Gerlitzen is the name of the ski resort situated on the hill above Ossiacher Lake in the near proximity of Villach. Ski resort is easily accessible - the road leads through Karawanke tunel and on the highway via Villach. Make an exit at "Villach - Ossiacher see" and go straight at the roundabout if you wish to park on the parking lot beside the gondola. Annenheim, gondola's starting point, is only 4-5 kilometres far from the highway. Alternative and somewhat bigger parking lot is even closer to the highway with well organised shuttle vehicle transportation to the gondola lifts. All the rest parking lots are situated right beside the trails and in case of bad weather we do not recommend taking a mountain road in order to reach them.
At the foot of Kanzelbahn gondola beside ticket offices there are also toilet facilities, a small shop with ski paraphernalia and a café. Ski pass prices are relatively acceptable, as it is the case with Carinthia. Ski day pass costs EUR32.50, children's ski pass is EUR15.50, with children up to 6 years free of charge. Families with more children (provided that they show the required documents as a proof) get a free ski pass for every third child. Tickets are programmed via key card system which requires EUR5 deposit refundable at the cash register or at the automatic refund machines also located at the parking lot beside the gondola. Beside regular passes it is also possible to acquire "point cards" with points for beginners or recreational skiers.
Kanzelbahn will take you to the lowest point of the resort where first chair lifts and ski school polygons are situated. Apart from a few wonder carpets for the youngest ski learners, you can also find a baby chair lift for beginners with an excellent and very wide blue trail. There are also a few restaurants, fast food places and ski servicess in this part of the resort. However, if you are not on a first name basis with your skis, you needen’t explore any further!
However, you are up for a real surprise when you take a 4 seat chair lift to the resort's top. Trails at the top lead in all directions and, in a case of an ideal weather conditions offer a magnificent view where ever you turn to - the lake at the foot, Karawanke Tunnel or Ture in the north. Trails are mostly a blue-red combination, not too steep with a few turning points. However, there is also an unpleasant surprise- almost all of the trails slant either to the left or to the right side.
There are about 10 trails covered by 7 chair lifts operating on a total of realistically estimated 36 kilometres, including this season's newly installed chair lift, the biggest one in Carinthia Region - an 8 seater chair lift. Chair lifts are divers e - from old two seater ones to the modern four seater chair lifts with a cabin in case of a bad weather. The rest of the trails are covered by T-bars and button lifts. The interesting thing about this ski resort is also the fact that the ski lifts have really long working hours. Gondolas start operating at 8.30 a.m. already, and the last gondola will transport you down to the valley at 17.15 p.m. so you'll have plenty of time to eat a pretzel and have a juice or beer before descending.
Gerlitzen is not situated at a too high altitude, with the top at merely 1911 meters, thus expect less snow. However, there is a sufficient number of snow cannons maintaining its level, although being artificial. On the other hand, do not be fooled by the altitude numbers! Due to its isolation, this resort is known to have extremely low temperatures and very cold weather. Its special feature is the 7.5 kilometres long Kloesterle run, with a very good trail layout consisting of leveled parts and turning points, with its only flaw being almost entirely in the shade during the afternoon hours.
Ski trail plan is well made and you will find it easy to orientate on it; all trails are very clearly marked on the plan, as well as on the ski resort trail panels. On the other hand, it is pretty easy to orientate due to the simple configuration and not excessive trail length.
For deep snow skiing and off-piste fans, a special ungroomed trail was constructed. Stunt enthusiasts can visit a brand new snow park with a XXL kicker, rails and boxes.
For a small resort that Gerlitzen is, there is enough or even too much restaurants, 12 in total! Those who like to spend a part of their skiing day sitting by the window or basking in the sun do not have to worry about crowds. Prices are similar to the prices of other Austrian ski resorts, although you could be disappointed by the limited gastronomic offer or, for example, Germknodl with jam on the side instead of jam filling.
Crowds appear occasionally, especially on the blue trails due to the resort's popularity among Slovenians and Hungarians. Due to its reputation of an easy and a "family" ski resort, also expect a greater number of beginners and people not used to T-bars and chair lifts, and especially not taking the 10 FIS rules into account. All of that sometimes results in a chaotic atmosphere on the trails.
Gerlitzen has definitely proved its slogan of the "ski resort next door ". We recommend it warmly to all beginners as an excellent place for practicing their skiing skills and to everyone else in pursuit of a simple but atmosphere pleasant ski resort to spend a day or weekend at. Romantic lake at the resort’s foot, a sufficient number of hotels as well as apartments on the trails combined with adequate weather conditions will satisfy everyone coming to Gerlitzen.
www.ski-mag.com
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