The Cross-Country Area
The Pirkdorf cross-country skiing arena is one of the most beautiful cross-country skiing arenas in Austria and is located in the southernmost part of Carinthia at the foot of the Petzen mountain in the municipality of Feistritz ob Bleiburg. Since 2006, it has been a popular destination for cross-country skiers of all levels and offers ideal conditions for classic and skating styles. Modern snow-making equipment guarantees snow-sure conditions throughout the winter season from mid-December to mid-March. The trails are open for cross-country skiers daily from 9 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Offers and facilities
The cross-country skiing arena has a total of around 9.5 kilometres of trails, including a 2.5-kilometre artificial snow trail and a 3.5-kilometre natural snow trail with an extension. On Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays, modern floodlights allow night-time cross-country skiing until 8 p.m. – with professional sound systems on the trails. A laser biathlon facility with five shooting ranges offers training opportunities for all skill levels, especially for young athletes. At the trail entrance, visitors will find equipment rental for both skiing styles, child trailers and comfortable changing facilities as well as modern sanitary facilities.
Training and catering services
Experienced trainers are on site to help skiers improve their technique. The offer includes regular waxing courses and technique training for classic and skating styles. Right next to the arena is the Pirkdorfer See restaurant with accommodation facilities, which is ideal for stays of several days.
The Most Beautiful Tracks
Artificial snow trail: 2.5 km – classic/skating/biathlon (floodlit on Tuesdays, Thursdays and Fridays)
Natural snow trail: 3.5 km – classic/skating
Natural snow trail extension: 3.5 km – classic/skating
Interesting facts
- The high point of the cross-Country skiing area is located at an elevation of 554 m.
- Average snow depth during the season is 79 cm at summit elevation and 27 cm at base elevation. Snow coverage is usually best during November, offering an average snow depth of 135 cm at summit elevation and 36 cm at the base.
- Pirkdorf features 52 sunny days on average per season. The average for all cross-Country Skiing Areas in Austria is 43 sunny days. January is the sunniest month with an average of 17 sunny days. This makes the cross-Country skiing area one of the 1 sunniest in Austria.
Getting Here
By car
There are several parking spaces directly in front of the cross-country skiing area, next to Lake Pirkdorfersee at the foot of Mount Petzen.
By public transport
From Graz, you can reach the cross-country skiing arena within 35 minutes by taking the Koralmbahn railway.
