Skiing and Snowboarding In Nassfeld
Nassfeld is among the largest and most modern ski resorts in Austria. Situated close to the Italian border in sunny southern Carinthia, Nassfeld offers skiers and snowboarders of all ages and skill levels a unique mix of snow, sun and fun. Whether your interest is exploring the diverse slopes and terrain parks, soaking in the incredible views of the Alps or enjoying the energetic après-ski scene, Nassfeld has something for everyone.
Nassfeld has 110 kilometers of easy to difficult slopes to suit all skill levels of skier or snowboarder. Thirty modern elevators are available to choose from; one of them is the Millennium Express, the longest cable car in the Alps that will take you to the summit in just seventeen minutes. Another option is Snowpark Nassfeld, one of the best terrain parks in Austria. In addition to rails, boxes and kickers, it has halfpipes for freestyle aficionados. If you’re up for a challenge, Trögl, Austria’s steepest hill, or Carnia, Carinthia’s longest run, are fantastic places to test your mettle.
Nassfeld also offers several facilities and services to improve your comfort and fun while snowboarding and skiing. One of the ski schools allows you to enroll in courses taught by qualified teachers, who will teach you the basics or help you progress in your skill level. Ski rental and service shops offer modern equipment for rent or purchase. Your equipment can also be stored near the lifts at ski resorts. The free ski bus, ski film, ski photo and ski knowledge points will also help you increase your fun and safety on the slopes.
One of Nassfeld’s favorite free bus networks, Sun Ski World connects twelve ski resorts in Austria and Italy. With just one ski pass, you can discover more than 800 kilometers of slopes and savor the diversity of cultures, landscapes and gastronomic traditions. Ski from the sunny south to the snowy north or from the Austrian Alps to the Italian Dolomites for the best of both worlds. Also discover the region’s hidden gems; the most pristine valley in the Alps, the Lesachtal and the Weissensee, Europe’s highest natural ice skating rink.
Ski Area In Nassfeld
Nassfeld says he is the suniest resort in the country since the winter has 15% more sunshine hours on average than other areas. Though the sun may fool you, Nassfeld also enjoys a lot of snowfall because of its special location near the Adriatic Sea, which generates cold, humid air masses that cause snow to fall on the nearby mountains. Nassfeld claims an average snow depth of 2.5 meters on the slopes with a modern snow-making system covering 99% of the terrain.
Nassfeld offers a range of slopes for skiers and snowboarders of all ability levels with 110 kilometers of well-maintaining trails. A ski bridge and a shuttle bus link the two main sections of the resort, Madritche and Trogkofel. The main center of the resort, Madritsche, hosts most of the lodging and lifts. Trogkofel, with longer and steeper runs some of which span tree line, is a more challenging and scenic area.
The Millennium Express, the longest cable car in the Alps, links the valley station in Tropolach to the summit station in 17 minutes, thus Madritsche is the main access point to the slopes. From there, there is a variety of red runs for choice mostly accessible via the Madritschen and Trogel chairlifts. These runs are ideal for intermediate skiers who appreciate riding on wide, well-groomed slopes with clear views of the surrounding mountains.
One of Madritsche’s favorites is the ski-in/ski-out village Sonnenalpe Nassfeld, which offers lodging, dining, and entertainment choices. The hamlet is exactly on the Italian border, thus it’s easy to ski over and enjoy Italian cuisine and culture. This is also the area with easy lifts and slow slopes for beginners.
Another draw of Madritsche is the longest run in Nassfeld, the Carnia. Starting at the top of the Zweikofelbahn gondola, it falls 7.6 kilometers downhill to the valley station in Tropolach. FIS-certified, the track offers an exciting journey over a range of terrain including steep, narrow sections and wide, level stretches. Every Wednesday, the run is also illuminated beginning at 7 p.m. till ten o’clock. for skiing at night.
Trogkofel is the place to visit for more challenge and adventure sought by experienced skiers and snowboarders. The 2,280-meter highest point of the resort is reached by the Trogkofelbahn and Zweikofelbahn gondolas, so rendering the area accessible. From there, you can enjoy some of the most amazing and difficult runs in Nassfeld, including the Schnittlauchkofel run, which has a black option in the Trogkofelabfahrt, or the speed run, where you can pit your speed and skill against the clock.
Furthermore, Trogkofel offers some off-piste choices where you might investigate the powder fields and couloirs under the peaks of Trogkofel and Rosskofel, especially in view of recent snowfall. Still, you should always be alert for an avalanche and follow safety advice and warning signs.
Apart from providing a refuge for skiers, Nassfeld is a dream come true for snowboarders since its varied terrain and features suit any ability level or inclination. Having hosted several big international snowboarding events including the World Cup and the Snowboard Junior World Cup, Nassfeld is well-known as a snowboarding hotspot.
Snowboarders mostly find appeal in the Snowboard Arena, reachable from the Gartnerkofel by chairlift. It lies in the Garnitzen Alm neighbourhood. The half-pipe and terrain park of the Snowboard Arena lets you pick the brains of the pros or show off your skills. The terrain park provides a range of lines and challenges including quarter pipes, kickers, boxes, and rails for every degree of difficulty. Considered The Pipe, this 150-meter-long and 6-meter-high beast challenges even the most experienced riders. Among all of Europe, this is among the best half-pipes.
Nassfeld Beginner Skiing
Nassfeld is a great place for first-time snowboarders and skiers with two approved beginner zones, Tressdorfer Alm and Sonnenalpe, easy and sunny slopes, beginner-friendly lifts, and ski schools that can fit your needs and language. Furthermore, you can progress to some of the blue runs connecting various areas of the resort, where you can enjoy the charming hamlet vibe and the amazing views. Nassfeld is a place where you can simultaneously have fun and learn while maximizing your skiing vacation.
Tressdorfer Alm
Beside the second Millennium Express gondola station, the longest cable car in the Alps, Tressdorfer Alm is beginner friendly. Accessible from a drag lift and a magic carpet, this area boasts a broad, slow slope. Perfect for developing your basic skiing techniques including braking, turning, and balancing is the hill. You also have access to the broad views of the mountains and valleys nearby.
If you’re feeling bold enough, try one of the nearby blue runs—like the 2.2km Tressdorfer Almabfahrt—which returns you to the gondola station. Alternatively, you might investigate the cosy hut and simpler runs of the picturesque Schlanitzer Alm. You can also sign up for Tressdorfer Alm’s ski school, where you may pick the brains of qualified teachers speaking in your mother tongue. Along with private or group instruction, they offer half-hour classes.
Sonnenalpe
Reached by the Sonnenalpe chairlift or the Millennium Express gondola, Sonnenalpe is another beginner-friendly location situated at a village on the mountain. Here is another novice area with a platter lift and magic carpet. Furthermore, the mild and broad slope makes it perfect for teaching novices the foundations of skiing. Apart from its little eateries and chalets, the hamlet presents a sunny and friendly environment for you to enjoy.
From Sonnenalpe, some of the blue runs connecting to other parts of the resort—the Watschiger Alm, the Madritsche, and the Gartnerkofel—are also reachable. Even beginners can manage these longer and more varied runs. Enrolling in Sonnenalpe’s ski school offers another choice since more of the teachers there are multilingual. They offer group or private lessons starting at half-day, same as the Tressdorfer Alm ski school.
Nassfeld Intermediate Skiing
One of the best places in Nassfeld for intermediate skiing is the Madritschen area, reachable from the valley station in Tropolach via the Millennium Express gondola. Here one finds a network of red and blue that offers a spectrum of terrain and views. Perfect for warming up or honing your turns is the wide, mild Madritschen run. Another choice is a more challenging Dreier run with some steeper portions and moguls. Riding the Sonnleitn chairlift will get you to the Sonnleitn area, where there are exciting snowparks and more red runs if you’re game for an adventure. Additionally look at the off-piste choices between the runs. High altitude and south-facing orientation of the Madritschen area help to explain its reputation for sunny, snow-sure conditions.
For intermediate skiing in Nassfeld, the Sonnenalpe area atop the resort is quite good. Along with some of the longest and most beautiful runs in Nassfeld, these are some of the best ski-in/ski-out hotels. From your hotel, you can ski straight to the Trogl chairlift to reach the Tressdorfer Hohe, where several red and blue runs wait. Skiing is possible on the long, meandering red Sonnenalpe run with broad views of the nearby mountains. Another choice for skiing is the Gartnerkofel run, a harder red run across a tunnel and a snow-covered forest. The Carnia run, a black run starting at Nassfeld’s highest point and falling over seven kilometers to the valley, will test your skills. Furthermore well-known for their pleasant, sunny climate is the Sonnenalpe area, which improves skiing’s enjoyment and comfort.
Nassfeld Advanced Skiing
Nassfeld is a great place for experienced skiers and snowboarders since it presents a range of possibilities and challenges suitable for their degree of ability and preferences. Whether your taste is for long, beautiful runs, unpisted and off-piste experiences, or steep, slippery slopes, Nassfeld boasts enough of skiing and snowboarding.
The Trogkofel Area: Steep and Slippery Slopes
One of the toughest regions in Nassfeld is the Trogkofel area, which lies to the right of the mountain as seen from the valley. Service for this area comes from the Trogkofelbahn gondola, the Zweikofelbahn gondola, and the Rudnigsattel lifts. These are some of the resort’s steepest and slippiest slopes, along with some unpished and off-piste choices.
If you’re looking for a sharp and challenging ski path, you can descend to Mossern from the Rudnigsattel draglift to the left. Especially in hard or icy snow, this is an unpisted black run that can be quite demanding. You will need confidence and good skills to negotiate this slope.
Another choice is to use the Trogkofelbahn gondola and the black run tool. This steep and sometimes slick hill will test your balance and control. You will also be blessed with some amazing views of the surrounding mountains and valleys as you descend.
The Trogkofel area also features steep and interesting red runs like the Schnittlauchkofel run down to Rastl. These runs are perfect for advanced skiers seeking a combination of fun and variety together with speed and adrenaline. There are some fantastic sites for freeriding and carving along the way.
The Carnia Run: A Spectacular Descent
From the Zweikofelbahn gondola, the Carnia run is among the best sections of Nassfeld skiing available. A long and gorgeous red run, it falls roughly 4,000 feet to the Tropolach valley lodge. Along the road, you will pass gorges, rocky cliffs, alpine meadows and forests among other settings. You will pass into Italy along the way and soak in some of the most amazing views of the Carnic Alps.
Although the Carnia run isn’t very difficult, it is immensely satisfying and fun. It’s among the longest runs in the resort; you’ll finish in about thirty minutes. Along with some downtime to enjoy the view and take some pictures, you will need great endurance and stamina to finish this run. < Every skier or snowboarder visiting Nassfeld has to do the Carnia run.
The Hohe-Hohe Variant: An Unpisted and Engaging Black Run
For those looking for something more bold and challenging, the Hohe-Hohe Variant—an unpisted black run starting at the Hohe-Hohe lift—is an alternative. From Mossern, this lift lets you reach the start of the run at Madritsche. A difficult and steep hill, the Hohe-Hohe Variant will call for all of your will and focus. Good conditions will bring some deep, fresh snow along with some bumps, moguls, and narrow stretches.
Though difficult, the Hohe-Hohe Variant is a great option for experienced skiers looking for some of Nassfeld’s best off-piste skiing. Along with some amazing views of the mountains and the valley as you descend. The Hohe-Hohe Variant is a hidden treasure; you should not pass up it.
The Lesachtal Valley: A Paradise for Ski Touring
If you’re looking for something more bold and unusual, the Lesachtal Valley—one of the most beautiful and immaculate areas in the Eastern Alps—is something to investigate. The Lesachtal Valley is a great place for ski touring with its broad spectrum of paths and terraces, regular snowfall, and low avalanche risk. These unspoiled, immaculate hills let you create your own paths and enjoy some of the best powder skiing the region has to provide.
There are about seven main paths in the Lesachtal Valley, and each one offers amazing landscape. Though the reward is long, dark, and exciting descends of over 4,000 feet vertical elevation, often in powder, they demand a two to four-hour skin-on ascent. Among the most often visited paths are the Gamskofel, the Hochspitz, and the Hochweißstein. To find the best locations and ensure your safety, you could pay a guide from a ski school or the local tourist offices more specifics about these paths.
The Lesachtal Valley, where one can engage in some of the most authentic and unspoiled skiing experiences in the Alps, will find heaven among ski touring aficionados. Along with an adventurous attitude, you will need a good degree of fitness, tools, and environmental awareness to appreciate these paths.
Nassfeld Boarding & Freestyle
Nassfeld features a well-known half-pipe, quarter-pipe, jumps, and snowcross park for boarders and freestyle aficioners. Hosting World Cup events, the resort wants to be considered as a Mecca for snowboarders. For all skill levels, Nassfeld’s boarding and freestyle sections challenge and give an adrenaline rush.
Terrain Park
Nestled on the Gartnerkofel mountain, Nassfeld’s terrain park offers a variety of elements catered to different degrees of ability. Jumps, boxes, kickers, and rails abound that will challenge your balance, agility, and creative ability. Every day, a professional crew maintains the park; it also boasts a sound system and a chill-out section for socializing and relaxation.
Mogul Runs
Nassfeld’s mogul runs on the Madritschen mountain should appeal to those more of a bump and curve kind of person. As you negotiate the uneven terrain, these runs are supposed to test your endurance and technique. Nassfeld also has a ski school where you might pick lessons in mogul and funpark skills and grow in ability by learning from the pros.
Half-Pipe and Snowboard Arena
Most snowboarders gather on the half-pipe and terrain park-filled Garnitzen Alm section of the mountain, which runs to the left of the summit. Comprising 120 meters in length and 15 meters in width, the half-pipe is among the best in all of Europe with walls as high as five meters. Apart from organizing international contests including the World Cup and the Snowboard Junior World Cup, the half-pipe is open to the general people.
Situated next to the half-pipe, the Snowboard Arena appeals especially to snowboarders. High jumps, quarter pipes, and a snowcross park there ensure hours of thrills and entertainment. On the snowcross park, you might race friends or other riders on the banked turns, rollers, and jumps course.
Having staged four World Cup events and the Snowboard Junior World Cup, Nassfeld is becoming rather well-known among snowboarders. Those who experienced the excitement and challenge of the Pipe talk of it in soft whispers.
Cross-country Skiing In The Nassfeld
The 130 kilometers of well-maintained cross-country trails in the Nassfeld-Pressegger See area are perfect for all skill levels of skiers. You might explore the lovely Gailtal and Gitschtal valleys or climb the high-altitude paths found in the mountains. The neighbouring Lesachtal Valley and Lake Weissensee areas provide more cross-country choices.
Some of the highlights of the Nassfeld-Pressegger See cross-country skiing network are listed here:
- Langlaufzentrum Nassfeld-Pressegger See: Comprising five trails spanning from 3 to 10 kilometers in length, both in the valley and in the mountains, Langlaufzentrum Nassfeld-Pressegger See is a cross-country skiing venue. The center also offers a cross-country ski school, a friendly hut for beverages, and equipment rentals.
- Nordic Competence Center: Modern facility housed next to the Millennium Express cable car is a biathlon training centre Nordic Competence Center. Along with a timing system and a 3.3-kilometer trail with synthetic snowmaking, the center boasts a shooting range. Additionally sign up for a biathlon course or a professional instructor-led tour.
- Regional Trail Network: Comprising 22 routes in the Nassfeld area, the 130-kilometer Regional Trail Network is These paths span length, difficulty, and elevation, so accommodating for everyone. You might enjoy the views of the Pressegger See lake, the Gail River, and the Carnic Alps or travel the border into Italy and Slovenia.
- Lesachtal Valley: Nearby Lesachtal Valley boasts 60 kilometers of cross-country paths, including the renowned Border-Area Cross-Country Ski Trail. Until spring, this well-known path guarantees always snow. Stretched along the border between Austria and Italy, it boasts amazing views of the mountains and valleys.
- Lake Weissensee: Lake Weissensee, 35 kilometers of cross-country ski paths beside a frozen lake, is another neighboring area. Families and beginners would find most of the easy, level paths ideal. There’s also ice skating, curling, and sleigh riding on the lake.
The cross-country skiing season in the Nassfeld-Pressegger See area usually starts in December and runs until March, contingent on the state of the snow. Cross-country skiing is best in the morning since the trails are still under development and the air is fresh and clear. One can also enjoy the stars and the sunset when the evening floodlights illuminate the paths.
Ski Pistes In The Nassfeld
Madritsche, Sonnenalpe, Sonnleitn, and Gartnerkofel comprise Nassfeld’s four main areas of slope. Every area has special qualities and attractions; buses and ski lifts link each one. Here is a detailed map of the ski runs.
Thirteen piste bashers in Nassfeld, three of whom painstakingly groom and maintain the ski slopes every night using modern GPS equipment to measure the snow depth. A snow-making system covers 99% of the resort’s slopes, so ensuring perfect skiing conditions all year long. Nassfeld’s unique position in the Carnic Alps helps to explain its reputation for sunny, snowfall. With an average snow depth of 150 cm, Nassfeld’s ski season runs December through April.
The following lists Nassfeld’s several ski slopes’ kinds and lengths:
| No. | Piste | Type | Length |
|---|---|---|---|
| 1 | FIS-Abfahrt (1) | Black | 3600 m |
| 2 | Wulfenia-Abfahrt (2) | Red | 1100 m |
| 2a | Märchenwiesen Abfahrt (2a) | Blue | 900 m |
| 3 | Watschiger-Alm-Abfahrt (3) | Red | 1100 m |
| 4 | Familien-Abfahrt (4) | Blue | 3400 m |
| 6 | Felsenköpfel-Abfahrt (6) | Red | 400 m |
| 7 | Garnitzen-Alm-Abfahrt (7) | Red | 1600 m |
| 8 | Pontebbana (8) | Red | 1500 m |
| 9 | Krone-Abfahrt (9) | Red | 1400 m |
| 21 | Kanonenrohr-Abfahrt (21) | Black | 1800 m |
| 22 | Übungswiese-Nassfeld (22) | Blue | 350 m |
| 23 | Lärchenboden-Abfahrt (23) | Red | 2600 m |
| 23a | Lärchenboden Abfahrt (23a) | Red | 2600 m |
| 24 | Verbindungsabfahrt-Lärchenboden (24) | Blue | 800 m |
| 25 | Schwefelbodenabfahrt (25) | Red | 1500 m |
| 27 | Dreierliftabfahrt (27) | Red | 2100 m |
| 28 | Strohsack-Abfahrt (28) | Red | 600 m |
| 29 | Bobo-Skiweg Lärchenboden (29) | Blue | 700 m |
| 40 | Tröglabfahrt (40) | Red | 3300 m |
| 45 | Millennium-Abfahrt (45) | Red | 850 m |
| 46 | Bobo-Skiweg-Tressdorfer Alm (46) | Blue | 1500 m |
| 50 | Tressdorfer-Alm-Abfahrt (50) | Red | 3500 m |
| 51 | Leitern-Abfahrt (51) | Red | 3050 m |
| 53 | Eggerboden-Übungsgelände (53) | Blue | 300 m |
| 55 | Tressdorfer-Alm-Übungswiese (55) | Blue | 400 m |
| 56 | Tressdorfer-Alm-Übungsgelände (56) | Blue | 400 m |
| 57 | Blue-Day-Park (57) | Blue | 360 m |
| 60 | Kammabfahrt (60) | Red | 2700 m |
| 62 | Hohe-Höhe-Abfahrt (62) | Red | 1300 m |
| 63 | Scheibelbodenabfahrt (63) | Red | 2400 m |
| 64 | Bobo-Skiweg Lockstanalm (64) | Blue | 2050 m |
| 65 | Sattelabfahrt (65) | Red | 2100 m |
| 66 | Bobo-Sattelabfahrt (66) | Blue | 700 m |
| 70 | Schnittlauchkofel-Abfahrt (70) | Red | 3700 m |
| 71 | Bobo-Skiweg Rastl (71) | Blue | 2300 m |
| 75 | Trogkofelabfahrt (75) | Red | 2100 m |
| 77 | Zweikofel-Abfahrt (77) | Red | 2700 m |
| 78 | Bobo-Skiweg Zweikofel (78) | Blue | 1500 m |
| 80 | 80 Carnia-Abschnitt 1 | Red | 5400 m |
| 81 | 80 Carnia-Abschnitt 2 | Red | 2200 m |
As you can see, Nassfeld provides a selection of ski slopes to fit all ability levels and taste. Expert skiers who want to push their boundaries and spike their adrenaline should head for the toughest and most difficult black pistes. The intermediate red pistes offer a good mix of difficulty and fun for those who are confident and wish to enjoy both speed and landscape. Blue pistes are the simplest and mildest ones; hence, they are perfect for families trying to practice in a safe environment and beginners.
Among the finest features of Nassfeld’s ski slopes are:
- With a length of 3.6 km and a vertical descent of 800 m, the FIS-Abfahrt (1) black path in Nassfeld is both longest and most challenging. Every year, the FIS Ski World Cup events take place there offering a chance to see elite skiers from all around the globe competing.
- The Kanonenrohr-Abfahrt (21) is another difficult black course with a steep, narrow segment resembling a cannon barrel. From a broad vantage point of the surrounding mountains and valleys, Nassfeld’s path is also among the most beautiful.
- Beginning a new millennium, the red path known as the Millennium-Abfahrt (45) marks the Rising 2020 meters above sea level, Nassfeld’s highest point offers an amazing perspective of the Alps and the Adriatic sea. It is also among Nassfeld’s suniest paths since it faces south.
- At 80,000 meters in length and 1200 m in vertical drop, the Carnia is Nassfeld’s longest course. Tracing the border between Austria and Italy, this red path presents a unique cross-cultural skiing experience. Starting in Austria, ski through Italy, and then return back to Austria to savor the different landscapes and cuisines of both nations.
- The Blue-Day-Park (57) is one blue path including a snow park for freestyle skiers and snowboarders. On a variety of challenges and jumps—including kickers, boxes, rails, and half-pipes—you can show your skills and tricks. It’s also a great place for socializing and running across other skiers and snowboarders.
