In five ski resorts with five different characters, winter in East Tyrol can be wonderfully experienced in pristine nature – accompanied by down-to-earth cuisine and an authentic way of life.
East Tyrol's ski resorts are as individual as their guests: Whether near the town of Lienz or far away in various valleys, excellent winter sports opportunities abound, both on and off-piste, for beginners, experts, and snowboard and ski acrobats. All five ski areas share a friendly, family-oriented charm away from the crowds – without long queues at the lifts or jostling on the slopes. On average, a skier in this "Land of Mountains" has 10,000 square meters of slopes all to themselves. Here's an overview:
Lienz-Zettersfeld – From the city to the mountain
In the Lienz Zettersfeld ski area, powder snow and urban flair are just a ten-minute walk away. That's how long the ascent from the valley station in Lienz takes to reach this piste paradise. Up top, six lifts await, offering 21 kilometers of slopes between 1,672 and 2,278 meters – from sunny, leisurely runs to the permanent giant slalom course and a kids' area. Exhausted winter sports enthusiasts can enjoy culinary specialties at the seven mountain huts on the Zettersfeld: 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 extends far beyond après-ski. With around 2,000 hours of sunshine a year, Lienz truly deserves its nickname, "Sun City," making 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 will be rocking the new stage at the Steiner Mandl valley station on weekends. For the "SlopeSound" events, DJ sets and instruments will be brought directly to the ski slopes on two Fridays.
St. Jakob Ski Centre – Champagne powder away from the crowds
When the sun rises over the Defereggen Valley, the snow-covered slopes remain untouched. The St. Jakob ski resort is renowned for its freeride opportunities off the beaten track, away from the 35 kilometers of groomed pistes. Nestled among Austria's highest mountain peaks, the resort is among the snowiest and coldest in the Alps. In this tranquil valley, you can actually find genuine champagne powder – the finest and driest powder snow, usually only found in North America. This natural spectacle in St. Jakob is created by unique meteorological conditions: very low temperatures combined with temperature inversions that draw moisture from the snow. The Leppleskofel six-seater chairlift – the highest in East Tyrol – whisks you up to almost 2,700 meters in just a few minutes. While families enjoy the fun park, magic carpets, and children's ski area below, more adventurous skiers will find plenty of space for wide, sweeping turns in the backcountry at the top.
Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei – a high-alpine challenge
With 47.1 kilometers of slopes, 16 lifts, and 270 hectares of pistes, the Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei is the largest and most challenging ski area in East Tyrol. Steep runs demand skill and stamina, wide turns on broad slopes make carving enthusiasts' hearts beat faster, while less experienced skiers prefer the blue to red marked slopes. Artificial snowmaking throughout the ski area, as well as the three fully snow-covered valley runs to Kals and Matrei, ensure operation until April 12, 2026. From the Adlerhorst (Eagle's Nest), a viewing platform at 2,421 meters located directly next to the Adlerlounge restaurant, mountaineers can enjoy views of 60 three-thousand-meter peaks, including the Großglockner, at 3,798 meters Austria's highest mountain.
Golzen's tip – small swings, big successes
In the Golzentipp ski area in Obertilliach, budding skiers practice their first turns under expert guidance, while older children and adults can enjoy a total of twelve kilometers of slopes. The children's area, located right next to the Himbeergoll lift, features a wave track, small jumps, and figures to make getting started easier. A dedicated children's lane at the practice lift ensures short waiting times. The Obertilliach ski school offers group and private lessons, and the Sport Auer ski rental shop provides suitable equipment. With its compact size, sunny slopes, and family-friendly atmosphere, the Golzentipp ski area is ideal for beginners and families.
Sillian Ski Centre – Somersaults, Loops and Rails
Nestled in the Dolomite mountains near the border with South Tyrol, the Sillian Hochpustertal ski resort enjoys a snow-sure altitude of 1,000 to 2,400 meters. Here, recreational skiers, families, and freestyle skiers and snowboarders alike will find a perfect blend of Austrian piste quality and Italian flair. Visitors to East Tyrol appreciate the manageable size and child-friendly atmosphere of this Hochpustertal community. Enjoying a sunny, central southeast-facing location and equipped with its own lift, the resort also boasts a superbly groomed fun park for both beginners and expert skiers and snowboarders.
Helpful Tips
With affordable prices and the multi-day "Ski Hit East Tyrol Ski Pass" for all East Tyrolean ski resorts plus two more in neighboring Carinthia, the winter sports destination aims to make Austria's national sport accessible to all ski enthusiasts. Children up to six years old ski free when accompanied by their parents; the child rate applies until the age of 18.
With the East Tyrolean guest card, which guests receive upon registration at the hotel, free transfers with regular buses within East Tyrol – and thus to all ski resorts – are guaranteed.