Heiligenblut
Heiligenblut is a mediaeval Carinthian village at 1,300 m, gathered around a Gothic pilgrimage church under the snow walls of the Großglockner. The Schareck cable car climbs to 2,912 m for 55 km of north-facing, snow-sure pistes that hold cold powder long after the rest of Austria has thawed.
Pistes and lifts
Run counts and piste kilometres are indicative. Green runs only exist in France, Spain, Andorra and Germany; Italy, Austria, Switzerland and Germany start at blue. Indicative average snow depth near the top of the resort, in cm.
True ski-in/ski-out is limited to the few hotels near the Schareck cable car base just outside the old village; the historic centre needs a short walk or ski-bus transfer.
Get to know the resort
Heiligenblut translates as Holy Blood, and the village has been a pilgrimage stop on the way over the Grossglockner pass since the late Middle Ages. The 1483 church and its Gothic winged altar still dominate the skyline, framed against the highest peak in Austria. The skiing on the Schareck and Gjaidtroghöhe is unusually high for Carinthia, with a top station at 2,912 m and 55 km of mostly red and black piste descending through Mölltal exposure that stays cold and dry into April. The valley run back to the village is a 1,600 m vertical, one of the longest continuous descents in the country. The lift system is genuine quiet-Austria scale, with rarely a queue worth mentioning. Off-snow the village is tiny and authentic, dominated by Gasthof and Bauernhaus rooms rather than hotel chains, and the food leans on Carinthian Käsnudeln, Reindling and game from the Hohe Tauern valleys. It is the choice for skiers who care more about mountain than nightlife.
Hotels in Heiligenblut
Hotels and apartments around the lifts. Compare prices on Booking, Expedia and Hotels.com.
Plan your trip
Frequently asked questions
Is Heiligenblut good for beginners?+
Heiligenblut offers 55 km of pistes across 12 lifts, from 1,300 m to 2,912 m. Whether it suits beginners depends on the dedicated learner zones at the base of the slopes, so check the local ski-school options for green and blue run access.
When is the best time to ski Heiligenblut?+
The season runs from Dec 7 to Apr 14, with a snow score of 84/100. The best conditions are usually from late January through February, while spring skiing in March and April brings longer days and softer afternoons.
Where should I stay for true ski-in/ski-out?+
True ski-in/ski-out is limited to the few hotels near the Schareck cable car base just outside the old village; the historic centre needs a short walk or ski-bus transfer.
How big is the Heiligenblut ski area?+
Heiligenblut has 55 km of marked pistes served by 12 lifts, between 1,300 m and 2,912 m of altitude.
Is Heiligenblut more for beginners or experts?+
Heiligenblut counts about 43 marked runs in total. The colour breakdown above shows how they split by difficulty, a good guide to whether the resort fits your level.
Other ski destinations
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