Not everyone in a family or group of friends wants to ski every day. Some do not ski at all; others need a rest day after three ski days, while some simply seek peace, snow and fresh mountain air. That is exactly what Hochrindl is made for. Berglodge lies at 1,630 metres in the Gurktaler Alps, amid snow-covered Swiss stone pines and wide alpine meadows. Around the lodge you will find sled runs, prepared trails, marked winter walks, a curling lane and rustic huts – all within walking or short-distance reach.
1. Sledding – three runs, including one illuminated with timing
Sledding is Hochrindl's number-one winter experience for everyone who does not ski. From Hiasl Zirbenhütte, a natural sled run is prepared between 0.5 and 2 km depending on snow conditions. There is also an illuminated ski and sled route to Herzlhütte and a small sliding hill at the Zirbenlift for younger children.
The highlight is the 0.5 km illuminated sled run by Hiasl Zirbenhütte. The lights come on from 4 pm, and free timing turns the descent into a small competition: who is faster – the children or the parents?
2. Cross-country skiing – four trails with panoramic Carinthian views
Hochrindl is one of Carinthia's popular cross-country skiing areas. Its panoramic trail runs between 1,550 and 1,750 metres – above valley trails and with wide views across snowy alpine meadows. Anderleloipe I is an easy 3.5 km introduction; Anderleloipe II is 3 km and intermediate; Riaplloipe is 5 km and also intermediate. Both Anderle trails and Riaplloipe are prepared for classic and skating, while the panoramic trail is classic. There is also a 1 km practice trail next to the Zirbenhang.
The trail fee is intentionally low: a day pass costs €6 and a season pass €60. Cross-country skiing is free up to age 14. Pay the day pass in cash at the coin machine or through the app at langlaufen.hochrindl.at; weekly and season passes are also available at the lift ticket office, ski school and Il Gusto Chalet. Dogs are prohibited on the trails, and walkers or snowshoe hikers must not use the tracks.
3. Winter walking – to the White Cross through snow-covered Nockberge
For anyone who prefers to experience winter on foot, Hochrindl has well-marked winter paths through the snowy Nockberge landscape – towards the White Cross or around the Kegel. The 3 km walk to Anderle Cross is short and relaxed. On the hut walk, stop at Herzlhütte, Hiasl Zirbenhütte and Wugganighütte. For more distance, choose the 13 km natural panoramic path; it is not prepared, so good footwear is essential.
Maintaining these routes takes considerable work. A voluntary contribution at the donation machine helps support their upkeep.
4. Snowshoe hiking – guided through quiet winter scenery
Untouched snow, deep-blue winter skies and far-reaching views across the Carinthian Nockberge: snowshoe hiking is the quietest way to experience winter at Hochrindl. With advance booking, you can join a guided tour with a professional guide; snowshoes and poles are available from Hochrindl Ski School. Independent visitors can hire snowshoes there for €15 per day according to the current price list.
Wildlife is under considerable pressure in winter. Please stay on marked paths and routes and never walk across undisturbed terrain.
5. Curling – who will be the Moar?
Curling is more than a sport in Carinthia – it is a sociable ritual. The curling lane at Restaurant Il Gusto Chalet is ideal for a traditional match. Terms such as Moar, Daubn, colder and warmer ring across the ice, with hot drinks in between. The Moar is the team leader, a term tracing back to the Latin maior.
If six of you are staying at Berglodge, an afternoon of curling is ideal for a day when not everyone wants to be on the slopes.
6. Mountain-hut evening – a lit way home
A winter day at Hochrindl is best rounded off in a mountain hut. Hiasl Zirbenhütte is the meeting point for sledders and skiers, Herzlhütte lies by the Zirbenlift halfway up the Zirbenhang, and Restaurant Il Gusto Chalet by the large car park serves warm food alongside the curling lane.
An illuminated ski and sled route leads from Hiasl Zirbenhütte to Herzlhütte; from there, it is possible to sled down to the Hochrindl car park.
7. Bad Kleinkirchheim thermal spa – the ace for bad-weather days
When wind sweeps across the plateau or you simply want a day of warmth, drive around 20 km to Bad Kleinkirchheim. Thermal Römerbad and Therme St. Kathrein are open daily in winter and offer thermal water, sauna worlds and quiet relaxation spaces.
Find current opening times, maintenance closures and prices on each spa's official website. The route also takes you through the valley villages, making it easy to stock up the lodge kitchen.
8. Barrel sauna in the snow – a winter experience right at Berglodge
Perhaps the loveliest winter experience at Hochrindl does not need to be searched for at all: it is in Berglodge's garden. The private barrel sauna has a panoramic window towards the Nockberge. When the sun sets behind the Gurktaler Alps and you sit in the warmth inside, it becomes one of those moments guests remember especially fondly.
If you are brave, step barefoot into the snow-covered 590 m² garden between sauna rounds to cool down. Then head back into the warmth with a cup of tea – and the day is complete.
Which winter experience is best for whom?
Families with children will love the illuminated, timed sled run and the small slide at the Zirbenlift. Active guests taking a break from skiing will enjoy the panoramic cross-country trail or a guided snowshoe tour. Those looking for calm should head towards the White Cross on winter walking routes.
For groups, an afternoon of curling followed by a hut dinner is ideal. On bad-weather days, choose Bad Kleinkirchheim's thermal spas – or simply enjoy your own barrel sauna.
