the open terrain – or more challenging tours for advanced powder-snow pros. Always right at your side: experienced mountain and ski touring guides.
Tip: The Upper Gailtal Valley and Lesachtal Valley – Europe’s most pristine valley – are perfect for long ski tours (especially from February on). The slow-paced lifestyle down in the valley, the snowy winter landscape and the small-scale accommodation options round off the experience. Give it a try and head out on a ski tour in Lesachtal Valley!
Ski tours in the Nassfeld-Pressegger See region
The basics: ski touring equipment
To ensure your tour in pristine powder snow becomes a resounding success, you need to make sure you have the right equipment. From touring skis to skins, poles, avalanche equipment, a helmet, and breathable clothing, you should have everything on hand. Those who are new to ski touring might want to find out about the “must-haves” from their mountain guide. Or even easier: Just rent all the equipment you need at the local sports shops!
By the way: After the cable cars and lifts close, a descent on the slopes becomes incredibly dangerous, and using them is prohibited. Generally speaking, ski touring is for free. However, if you use the slopes (uphill or downhill) you need to be able to present a valid ski pass.
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Location and how to find us
The Nassfeld-Pressegger See holiday region lies in the Austrian province of Carinthia, directly next to the Italian border.
