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Five ski resorts, five distinct characters

Winter Sports in Osttirol

Osttirol’s ski resorts are as unique as their guests: For city dwellers, Lienz-Zettersfeld beckons with its short distances from downtown to the slopes; deep-snow enthusiasts can sometimes even find champagne powder off-piste at the St. Jakob Ski Center; experienced skiers and snowboarders test their limits at the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, the little ones practice their first turns at Golzentipp, and snowboard and ski artists let loose at the Sillian Snowpark. What all five ski areas have in common is their intimate charm away from the crowds—with no long lines at the lifts or overcrowding on the runs. On average, a skier in the “Land of Mountains” has 10,000 square meters of slope all to themselves.

Lienz-Zettersfeld: From the City to the Mountain

For Big-City Heroes and Heroines

At the Lienz Zettersfeld ski resort, you’re just ten minutes away from powder snow and city vibes. That’s how long the ride up the mountain takes from the valley station in Lienz to this ski paradise. At the top, six lifts serve 21 kilometers of slopes at altitudes ranging from 1,672 to 2,278 meters—from sunny, leisurely runs to the permanent giant slalom course and the Kids Area.

 

At the seven huts on Zettersfeld, winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy culinary specialties—either on the sun terrace or in the cozy parlor—with a view of the Dolomites always included. And as soon as you reach the bottom, the town opens up a whole new world with boutiques, cafés, and a cultural program that goes far beyond après-ski.

 

With around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, Lienz rightly earns its nickname “City of Sunshine” and makes the Zettersfeld ski area the perfect destination for anyone who wants to combine winter sports with an urban lifestyle.

 

Tip: As part of the “Summit Sessions” event series, house DJs, local artists, and live bands really get the party started on weekends on the new stage at the Steiner Mandl valley station. During the “SlopeSound” events, DJ sets and live music are brought right onto the slopes on two Fridays.

St. Jakob Ski Resort – Champagne Powder Away from the Crowds

For all freeride fans

When the sun rises over the Defereggental Valley, the snow-covered slopes still lie untouched. The St. Jakob Ski Center is known for its freeride opportunities off the 35 kilometers of groomed runs. Nestled among Austria’s highest mountain peaks, the town is one of the snowiest and coldest in the Alps. In this quiet valley, you can actually find real “champagne powder”—the finest and driest powder snow, which is normally found only in North America.

 

This natural spectacle occurs in St. Jakob due to unique meteorological conditions: very cold temperatures combined with temperature inversions that draw moisture out of the snow. The Leppleskofel six-person chairlift—the highest-altitude lift in Osttirol—takes you up to nearly 2,700 meters in just a few minutes. While families enjoy the fun park, conveyor belts, and ski kindergarten at the bottom, more athletic skiers will find plenty of space for wide turns in the backcountry at the top.

Ein Skifahrer auf der Abfahrt im Skizentrum St. Jakob i. D..
At the St. Jakob Ski Center, skiers and freeride enthusiasts can expect champagne powder—the kind usually found only in North America.

Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei – A High-Alpine Challenge

For Professionals

With 47.1 kilometers of slopes, 16 lifts, and 270 hectares of skiable terrain, the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei is the largest and most challenging ski area in Osttirol. Steep runs demand skill and stamina, while wide turns on broad slopes will make carving enthusiasts’ hearts race—though less experienced skiers tend to prefer the blue- and red-marked runs.

 

Artificial snow systems throughout the ski area, along with the three fully snow-covered runs down to Kals and Matrei, ensure operations will continue through April 12, 2026. From the Adlerhorst, a viewing platform at 2,421 meters located right next to the Adlerlounge restaurant, mountain enthusiasts can enjoy views of 60 peaks over 3,000 meters, including the Großglockner, Austria’s highest mountain at 3,798 meters.

Golzentipp: Small Turns, Big Success

For Little Ones

At the Golzentipp ski resort in Obertilliach, young skiers practice their first turns under expert guidance, while older skiers let loose on a total of twelve kilometers of slopes. The Kids’ Area, located right next to the Himbeergoll Lift, is equipped with a wave track, small jumps, and obstacles to make getting started easier.

 

A dedicated children’s line at the practice lift ensures short wait times. The Obertilliach Ski School offers group and private lessons, and the Sport Auer ski rental shop provides the necessary equipment. With its compact size, sunny slopes, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Golzentipp ski resort is ideal for beginners and families.

Kleiner Skifahrer führt durch Bogen im Kinderland in Obertilliach
Perfect for taking your first turns: the Kids' Area at the Golzentipp Ski Resort in Obertilliach.

Sillian Ski Center – Flips, Loops, and Rails

For Teens

Nestled in the Dolomite mountain range near the border with South Tyrol, the Sillian Hochpustertal Ski Resort lies at an elevation of 1,000 to 2,400 meters, where snow is guaranteed. There, leisure skiers, families, and ski and snowboard freestylers will find a perfect blend of Austrian-quality slopes and Italian ease. Vacationers in Osttirol appreciate the manageable size and child-friendly atmosphere of this Hochpustertal community. In a sunny, central southeast-facing location and equipped with its own lift, there is also a perfectly groomed fun park for beginners and professional snowboard acrobats alike.

Our tip:

With affordable prices and the“Ski Hit Osttirol Skipass”multi-day pass—valid for all ski resorts in Osttirol plus two additional ones in neighboring Carinthia—this winter sports destination aims to make Austria’s national sport accessible to all ski enthusiasts. Children up to age six ski for free when accompanied by their parents; the children’s rate applies up to age 18.

Download the press release as a PDF

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