The district Sillian is located at 1,103 m altitude between the world-famous South Tyrol and Lienzer Dolomites and is the main resort of the Alta Pusteria. The ski region is known to be the sun and snow paradise of Eastern Tyrol. Three family-friendly ski areas can be explored in this impressive area, which is also well-known for it's spectacular views: The 2 ski areas which are also suitable for beginners, Obertilliach and Kartisch, as well as the largest ski centre of the region, the Thurntaler at Sillian, offer altogether 55 km of well-prepared pistes of all difficulties. Therefore this area is well suited for families and tranquillity seekers and also cross-country skiers will find what they are looking for with a network of approx. 120 km of trails in close proximity.
Matrei (975 m) is the main resort in the region of South Hohe Tauern and is located between the sunny Isel and Virgen Valleys. As it is East Tyrol’s most significant ski area, Matrei is a real insiders’ tip. Over 150 mountains loom over three thousand metres, including Großglockner (3,798 m) and Großvenediger (3,674 m,), which are the highest peaks in the country. Typical for this resort is “gemütlichkeit” and village idyll. The residents here uphold their old customs, but are open to the Zeitgeist. Matrei is the perfect starting point for various tours in the wintry ski areas of Virgen Valley – with an 8 person gondola, you are transported from the edge of the resort up to an altitude of 2,190 m! Whether skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, tobogganing or winter hiking, anything is possible here. Alongside the wide range of sports activities available, there are many shops, as well as an extremely interesting cultural offering to keep you occupied. Even on the culinary front, Matrei won’t disappoint with its many specialities.
The sun-spoilt town of Virgen lies at 1,200 m above sea-level, south of the alpine divide, in the Hohe Tauern national park, between the Großglockner and the Großvenediger. In Virgen, you will search in vain for the hustle and bustle that you normally find in large ski resorts. Winter sports fan who prefer it the quieter way are at home here. In Virgen 21 km of tracked cross-country trails lead through deep snow landscapes. But also tobogganing parties on the lit natural tobogganing run and snowshoe hiking ensure cheerful entertainment in an idyllic winter landscape. The nearby resort Matrei offers diverse pistes for ski and snowboard fans. In the evenings, the bars and restaurants in town invite you to cosily let the day fade away.
The breathtaking mountain landscape of the resort Prägraten, which lies at the foot of Großvenediger at 1,312 m, is hard to surpass. Here it's entirely possible that the highlight of the week is time spent in nature and the mountains, such as on a ski tour. The close proximity to Italy can definitely be felt (and tasted!) in the culinary department. Numerous lodges and restaurants serve as cosy retreats and are very appealing with their regional specialities. Guests are offered much more in addition to classic winter sports: an ice skating rink, two toboggan runs and great cross-country trails provide the necessary variety. Enjoy rest and relaxation by choosing from various pools, massages and treatments. The close proximity to Tyrol's second-largest city, Lienz, offers great shopping and numerous sights for a change of pace.
