For many, skiing is no longer at the top of their winter hit list, since they want to investigate the pristine natural surroundings off their own bat - and at every turn. While cross-country skiing for instance and winter hiking, with and without poles, and on snow-shoes. Tobogganing too doesn't just bring a hint of 'winter in the year dot' for parents. Osttirol provides the ideal base and backdrop for all these sports - and due to its altitude location at around 1000m there is an abundance of snow from the end of November. The wild and romantic Alpine landscapes and authentic mountain villages make this a perfect winter idyll. The 35, in part illuminated, toboggan runs and the managed Alpine lodges - some in Kals am Großglockner (Moaralm), in Hochpustertal (Leckfeldalm), in Defereggental (Alpe Stalle lodge) and in Virgental (Würfele lodge) - provide tobogganing fun for all generations right into the night. The natural toboggan run on Schlossberg in Lienz, which runs from Moos-Alm into the centre of the town is also a winner in winter. Lifts and toboggan taxis bring guests to their starting point from almost anywhere. Part of real tobogganing is stopping-off for refreshments in one of the many cosy lodges to enjoy some Tirol dumplings, 'Schlipfkrapfen' (ravioli parcels filled with meat and potatoes), 'Kaspressknödeln' (cheese dumplings) or 'Kaiserschmarrn' (sugared pancakes with raisins).
