PISTE MAP
SKI Area
Ski Area
The slopes at Heiligenblut are quiet and the ski area boasts a decent network of blue and red runs, descending from the Schareck mountain at 2604m. Even higher slopes can be found on Hochfleiss, where the long and snow-sure run 11 drops from 2902m down to 1809m. Beginners will find two gentle learning areas in the village.
The main allure, however, lies in the off-piste terrain. After fresh snowfall, the lack of crowds ensures plenty of excellent powder within the lift-served area—powder that typically remains untracked for longer than in most resorts. With touring equipment and a mountain guide, you can access some of Austria’s finest backcountry.
For a more serene introduction to ski touring why not try Bad Kleinkirchheim or Innerkrems.
The expansive terrain surrounding the Grossglockner is segmented into six Freeride Sectors, spanning from Sector A (Schareck) to Sector F (valley runs). This arrangement enables seasoned off-piste skiers to craft customized itineraries to suit their preferences. It's essential to note that the Freeride Sectors are natural runs, lacking secured, maintained, or marked trails, typically blanketed with excellent powder snow. Therefore, off-piste skiers must prioritize their safety, possessing a thorough understanding of avalanche safety and familiarity with local topography.
A ski route refers to a ski-run that is accessible to all, yet remains ungroomed and unprepared. However, it is marked and protected against avalanches, distinguishing it from the Freeride Sectors. Ski routes offer a relatively high level of safety compared to off-piste areas. Nonetheless, engaging in off-piste skiing demands adequate training and skill. At the Freeride Checkpoint, skiers can test their avalanche transceivers and access essential information about avalanche risks, open or closed runs, as well as current and forecasted weather conditions, all at no cost.
Freeride Arena – facts & figures:
- approx. 1500 hectares of ungroomed skiing terrain
- High-alpine terrain with countless runs and variations
- Ski runs and powder-snow runs with altitude differences of up to 1500 metres
- Highest point: 2989 m; lowest point: 1204 m
- Excellent snow reliability and tree-less terrain due to high altitudes
- 6 Freeride Sectors with run all the way down to the valley
- 3 ski routes - not groomed, but marked and secured against avalanches
- Departure points for numerous high-alpine ski tours to 3000-metre summits