We live less than two hours away from the world class ski resorts in the Italian Dolomites, so you might wonder why we would want to go anywhere else. Conveniently for us, Austria can be easily reached in two hours as well. Nassfeld Ski Resort is one of the top ski resorts in Austria. Being on the edge of the Alps, it can have completely different weather than that of resorts in the Dolomites.
At Nassfeld you will find 110 kilometers of down hill ski runs which are serviced by 30 lifts. They have the capability to carry 44,000 happy skiers per hour, which just about ensures you will never be waiting in line for a lift. I’ve had the pleasure of skiing at Nassfeld at least five times now and it wasn’t until the last visit that I finally completed skiing all the runs there.
Be sure not to miss the “Carnia” #80 ski run. It is 7600 meters long and takes you from 1822 meters down to 610 meters. By the time you get to the bottom you will be ready for a drink from bar to catch your legs again. A full day lift pass costs €40 (€43 during peak season). Consider the half day tickets at €35 if you’re an early riser since you can ski with it until 1pm.
Know Before You Go:
- Nassfeld is open daily from early December – late April from 9am – 4:15pm
- Nassfeld is located in Southern Austria; ~2 hours from Venice, Italy and 2.5 hours from Salzburg, Austria.
- The nearest airport is Klagenfurt and there is bus service from the airport to Nassfeld. If arriving by car, note that motorways and expressways in Austria are subject to tolls and a compulsory vignette. A 10-day vignette is €8.50.
Maria says
Beautiful mountains and the snow looks sooo good. Perfect way to spend a day (or 3) 😀
Tim Davis says
Yes it doesn’t get much better than spending a few days skiing in the mountains.
Devlin says
It all looks so beautiful and fun as hell, however I don’t know if skiing will ever make the transition from spectator sport to actual activity for me haha.
Tim Davis says
After a few years of cross-country skiing and snowshoeing in winter I finally made the transition last year and learned to ski. I am hooked now!
Val says
I’m not much of a skier, but this looks beautiful!!
Derek says
I’m rather ashamed to admit that despite doing a fair amount of cold weather traveling I have never skied. As a matter of fact I think that is going to have to be a late addition to my 2014 new year resolutions. Thanks for the inspiration 🙂
Sarah-Jane says
Can I ski just one day, and watch out the window for the other few days? Is that allowed?
Tim Davis says
Nassfeld also has a few mountain bars that make a great place to soak in the sun and enjoy the weather. Some are glass enclosed for the blustery days.
Jaryd says
Wow that is a solid run! I can’t wait to get to Austria for this. I am currently in Japan and it is quite amazing, I highly suggest checkin out the mountains here in the north for some of the worlds best powder, if you get the chance. Great Photography too, keep loving life 🙂
Tim Davis says
Hi Jaryd,
Yes I’ve heard the mountains in Northern Japan are famous for their powder. Hopefully I’ll make it there one day.
Cathy Sweeney says
What an awesome place to ski. Your awesome photos of all that snow has me totally jealous. We’re still waiting to get some snow at the Lake Tahoe resorts (just a few hours from where I live). We’re in a drought — not good. Wish I could hop a plane to Austria right now.
Tim Davis says
Cathy my first attempt to ski was at Squaw Valley a few years ago. It didn’t go very well and I couldn’t believe how sore I was the next day, it felt like I got ran over by a bus. I’m sure glad I’ve improved since then. I hope you get some snow soon, I would love to go back to Tahoe not that I can ski.
Steve says
Great article, very informative – love it. The scenery looks amazing. I’ve never seen snow, looks as though that could be a great place to start, ha
Rachel says
We live just down the road from Nassfeld, we moved here from Courchevel in the Three Valleys in France and love the ski area here in Austria. There are also many smaller ski areas a short drive away!