Winter vacation & ski vacation on the Katschberg
Pirker’s NaturE & Bio Family hotel
Winter and snowshoe hikes – the natural time-out
Nature at every turn, in Austria’s southernmost province, located between the Hohe Tauern National Park and the Nockberge Biosphere Park, the “Valley of Falling Waters” offers pristine nature experiences in winter. Escape from everyday life, switch off your cell phone – off you go on an extended winter hike or snowshoe hike, accompanied by our national park rangers, through breathtaking landscapes and spectacular mountain scenery. Ski tours, ice skating, ice climbing and a leisurely lantern hike for the whole family complete the active winter experience. With every step you take through untouched nature, the air becomes clearer, your pulse calmer and your head clearer. Away from the crowds, hustle and bustle and everyday life, the Malta Valley welcomes its guests with warmth and Carinthian hospitality.
Ski and touring areas in the surrounding area:
The Katschberg family ski area
The family ski area Katschberg offers perfect slopes for beginners and pros, especially for families with children. Ski & snow fun between Carinthia and Salzburg. There are 16 lifts with beautiful slopes waiting for you. For the little ones there is a special children’s world with talking figures, a platter lift and a heated cabin. Further offers: Ski schools, sports equipment rental, cross-country skiing and ice skating facilities. The Ski school Krabath is our partner for ski school and ski rental. Our free daily ski bus takes you directly from the hotel to the Katschberghöhe for absolute skiing pleasure. More information on lift prices and opening hours here.
Sporty at Goldeck
The Sportberg Goldeck offers fantastic slopes with varying levels of difficulty from beginners to professionals, perfectly groomed slopes and state-of-the-art transportation systems. Originality away from the party and après-ski society with the wonderful panorama of the surrounding Alpine landscape for individualists, families and quality-conscious winter sports enthusiasts. The Snowpark at Goldeck sets new standards when it comes to fun parks, because there is something for everyone, from beginners to pro riders. Creatively designed boxes, rails, tubs and the lollipop make the park an experience. More information about lift prices and opening times here
Active offer from Innerkrems
The touring ski paradise of Innerkrems offers touring fun at the highest level and powder snow for everyone. The Schiffer sports school’s extensive range of touring skis makes every winter sports enthusiast’s heart beat faster. Ski tours, ski crossings, trial tours, pleasure ski tours – all accompanied by competent and trained guides. More information at Sportschule Schiffer. Also: cross-country ski trails, illuminated toboggan run, snowshoeing, curling, cleared hiking trails. More information and opening times here
WILD ANIMALS
IN THE NATURE
Experience a guided snowshoe hike with wildlife watching in the Hohe Tauern National Park – one of the last retreat areas in Europe!
Equipped with binoculars and a spotting scope, we set off in the direction of Maltaberg to follow the tracks of chamois, red deer, various birds of prey and countless other grouse. A real adventure! The tour can be booked for children aged 6 and over from December to March, snowshoes are available. Please bring winter-proof clothing and shoes, ski poles, something to drink and a small snack. The tour is guided and accompanied by a trained national park ranger.
SEARCHING FOR TRACKS IN THE SNOW WITH OUR RANGER
The Malta Valley presents itself in winter – snow-covered forests and glistening frozen waterfalls and rivers leave impressive memories. With our national park ranger Karoline, we set off in search of tracks in the snow. Snow hares, wild animals and birds have certainly left their tracks here and there. We listen, observe and enjoy the wintry landscape in the Malta Valley.
Date: Thursdays at 9:00 am, meeting point at Malta municipal office, duration approx. 2 hours (free participation)
Equipment: Winter outdoor clothing, sturdy and warm footwear
Difficulty: Easy, suitable for families, children are very welcome
A PARADISE FOR ICE CLIMBERS
If you don’t want to miss out on your beloved climbing sport in winter, the best place to go is the Malta Valley. There are numerous ice climbing hotspots that will make your fingertips tingle from the moment you arrive.
The “valley of cascading waters” is known to every ice climber and is known above all for its versatility. Most of the waterfalls are easily accessible and safe from avalanches in normal snow conditions. Professionals get their money’s worth here, as do climbers who are on the ice for the first time. On request, the Maltatal also offers the opportunity to be introduced to the world of ice climbing by an expert.
FOR OUTDOOR ATHLETES IN THE GREAT OUTDOORS
- Obtain information from the ÖAV, mountain rescue service or tourist information office
- Think along and adapt your behavior
- Accept restricted areas and do not simply enter or drive through them
- We urge locals to lead by example
- Public pathways should be used
- Dogs must be kept on a lead without exception
- Enquire about parking facilities, not on private land / game feeding areas
> Click here for more information.
TOBOGGANING ON THE KATSCHBERG – GAMSKOGELHÜTTE
The 1.5 km long toboggan run from the Gamskogelhütte is an absolute must for anyone who loves conquering the mountain on a toboggan. Awarded the Naturrodel seal of approval, the toboggan run leads to the Gamskogelhütte on Katschberg and is located right on the border between Carinthia and Salzburg. After a stop at the ski hut, you can quickly descend the mountain on your own or a rental toboggan. The toboggan run is open daily in winter.
Take the free ski bus from the hotel to the Katschberghöhe for tobogganing fun and enjoy a relaxing winter day in the ski area.
Night tobogganing:
On Tuesdays and Saturdays, the run is even floodlit (17:00 to 22:00) and invites you to enjoy exciting night-time tobogganing – a real highlight on a skiing vacation for the whole family.
Start: approx. 150 m after the Pizzeria Stamperl in the direction of the Pritzhütte, the end of the toboggan run is on the left. The walk from the end to the start at the Gamskogelhütte (1.5 km/200 hm) takes approx. 45 minutes.
Rental: € 5,- rental fee for the sledge (at the Gamskogelhütte), no registration necessary. Arrival with your own car.