Is it the snow-covered slopes and forests or the unspoiled nature in the varied area between the Hohe Tauern and the Lienzer Dolomites? Or is it the seclusion, tranquillity and freedom that ski tourers enjoy so much in Osttirol? We would argue that it is the mix of precisely these conditions that attracts ski tourers from near and far to Osttirol! Osttirol inspires with its solitude on the mountain, but also with its untouched landscape. The rugged peaks of the Lienzer Dolomiten, the wild nature in the protected area of the Nationalpark Hohe Tauern, the rustic alpine valleys in the Villgratental or the glacier landscape in the north of Osttirol - each area has its own charm and you probably won't be able to decide which peaks and tours to tackle first!

Passionate ski tourers usually find it easier to find a destination for their next ski touring adventure. There are numerous tips for short and long, easy and difficult tours on the interactive map of Osttirol. Osttirol also offers enjoyable ski tours for beginners. Absolute beginners who have problems with deep snow skiing and are just getting to grips with the sport will have to search a little longer here. We have therefore listed five easy ski tours for you, most of which have an easy, groomed descent. There is also a recommendation for a refreshment stop on each tour. But before we get to the tour suggestions: safety first!

Safety is always the top priority in the mountains. When touring, you are not only responsible for yourself, but also for the whole group! Always find out about the current snow and weather conditionsbefore the tour , as well as the route. Everyone in the group must be aware of the planned route and know the tour itinerary so that help can be called to the right place in an emergency! It is also essential to check the avalanche situation before every tour. Responsible people carry all avalanche equipment (avalanche transceiver, probe and shovel) and a cell phone. But the latest equipment is useless if you don't know how to use it. In appropriate camps and courses, you will be shown how to use the equipment and given practical tips and information on assessing the avalanche situation. Based on this knowledge, you can then choose your route. If you are still unsure, then contact the Osttirol mountain and ski guides and book your first guided ski tour there.

Some beginners who get a taste of ski touring see the descent in open terrain as a challenge. That's why we present five tours for ski touring beginners where the descent runs completely without deep snow descents or with only short sections in deep snow. However, this doesn't mean that you don't have to be able to ski - because you also have to be able to ski down the groomed slopes.

The first tip takes you into Tiroler Lesachtal. From the listed hilltop village of Obertilliach, it takes around 2.5 hours to reach the summit of the Golzentipp. There are two options here: You can either walk along the edge of the piste to the top station of the Glamplift. (Pay attention to the signs for ski tourers, which have been put up by the Obertilliacher Bergbahnen). From there, follow the groomed trail to just below the summit. As this part is also used as a high-altitude trail, you are on groomed ground until just below the summit. The last few meters to the summit are on open terrain. Alternatively, you can take the tour via "Gripp", a forest ridge that leads from the listed village to the Gailtaler Höhenweg. This variant is extremely varied and, above all, sunny, which is no disadvantage on cold winter days. The descent for both variants follows the groomed pistes of the Obertilliacher Bergbahnen. Refreshment tip: The Connyalm panorama restaurant at 2070 meters at the top station of the 10-seater gondola is well worth a stop.

You glide along the sunny side of the Pustertal for a leisurely 1.5 hours until you reach the Compedal ski hut. There are also two options here. If the snow conditions are good, you can hike over hill and dale along a well-marked path in the forest. A more leisurely and flatter option is to meander up to the ski hut along the edge of the toboggan run. If you take the path through the forest, you will cross the groomed slope again and again - so you can switch to the flatter option several times. Once you reach the top, a stop at the Compedal ski hut is a must. For the descent, you use the well-groomed route together with tobogganists and other winter sports enthusiasts.

On this tour, you start at 1,800 meters above sea level at Zettersfeld, the sun terrace of Lienz. From the Zettersfeld Zentrum parking lot, you head in open terrain to the left of the ski area in the direction of the reservoir. With the sun behind you, you run across snow-covered alpine pastures until you reach the piste again shortly before your destination, the Schoberköpfl. The imposing Schober group now stretches out in front of you and with a view to the south, you have one of the most beautiful views of the rugged peaks of the Lienzer Dolomites. For the descent, use the slopes of the Lienzer Bergbahnen. Just a few meters below the Schoberköpfl you will find the Steinermandl Panoramarestaurant. The name says it all, because here you will not only be spoiled with fine food, but also with a unique panoramic view. Please note that the ascent and descent are only permitted during the operating hours of the cable cars!

Between the two farms in Wallhorn you climb up to the two signposts. Here you follow trail no. 26a, always staying on the right-hand side of the Timmelsbach, until a branch trail finally leads you to the Bodenalm (not farmed). Here you can take off your skins and enjoy the moment. The Bodenalm is in an absolutely secluded location and you have a breathtaking backdrop and a wonderful view of the surrounding mountains right at your feet. For the descent, take the groomed trail down to the "Osimahof" (no. 22). Then it's time to take off your skis and walk a few minutes along the road to the starting point. Refreshment tip: The Gasthaus Großvenediger welcomes you directly in the village center of Prägraten.

In the north of the Lienzer Dolomiten, the Dolomitenhütte is enthroned like an eagle's nest on a rocky slope. The view of the hut is spectacular, making the 570-metre ascent well worth it. You park at Gasthof Kreithof (parking lot for a fee). There you strap on your skis and march down the groomed slope to the Dolomitenhütte. The first steep slope is challenging and sometimes icy - we recommend that newcomers to ski touring take the toboggan run. The toboggan run runs parallel to the piste after the steep slope, so ski tourers can easily avoid the steep slope. The descent follows the same route as the ascent.