I have been meaning to try this area for many years and finally got around to going there in January 2020 for the first (and last) time. There are some fantastic runs and spectacular views. The snow is also good in this area due to it's location and elevation. However, the list system is terrible. The lifts are very old and slow with far too many drag lifts for the 21st century. The only modern gondola is very short and connects to a pointless short T-bar. It is a real shame because the potential is huge. If the lift system was modernised I would be happy to go back-but not until then!!!
I have skiied in loads of the Austrian locations: Soll, Kitzbuhl, St Johann, Saalfeldon to name just a few. I have also skiied in Italy and Switzerland, but I have returned to Heiligenblut for the past four years because of the range of skiing that can be done there.
Heiligrnblut has so much to offer people who want to ski. There is a wide variety, from cross-country to off-piste, not to mention the normal routes.
The ski instructors are fantastic with everyone, from complete beginners to anyone who just wants a tune up on their skills. The people are extremely friendly and helpful.
Whenever I go to Heiligenblut I always stay at pension Bergkristal. The lady of the house is so nice and friendly and always has a warm smile to meet and greet the guests. She speaks very good English and is excellent company.
Eating and drinking in Heiligenblut is very reasonable and the locals will always say hello as they pass you by. There is a lot to do in Heiligenblut if you don't want to ski. There are fantastic walks in the forests on the south side of the village, or if you visit in the winter you can head further up onto the higher mountains for bogger and more higher mountains to walk and climb on.
Either way you will enjoy your trip to heiligenblut, I guarantee it.
Visited Heiligenblut late Feb 2009 and stayed in Landhotel Post for a 4 day skiing trip. The snow conditions were great.
Having skied for 15+ years in Austria, France, Switzerland and Canada, in many of the big resorts, I was positively surprised by Heiligenblut.
The village itself is truly picturesque and has a good atmosphere. Our hotel was excellent: comfortable, clean, good food, nice pool and ideally located right opposite of the gondola. The hotel was also much cheaper than hotels in the bigger resorts, and we were able to book just two weeks in advance. Apres-ski is very limited in Heiligenblut, but still good fun (also at the hotel).
The ski-area is the biggest surprise: nice long runs and some challenging off-piste areas. The unprepared ski-route from the Schareck into the Fleisstal is spectacular. The Hochfleiss lift going to 2900mtrs was, unfortunately, closed most of the times, probably because of too much wind (for some reason the area seems to suffer from strong winds).
Heiligenblut would be a true hidden gem (and I would not be posting any comments here)if not for the lift infrastructure being a let down overall. The 8-seat Panoramabahn is almost pointless with only a single T-bar connecting to it. The underground Tunnelbahn is old and slow, and the link to the Fleissalm area is poor. However, the area is one to watch, as it has more potential than almost any other area I’ve visited in Austria. It could easily be improved (and expanded) to such a level that it can compete with any resort in Tirol.
Also noteworthy to mention is the drive to Heiligenblut: driving from Germany, Heiligenblut takes 2 1/2 hours longer to reach in comparison with Tirol. The drive (including a short trip by train - loading the car onto the train) was good fun though.
All in all, I would definitely recommend Heiligenblut. Ideal for a short ski break (3-4 days), with or without children. If the town council can get their act together and improve the lift system, I will become a regular visitor.