SKI AUSTRIA - Nassfeld

The Region

Relatively unknown in the UK ski market, Nassfeld can be found nestling in the sunny Austrian province of Carinthia close to the frontiers with Italy and Slovenia. Recent investment in the area has increased lift capacity - the new Millenium Express Gondola is reputedly the longest in Europe - and raised the profile of this resort to one of the best school group destinations in Austria. The semi-circle of 2000+ peaks, that surround the ski area, create a large snow bowl that collects the snow throughout the year and this, combined with the 100% coverage of snow making machines, guarantees perfect skiing conditions, whenever you visit.

The Skiing

A dream area for skiers taking their first slides, or for those wishing to perfect their technique - Nassfeld has something for everyone. Beginners start their adventure at the mid-station of the Millennium Express (1600) with nice easy nursery slopes and beginners lifts to build confidence, with over 38km of beginners slopes to explore they won't be long in catching up with the improving skiers on the the upper slopes, where they will find another 66km of intermediate pistes waiting for them. The slopes radiating from the Troghohe summit (2020m) are particularly testing: the speed demons get their top speed measured on the speed track on the Schnittlaunchkofel run. One of the accomplishments for any skier, will be skiing the fabulous 7.6km 'home-run' from the Start Carnia peak at 1822m back to the village of Tropolach at 610m. Stronger intermediate skiers will love the runs in the Garnitzenberg bowl: these runs are served by 2 x6 man chairlifts. They can also watch the adventure seekers testing themselves in the moguls runs under the Garnitzen 1 chair, before they head over to the more challenging skiing on the black runs of Trogkofelabfahrt and Zweikofel. Freeriders and snowboarders are well catered for with a number of snowparks, which offer various half pipes, plus the usual array of rails, jumps and table tops of varying sizes to practice their freestyle routines.

Accommodation

Situated a short drive from the main lift station at Tropolach the Pension Leitner, on the outskirts of Hermagor is just one of the quality hotels we use in the area. The village centre of Hermagor is only a 10 minute walk from the hotel. Frau Leitner has been welcoming school groups for many years and runs the hotel with a relaxed family atmosphere. For teachers use, there is also a pleasant Finnish sauna, with a comfortable area for relaxing. The heated ski and boot room has its own entrance and there are also heated drying cupboards for wet clothing.

The main uplift in Tropolach is only 10 minutes away.

Bedrooms: 6 bedded rooms containing 6 bedded bunks and full en-suite facilities. Teachers rooms have a TV and stereo (CD, cassette and radio).

Features: Large reception area, separate restaurant and group dining rooms, house bar, stuberl with open fire, TV room, large games room/disco area with 2 table tennis tables and pool table, lounge/video games room with table foortball and 2 video games. Drying room, sauna (staff only), ski/boot storage,teachers lounge.

Lunches at the hotel are available on request, instead of packed lunches. Meals in the hotel are usually self-service buffet style.

Apres Ski

Natural ice rink in Weissensee, floodlit toboggan at Weissbriach and Lass, ice climbing tower and swimming pool Katschah-Mauthen, bowling and a good selection of cafes and shops in Hermagor