Ostirol: Cross-country skiing in the Dolomites in Lienz

Welcome to the cross-country skiing region of Osttirol!

Cross-country skiing in Osttirol offers a unique experience of nature in the midst of untouched winter landscapes. The wide valleys, forests covered in deep snow and majestic mountains invite both beginners and professionals to enjoy the peace and beauty of the region on perfectly groomed trails. Whether classic or skating, flat or challenging, by day or by night, at 700 meters or 2000 meters - East Tyrol's trail network shines through versatility and invites you to discover a dreamlike mountain world.

In Hochpustertal the cross-country fun starts near the Italian border and runs to Strassen. An attractive snow-covered trail in Sillian ensures cross-country skiing even in winters with little snow. Those who make a detour to Villgratental will be rewarded with a 6-kilometre-long trail along numerous rustic farms. The Grenzlandloipe in the Tyrolean Gailtal and Lesachtal valleys is considered to be one of the most beautiful cross-country ski trails in the Alpine region. Between the villages of Kartitsch, Obertilliach, Untertilliach and Maria Luggau, more than 60 km of perfectly groomed trails await cross-country skiers, which, due to their altitude between 1,200 and 1,500 m, are among the most snow-sure trails.

Cross-country skiing and nature are closely connected, and making tracks through a national park region makes the cross-country skiing experience something very special. In Prägraten, the entire valley can be traversed from the sports field to Ströden, with the Isel – one of the last free-flowing glacial rivers – always in view. The illuminated Unterfeldrunde trail invites you to enjoy some excellent night-time skiing. In Virgen, too, the trails are mostly accompanied by the Isel, with sporty trails alternating with ideal loops for beginners. At the Matreier Tauernhaus, fantastic sunny trails await at over 1,500 meters. In Kals am Großglockner, the presence of Austria's highest mountain alone makes cross-country skiing a breathtaking adventure.

The Defereggen Valley, which is usually covered in deep snow, offers around 45 km of trails with everything a cross-country skier's heart desires. From leisurely, wild and romantic trails through beautiful forest sections, which are very suitable for beginners, to the remote Erlsbach trail, which runs for miles high above the Schwarzach valley, all cross-country skiers will find what they are looking for. Incidentally, the high-altitude trail at Staller Sattel is guaranteed to have snow until spring.

Thanks to the favorable location and a sophisticated snowmaking system, it is always possible to make your rounds at the foot of the mighty Lienz Dolomites in the Lienz valley basin at almost 700 meters above sea level.

Free use of public transport: With a valid guest card, all bus lines in East Tyrol can be used free of charge.
Note: This free travel arrangement does not apply to the train line and the 4420 Lienz-Innsbruck and 950X Lienz-Kitzbühel (express buses)!

The cross-country skiing and biathlon center in Obertilliach is an absolute highlight and is suitable for the World Cup. The dense and sometimes challenging network of trails around the shooting range makes every cross-country skier's heart beat faster. It's no wonder that the elite of the global biathlon scene is a regular guest here. Incidentally, training here is not limited to winter: cross-country skiing pros and amateurs use the ski roller track for summer training opportunities.

NEW: Buy your cross-country ski pass online!