Skiing in Bad Kleinkirchheim
A Winter Paradise in the Nockberge Mountains

The ski resort of Bad Kleinkirchheim / St. Oswald offers a unique combination of top-quality slopes and a relaxing thermal spa experience – something you’ll find only here in the Alps.

Nestled in the gentle hills of the UNESCO Biosphere Park Nockberge, the wide ski area attracts families, leisure skiers, and even World Cup professionals. This makes Bad Kleinkirchheim one of the most special winter destinations in Carinthia, Austria.

The Ski Area at a Glance

Altitude: Slopes range from about 1,100 m up to 2,050 m above sea level.
Total slope length: Around 100 kilometres of perfectly groomed runs.
Snowmaking: A large part of the main slopes is covered by snowmaking systems – ensuring excellent snow reliability all season long.
Lifts:25 modern lifts, including gondolas and chairlifts, connect the entire area.
Season: From 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026.
Lift operation hours: Daily from 08:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. (weather permitting).

To the piste map

Eine Familie fährt in ihrem Winterurlaub in Kärnten Ski

Variety for Every Level

The ski area of Bad Kleinkirchheim / St. Oswald is designed to suit all levels of ability – from first-time skiers to experts looking for a challenge.
You’ll find everything from wide, easy blue runs to dynamic red slopes and demanding World Cup downhill runs.

For Beginners (blue):
Gentle blue slopes and special practice areas make learning to ski both fun and safe.
The Bach practice slope and the St. Oswald beginners’ area are perfect places to make your first turns or join a ski school course. Once you feel confident, try the Brunnach run (No. 27) or the Seen run (No. 20).
These slopes are wide, mostly blue, and ideal for practicing carving turns at a comfortable gradient.

For Intermediate Skiers (red):
Most of the slopes in Bad Kleinkirchheim are red runs, stretching across the entire ski area.
They require a controlled and confident skiing style and allow smooth, faster turns with wide curves.

For Experts and Professionals (black):
The resort offers more than two dozen main descents, including the legendary World Cup run (No. 8) and the Maibrunn World Cup run (No. 10).
These slopes meet the highest standards and are suitable for experienced skiers.
In addition, there are ungroomed ski routes such as the FIS K70 (No. 6) and the Hirschsprung mogul slope (No. 4), which demand solid technique and alpine experience.

Ein Foto vom Gipfel der Berge auf der Skistation und der Himmel bedeckt mit Wolken und Sonnenschein, perfekt für einen Winterurlaub in Kärnten

Lifts and Operating Times

The ski area features a modern lift system with 8-seater gondolas such as the Kaiserburgbahn I and II, several chairlifts including the Maibrunn and Strohsack lifts, as well as T-bar lifts and conveyor belts mainly serving the beginner areas.

During the main season, the regular operating hours are daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Skipass Rates 2025/2026
Your Ticket for Skiing and Thermal Relaxation

The skipass prices in Bad Kleinkirchheim depend on the season period (low, mid, or high season) and the type of ticket you choose – either a regular ski pass or the extended “Ski & Spa” combination ticket.
The following rates are based on the planned prices for the 2025/2026 winter season.

A detailed list of skipass prices can be found on the official website of Bad Kleinkirchheim.

Day and Half-Day Tickets
The table below shows the standard rates for adults and reduced prices for seniors, students, youth, and children. The prices are valid from 5 December 2025 to 6 April 2026.

Ticket Type	Adults	Seniors/ Students	Youth	Children
Day ticket (9:00 – 16:00)	€ 69,50	€ 62,50	€ 52,00	€ 35,00
Half-day morning (9:00 – 13:00)	€ 62,00	€ 56,00	€ 46,50	€ 31,00
Half-day afternoon (12:00 – 16:00)	€ 60,00	€ 54,00	€ 45,00	€ 30,00
3-hour ticket (from first entry)	€ 60,00	€ 54,00	€ 45,00	€ 30,00
Practice lifts – valley area	€ 42,00	€ 42,00	€ 42,00	€ 21,00

Families purchasing day tickets receive a 10% discount on children’s day passes when accompanied by at least one adult or senior.

As a guest of Thermenwelt Hotel Pulverer, you can benefit from exclusive Ski & Stay packages that combine accommodation with your skipass for a convenient and relaxing winter holiday.

Eine Gruppe Menschen in Winterkleidung sitzt im Schnee und wirft lachend Schneebälle in die Luft

Eine Frau in ihrem Winterurlaub in Kärnten, die nach dem Skifahren auf einem Stuhl sitzt und die Sonne genießt

Skifahren_FamilienSkiSpass © BRM - Franz Gerdl 23

Skifahren_Bad Kleinkirchheim_Winter © Franz Gerdl_MBN Tourismus

Recommendations for Every Level of Skier

The Perfect Start: For Beginners
Beginners and those returning to skiing should first focus on the gentle and protected slopes.

The best practice areas can be found at the Bach practice slope and the St. Oswald beginner area. They are well equipped with conveyor belts and easy T-bar lifts.
These lifts can be used with the reduced day ticket for the practice lifts in the valley area.
Once you feel confident with your turns, try the Brunnach run (No. 27) or the Seen run (No. 20).
Both are wide, mostly blue, and accessed by the BPB Brunnach gondola or the Wiesernock lift – perfect for practicing carving turns along the full length of the slope at a gentle gradient.

Dynamic Carving: For Intermediate Skiers
Intermediate skiers who feel comfortable on red runs will find the main part of the ski area around Kaiserburg and Maibrunn ideal.

Kaiserburg and Strohsack: The Kaiserburg run (No. 1) and the Strohsack run (No. 7) are long, varied red slopes that allow fast, rhythmic turns. Both are served by the main gondolas and the Strohsack chairlift.
Scenic runs: The Panorama run (No. 15) and the High Trail (No. 18) offer not only sporting challenge but also magnificent views over the Nockberge mountains. These slopes are perfectly groomed and ideal for long, uninterrupted descents.
Close to the spa: The Thermen run (No. 14) is a popular red slope leading directly to the Sonnwiesen lift – a great choice for an active morning before relaxing in the thermal spa.

Adrenaline and World Cup Feeling: For Advanced Skiers
For those seeking the steepest challenges, Bad Kleinkirchheim offers legendary World Cup runs.

The Franz Klammer Run: The World Cup run (No. 8) and the Maibrunn World Cup run (No. 10) are the resort’s most famous black slopes, once used for FIS World Cup races. These runs are steep and technically demanding, usually open from the Christmas holidays onward when snow conditions are ideal. They require excellent technique and good physical condition.
Technical terrain: The Hirschsprung mogul slope (No. 4) and the FIS K70 ski route (No. 6) offer challenging natural terrain that demands precise control and alpine experience – perfect for testing your skills in tough conditions.
Freestyle and Snowboard: Snowboarders and freestylers will find ideal conditions in the Boardercross Park and Funslope in the Sonnwiesen sector. These areas feature jumps, rails, and fun course elements, adding variety to the alpine experience.

Der Pisten-Guide: wichtige Abfahrten und Lifte

Slope Nr.	Run Name	Lift-Typ	Level	Snowmaking
1	Kaiserburgabfahrt	Gondola	red/black	yes
1T	Talabfahrt Kaiserburg	Gondola	blue	yes
2	Muldenabfahrt	Chairlift	red	yes
4	Buckelpiste Hirschsprung	T-bar lift	black	no
6	FIS K70 - Skiroute	Ski route	red	no
8	Weltcupabfahrt	Chairlift	black	yes
10	Maibrunn-Weltcupabfahrt	Chairlift	red	yes
11	Maibrunnabfahrt	Chairlift	red	yes
14	Thermenabfahrt	Chairlift	red	yes
15	Panoramaabfahrt	T-bar lift	blue	yes
20	Seenabfahrt	Chairlift	red	yes
27	Brunnachabfahrt	Gondola	red	yes
Practice area Bach	Practice area Bach	Conveyor lift	green	yes

For more details and the current slope status, please visit the official Bad Kleinkirchheim website.

Service, Safety and Leisure Activities

Families & Kids: Ski Schools and Childcare
Bad Kleinkirchheim is especially family-friendly. Several ski schools offer professional ski courses for children.
At the Krainer-Wulschnig Ski and Sports School, for example, you can book lessons for kids from the age of three. There are also special programs available for teenagers.

Equipment: Rental and Service
Ski and snowboard equipment can be easily rented at one of the many rental shops in the resort.
Holders of season passes often receive vouchers for discounted ski or snowboard service.

Our tip: Book your equipment online in advance – it saves time and ensures availability when you arrive.

Safety on the Slopes
Safety is a top priority in the Bad Kleinkirchheim ski area.

Helmet requirement: In Carinthia, wearing a helmet is legally required for all children and teenagers up to 15 years of age when skiing or snowboarding on groomed slopes.
Helmets are also strongly recommended for adults.
Avalanche safety: All open and marked slopes are continuously monitored and secured by the mountain lift company to guarantee maximum avalanche safety within the controlled ski area.
Ski routes (such as the FIS K70) and off-piste ski tours require alpine experience and proper avalanche safety equipment.
Slope rules: All visitors must follow the 10 FIS Rules of Conduct to ensure safety and mutual respect on the slopes.

Arrival and Local Transport
The Thermenwelt Hotel Pulverer is centrally located in Bad Kleinkirchheim (Thermenstraße 4) and offers excellent connections to the surrounding ski areas.

Ski-Thermal-Bus: A free ski bus connects all main points in the region and stops directly in front of the hotel. It runs regularly and takes you to the Kaiserburg valley station (approx. 1.5 km) or to the St. Oswald ski area.
On foot: The Maibrunn lift is only about 400 metres away and can easily be reached within a few minutes’ walk.

FAQs: The 5 Most Important Questions About Skiing in Bad Kleinkirchheim

1. How long are the lifts open?
During the winter season (from early December to early April), the lifts in Bad Kleinkirchheim operate daily from 8:30 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.
Please note that some lifts in the outer parts of the ski area (such as St. Oswald) may close towards the end of March, while the main Kaiserburg axis usually remains open until the official end of the season.

2. Is wearing a helmet mandatory?
Yes. In Carinthia, wearing a helmet is legally required for all children and teenagers up to 15 years of age while skiing or snowboarding on the slopes.
Wearing a helmet is also strongly recommended for all adults.

3. Are there areas for snowboarders and freestylers?
Absolutely. Bad Kleinkirchheim offers a Boardercross Park / Funpark and a Funslope in the Sonnwiesen sector.
These areas feature jumps, rails, and various course elements and are typically open from the Christmas holidays until the end of March.

4. Is the ski area safe from avalanches?
Yes. All open and groomed slopes in Bad Kleinkirchheim are continuously monitored and secured to protect against avalanches.
Skiing within the marked and controlled area is considered very safe.
However, skiing off-piste or on unmarked routes always requires proper equipment, alpine experience, and attention to the current avalanche report.

5. Is childcare available, or are there free courses for kids?
Yes. Bad Kleinkirchheim is very family-friendly and offers several ski schools with special children’s courses.
These professional ski programs ensure that young skiers learn safely and with lots of fun on the snow.