Bad Kleinkirchheim is one of the popular resorts among skiers, primarily regarding its "all-inclusive" package and some other bemefits. Unfortunately, it seems that Bad had become more significant as a popular destination than a ski resort. It appears that the ski lifts are outdated in comparison to Bad's rival resorts in the area (Gerlitzen, Turrach, Katschberg etc.) even though the resort has a proximity ski data system, and that has recently opened eight person gondola lift and a new ski run ("Weltcupabfahrt F. Klammer").
Bad Kleinkirchheim is situated within Nockberge national park in one of the valleys of the Austrian Carinthia region at an altitude of 1035 m. Due to geographical position, winters are mostly dry here, and much sunnier than the winters at the Northern Alps' resorts. The ski season in Bad Kleinkirchheim lasts from December until mid April.
The resort (and the valid ski pass accordingly) can be thematically divided into two parts; two mountain peaks above Bad Kleinkirchheim itself, facing north, and the other half of the two hills above St Oswald, facing east. According to the brochures, it covers an area of rather exaggerated 90 km of ski runs mainly of easy and intermediate difficult configuration with two shorter black runs, which are not being groomed. One day pass costs EUR 34.
Ski resort has about 20 ski lifts (with a gondola lift in plan), of which three are cabin-lifts (for 4-8 persons), 4 chairlifts (two two-seater and one four-seater lift) and about 15 ski lifts (T-bars and button lifts), most of them located above St Oswald.
The trails are long and not too wide. The longest and most beautiful among them, besides run No. 16, is the Kaiserburgabfahrt ski run (No.1, red run, with the top at the altitude of 2055 m, running down to the centre of the town in the valley), which is approximately 4-5 km long. The run No.16 is Malbrunnfahrt. Famous and demanding FIS K70 downhill is on the trail No. 3, named after the renowned Austrian downhill racer of the 80’s Franz Klammer (born in a small place near by). Unfortunately, the greater part of the trail is not being groomed because there's no ski lift that could take skiers back to the top of the slope after the descent (however, a left branch towards the starting station of the Kaiserburgbahn at the bottom of the trail exists, but it is not being groomed, presumably because of its length and difficulty). Nonetheless, the trail provides phenomenal conditions for deep snow skiing to off- piste enthusiasts.
Except the already mentioned black run, there is also a snowboard park in the lower part of Kaiserburg, as well as the red run in Falkert (a hill side village with 6 trails). There are 4 cross country trails along with an extensive sledging trail. A whole arsenal of snow cannons is in charge of maintaining the artificial surface with the possibility of night skiing (and sledging). Due to lack of snow and the artificial surface, the runs are hard packed, which is not so good for the snowboarders. By their configuration, they remind of Nassfeld and the lengthy trail in Gerlitzen; it could be classified as a typical Carinthian trail.
The trails are extensive, and for that reason not numerous. Extensive trails consequently take longer ski lift rides - you almost need an additional warming up after every ride. Strochsackabfahrt, a two-seater chairlift above the trail No.2, is especially attractive. It can only be approached through a balcony of the sorts and bridged walkways, which provides an extraordinary and astonishing feeling. The trail surface is in excellent condition - snowcats emerge with the first sight of nightfall.
Especial praise goes to the heated ski-depots at the bottom of the trails in the valley, where you can rent a locker and leave your equipment. Naturally, there is a ski kindergarten, as well as ski schools for children and adults. Ski servicing and ski rental are available almost at every gondola station. The prices are identical to Charinthia region prices in general (VIP category skies rental costs EUR 28 per day). Kaiserburgbahn is the longest gondola lift with an intersection where you needn’t change, similar to the Millennium gondola lift in Nassfeld. Kaiserburgbahn gondola has extremely narrow ski racks, which could pose problems to skiers with wider carving skies. Take such skis off the racks sometimes a mission. Snowboards have to be taken into the cabin; there is no possibility of putting them on the gondola racks.
Parking space is abundant; almost at every ski lift station there are huge trail plans; you won't find them at the trails though, but getting around the resort is not complicated. Usually, you won't have to queue up for gondola lifts. Ski bus is free. However, getting to the part of the resort above the St Oswald is somewhat awkward; you need to cross the road and change a few lifts to get to the peak of Nockalm.
One of the advantages of this ski resort is a splendid possibility of active relaxing in an excellent all-year heated outdoor and indoor pool systems in unavoidable Römerbad spa (Römerbad=Roman termae- ancient, Roman geothermal springs) and the nearby St Kathrein spa.
Restaurants are satisfactory and the nightlife is typically shabby for Austria. Beside the unavoidable huts on the trails there are a few town restaurants with an outstanding gastronomic offer. We propose the "Alte Mühle" restaurant in St Oswald (käsesuppe is warmly recommended). You should definitely avoid the Germknödl here, as it is by far the worst we've ever had. There are very few discos and clubs, only one in Bad Kleinkirchheim and one in St Oswald, with a low turnout.
In case of a lousy weather, you can visit the Millstätter See (approximately 10 km from Bad Kleinkirchheim), which is beautiful in winter, when it is all frozen and covered in snow.
Due to the beautiful, extremely well groomed and not too steep trails, and its tranquility, Bad Kleinkirchheim is an ideal family destination. On the other hand, more demanding skiers could get bored here, unless they came for extended weekend. Nevertheless, it seems that there are some other better-quality ski resorts in the area of some 300-350 km, especially for powder fans.
In other words, Bad Kleinkirchheim's reputation does not correspond with a merely satisfactory offer.
www.ski-mag.com
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