Winter in East Tyrol

A winter fairytale in the snow-sure south of Austria

It’s not only snow kings and ice princesses who enjoy the winter fairytale in East Tyrol. Whether interested in being active or taking it leisurely, East Tyrol awaits you in winter with a host of winter sports possibilities in an idyllic, snow-covered setting.

Skiing & snowboarding

The Dolomiten Residenz ****s Sporthotel Sillian is just a snowball’s throw from the Hochpustertal-Sillian ski centre – go straight from the hotel to the bottom lift station and the pistes of the hotel’s own ski area. Enjoy the unique Ski in-Ski out comfort. Find out more.

Skiing holidays in East Tyrol

 

Away from the pistes

Those wishing to get to know the Hochpustertal region away from the pistes have plenty of oppurtunities. Discover unspoiled nature, cloaked in a soft, white blanket, and experience moments of joy either alone, as a couple, with friends, or on family holidays. From cross-country skiing through to iceskating, horse-drawn sleigh rides, ski touring, and paragliding, these are holidays packed full with variety.

 

zwei Skifahrer über den Wolken auf den Bergen Osttirol beim Sporthotel Sillian
Frau genießt ihren Skiurlaub im Skigebiet beim Sporthotel Sillian in Osttirol
Kinder machen einen Schneemann im Aktivurlaub im Sporthotel Sillian in Osttirol

Cross-country skiing & Nordic Sports

Start out right from the hotel on perfectly prepared cross country ski trails, and explore the Hochpustertal region in skating or classic style. Enjoy the best in cross country skiing pleasure in a cross-country skiing region of superlatives, with 160 km of prepared trails, from the Hochpustertal into the Lesach valley and the Villgraten valley. The networks of cross-country skiing trails of neighbouring places make the region a cross-country skiing area that is remarkably rich in variety. The Sillian / Hochpustertal network itself has 56 km of trails.

Tips about the nicest cross country skiing trails in the Hochpustertal region as well as information about trail status and trail fees is available from the East Tyrol region website.

Cross country skiing in the Hochpustertal region

 

 

Tip: If you lack the energy to get back to the hotel, your guest card gives you free use of the local bus service in East Tyrol.

The Dolomiten Residenz ****s Sporthotel Sillian offers ideal accommodation for keen cross-country skiers, with the following services:

  • Ski room with storage for cross-country skiing equipment
  • Direct access to the cross-country skiing trail
  • Athlete’s breakfast (fruit, muesli,…)
  • Cross-country skiing area with the following informations:
    • Map of the cross country ski trails in the region
    • Route suggestions of all levels of difficulty, including a list of beginner recommendations
    • Information about cross country ski hire, shops with opening times/addresses
    • Information about cross country ski schools with opening times/addresses
    • Timetable/opening times of public transport and lifts with high-altitude trails
    • Specialist magazines (e.g. Nordic sports, active life,…)
    • Weather information: up-to-date weather report with 3- 5 day forecast

 

Ski tours

Conquering the snow-capped peaks under your own steam, step by step almost silently through nature and enjoying every moment. Once at your destination, you feel overwhelmed by the amazing views before heading back into the valley, making fresh tracks in untouched powder snow down the slopes.

East Tyrol is known as a hotspot for ski touring, and the Sillian sport hotel is the ideal place to stay. On touring skis, explore the Villgraten mountains with the Marchkinkele and Gabesitten or the Carnic Ridge and the Gailtal Alps, best of course with a local mountain and skiing guide.

Snowshoeing & winter hiking

With snow glistening in the crystal clear air and the winter sun shining, it is the nicest time to explore the winter scenery around Sillian on foot. Near the hotel there is a network of winter hiking paths and especially beautiful snowshoe walking tours through untouched nature.

We can gladly give you advice at reception on the most beautiful snowshoe hikes and winter walks.

Tobogganing & horse-drawn sleigh rides

Horse-drawn sleigh rides through the magical winter scenery are an especially romantic experience. Wrapped in warm blankets, enjoy winter landscape and the fascinating mountain views in peace.

A family tobogganing trip is always great fun on winter holidays. There are several natural toboggan runs offering pure tobogganing fun, such as the Gschwendt run in Heinfels and the Leckfeld toboggan run. Head up on foot or take the hut taxi (for the Leckfeldalm run), and after a cosy break, race down the mountain on your toboggan. You can hire toboggans from “Sport Sunny 2000” directly opposite the bottom lift station.

From Advent markets through to sporting events

The Sillian Advent market at the beginning of December is especially atmospheric, with its local produce, considerable supporting programme, and local crafts. In winter there are other entertainment highlights aside from sporting events, such as Sillian Fasching (carnival).

Events in East Tyrol