Zettersfeld in Lienz: Kickoff of the Winter Season

For the 24/25 winter season, the Lienz Mountain Railways have not only completely renovated the gondola lift to Zettersfeld and expanded the snowmaking system. The focus on a single ski area during the winter adds to the appeal of what’s on offer at the Lienz Sonnenterrasse. The ski season opening, featuring the Ö3 Disco on Sunday, December 8, kicks off a series of events that will take place over the weekends throughout the winter season.

The Lienz Mountain Railways call their events“Summit Sessions,” for which a permanent stage has been set up at the Steiner Mandl chairlift valley station (Zettersfeld Center). From house DJs to Florian Andreas (a former Andreas Gabalier impersonator and now an Alpine techno-style singer-songwriter) to local Osttirol favorites like Suntown Music and Jimmy and the Gooofballs , fans of all genres will find something to enjoy .

On two Fridays, as part of the “SlopeSound” events, the DJ set or instruments will even be moved right out onto the slopes! When the mountain railways aren’t providing the entertainment, two of the ski resort’s restaurants step in. Pepos am Berg by Winklers Osttirol, right at the Steinermandl valley station, has booked live bands and DJs for its “Live at Pepos” event series. At Meckis’ Dolomiten-Panoramastubn on the Faschingalm , après-ski, full-moon, and dance parties take place regularly.

The upgrade to the snowmaking system will enhance the range of activities available at Zettersfeld, which will particularly benefit children and teens in the Fun & Race Area near the Wartschenbrunn chairlift.

Another highlight is the expansion of the fun park, which is frequented mainly by young freestyle snowboarders and skiers. In the popular Kids Area, young skiers race over waves, through steep turns, and past fun figures, learning to ski in a playful way.

This offering will also be expanded for the 24/25 winter season. Right next door, there’s a permanent giant slalom course open to everyone.

Starting this year,three official FIS courses are available to international teams for races and training, so numerous championships will be held at Zettersfeld. These events are usually organized in collaboration with local clubs.

For example, on January 5, 25, the youth race for the sports clubs of the Talboden region—the SonnSeiten Cup powered by Lienzer Bergbahnen—will take place.

On January 11, 25, the SCL ski touring race will take place; it has been moved from Hochstein to Zettersfeld and is part of the Skibo Cup, which combines the results of nine ski touring races in the region.

The FIS Masters (January 24–26, 25) attract an international field of world-class competitors and serve as the official races of the national ski associations for members over the age of 30.

Although it doesn’t award official FIS points, the weekly guest ski race held on Fridays during peak season—which is also open to locals —has become almost legendary.