Hochpustertal Valley, Lienz Valley Basin overlooking the majestic Dolomites, Hohe Tauern National Park or Defereggen Valley: East Tirol boasts over 400 kilometres of immaculately groomed trails.
East Tirol boasts over 400 kilometres of immaculately groomed trails at altitudes between 673 and 2,052 metres above sea level, granting easy access to ample and varied terrain for every style and ability of skier. Complimentary shuttle bus services linking the cross-country trails in the Pustertal, Villgratental and Gailtal and Lesachtal Valleys, numerous special accommodation options for cross-country skiers (featuring drying rooms and ski waxing facilities, etc), excellent trail signage, lessons and equipment hire all make East Tirol a true haven for cross-country ski enthusiasts.
The "Grenzlandloipe", for example, is one of the most beautiful and varied trails in the Southern Alps. This 60-kilometre-long trail mainly follows the Gail river and links the East Tirolean villages of Kartitsch, Obertilliach and Untertilliach with the Carinthian villages of Maria Luggau and St. Lorenzen in the Lesach Valley. The great thing about this trail is that it can be as easy or as difficult as you want it to be: various access and exit points allow you to tackle individual legs a section at a time.
The high altitude of the Nordic Skiing and Biathlon Centre in Obertilliach, sitting 1,450 metres above sea level, allows for plenty of snow. Each November the world’s best biathlon skiers train here. Interested in trying biathlon yourself? Biathlon lessons for beginners are offered at the Nordic Ski & Biathlon Center in Obertilliach once a week. A guided tour of the stadium and the shooting range is included (for bookings call +43.664 4365221 or send an email to info@biathlon-obertilliach.com).
Recommended experience: Trans-Dolomiti Nordic Ski – XC Ski Trip without Backpack
Fill your lungs with fresh air and marvel at the awe-inspiring views of the Hochpustertal Valley! The best way to take in the majesty and serenity of the Dolomites UNESCO World Heritage Site is to embark on a 5 or 8-day cross country ski trip, with daily distances ranging from 20 to 30 kilometres. Spanning from East Tirol across the Dolomites to Cortina in Italy, this is arguably one of the greatest outdoor adventures in the Alps. The best thing is that you will be travelling light as your luggage is conveniently transported from one hotel to the next.
