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Powder snow, plenty of space, and 266 peaks over 3,000 meters

Skiing for the Whole Family

In Osttirol, every skier has an average of 10,000 square meters—nearly one and a half soccer fields’ worth of slopes—all to themselves. This winter sports destination south of the main Alpine ridge has always placed great emphasis on ample space, family-friendliness, talent development, and nurturing the next generation of athletes. Three of the seven ski resorts are setting new standards effective immediately. In addition, winter sports enthusiasts south of the main Alpine ridge can look forward to “Champagne Powder,” a type of snow normally found only in North America.

(Ski) Mountains for Little Ones

With affordable prices, the“SkiHit Osttirol”multi-day pass, and family-friendly offerings, the region aims to make Austria’s national sport accessible to all ski enthusiasts. In 2024, the towns of Sillian, Lienz, and Obertilliach underwent recertification of their winter family programs, which go far beyond the norm. Compliance with the strict requirements is regularly reviewed. These include, for example, appropriate slopes and lifts for beginners, varied adventure parks, qualified ski schools, and rental stations with small benches for comfortably trying on equipment. The measurable criteria follow a holistic approach that covers the entire customer journey, from the initial online search to the last day of skiing.

 

The south-facing Zettersfeld Lienz ski area is particularly sun-drenched, and its runs are all family-friendly. At altitudes of up to 2,278 meters, parents gather on the terraces of the many ski huts for a drink, while the joyful shouts of the young skiers can be heard coming from the ski kindergarten. The Sillian Hochpustertal Ski Center delights the little ones with the Bobo Kids’ Club and the magic carpet. At the Obertilliach Mountain Railways in the Kinderland area near the Himbeergoll Lift, on the other hand, their eyes light up at the very sight of the snow carousels and rows of jumps.

 

Under expert guidance, they practice their first turns there. The “Sonnenskitage Osttirol” package, including three nights’ lodging and a two-day SkiHit Osttirol ski pass valid for all seven areas, starts at 240 euros per person. Children up to age six ski for free when accompanied by their parents; the children’s rate applies up to age 18.

At the Golzentipp-Obertilliach ski resort in Osttirol, Austria, families can receive discounted tickets for four or two hours upon request. Children up to age six ride for free when accompanied by their parents.
At the Golzentipp-Obertilliach ski resort in Osttirol, Austria, families can receive discounted tickets for four or two hours upon request. Children up to age six ride for free when accompanied by their parents.

Athlete Development Center

When it comes to open space and guaranteed snow, Osttirol has the luxury of relying on its natural conditions. Nestled between the Hohe Tauern, the Lienzer Dolomiten, and the Carnic Ridge, snowboarders and skiers can enjoy plenty of space, excellent snow conditions until the end of the season, and countless hours of sunshine—all far away from the hustle and bustle and crowded slopes. No wonder world-class athletes also come to Osttirol to train under top-notch conditions. Thanks to the high altitude, training sessions are possible in both winter and summer. Among others, Osttirol athletes Nicolas Tabernig and Kilian Pramstaller, who emerged from Osttirol’s talent development program, compete in the International Ski World Cup for the Austrian Ski Federation. The region supports its athletes through sponsorship and accompanies the pros with a social media partnership throughout the racing and training calendar.

Champagne Powder in the Defereggental Valley

The atmosphere in the seven spacious, state-of-the-art ski resorts is relaxed and natural, even though they could hardly be more different. For example, at the region’s largest ski resort—the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei—with a total of 17 lifts and 270 hectares of slopes, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy the view from the Adlerhorst of more than 60 peaks over 3,000 meters. New for the 2023/24 season is the downhill run to Matrei, which is fully covered with artificial snow and leads directly to the valley station. At the St. Jakob im Defereggental Ski Center, the Leppleskofel Lift—Osttirol’s highest cable car system—takes winter sports enthusiasts up to 2,683 meters above sea level in just a few minutes. Skiers can enjoy high-alpine runs there with sweeping views of the surrounding peaks. Thanks to the area’s unique geographical location, they can even experience “Champagne Powder”—dry powder snow that is extremely rare worldwide.

Snow must be soft, glistening, and as light as powdered sugar to be called “champagne powder.” Skiers can experience this rare, dry, and very cold powder snow in Osttirol, Austria.
Snow must be soft, glistening, and as light as powdered sugar to be called “champagne powder.” Skiers can experience this rare, dry, and very cold powder snow in Osttirol, Austria.

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