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Cross-country skiing has a long tradition in Osttirol and is attracting more and more winter sports enthusiasts, as it is proven to be healthy and extremely close to nature. So come and enjoy the healthy pleasures of nature in Osttirol, which showcases the charm of the region in all its diversity.

Glide through an unspoilt natural and cultural landscape. With captivating views of 266 three-thousand-metre peaks. Completely different regions with over 400 kilometres of trails await you. What do the cross-country skiing opportunities in all the valleys and altitudes of Osttirol have in common? High-quality trail management thanks to daily grooming, guaranteed snow thanks to the altitude and/or snow-making, affordable trail tickets and numerous trail quality seals. Particularly practical for longer routes: public bus transport in Osttirol is free with trail tickets.

World-class Nordic centre

The Lesachtal valley in Osttirol is one of the most beautiful high valleys in Europe, with an authentic, unique natural and cultural landscape. Obertilliach and its cross-country skiing and biathlon centre blend perfectly into this landscape. The altitude and infrastructure make the region particularly interesting for international cross-country skiing professionals, squad training and talent development. A sophisticated network of eleven different trails for classic and freestyle skiing, which allows amateurs and top athletes alike to get started on perfectly groomed Nordic trails in no time at all, makes Obertilliach one of Austria’s most popular cross-country skiing spots, and not just in terms of promoting young talent. For many years now, the Dolomitenlauf, Austria’s largest cross-country skiing race, has also been held here in January. The season there started at the beginning of November.

High up in the Hochpustertal

Osttirol offers professionals and amateurs alike numerous opportunities to benefit from the ‘natural doping’ of the high-altitude cross-country trails in Osttirol. For example, the Dorfberg high-altitude cross-country trail in the mountaineering village of Kartitsch is located between 1,820 and 1,950 metres above sea level. The moderately difficult trail winds its way over ten kilometres in various loops, always offering panoramic views of the Carnic Alps and the local mountain of the 850-strong community. Experienced Nordic fans can reach the starting point by drag lift, while everyone else can take a transfer service to the starting point for a fee.

New for the 2025/26 winter season: In Sillian in the Hochpustertal, a slightly more than 4-kilometre-long, moderately difficult cross-country ski trail is being created, which starts at the Winterwichtelland next to the railway station and leads as an attractive circular trail through hilly terrain – partly through the forest – and entirely without road crossings. Due to its shady location and additional snow-making facilities, the new addition is guaranteed to have snow.

Nature on double tracks

The Hohe Tauern Osttirol National Park region offers a total of over 65 km of cross-country trails, some of which are double-tracked and equipped with skating tracks. Kals am Großglockner, Virgen and Prägraten am Großvenediger have been awarded the Tyrolean cross-country skiing seal of approval. Thanks to the high altitude and snow-making facilities, such as those in Prägraten, cross-country skiing is guaranteed and promises a romantic winter landscape and plenty of space to ski at your own pace. In the snow-rich Defereggental valley, Nordic athletes will find a true winter wonderland with a variety of trails. In addition to the six cross-country trails in the valley floor, the Defereggental valley offers another highlight with the high-altitude trail on the Staller Sattel at 2,000 metres above sea level. On the Obersee trail, you can enjoy a circular trail just under 6 kilometres long with impressive mountain views.

Dolomite trails around Lienz

For the more ambitious runners, the Dolomite circuit is ideal. It starts at the same time as the golf circuit at the Dolomite golf course with extensions towards Tristach. The section leading to the village of Lavant, which is characterised by inclines, is particularly ideal for training sessions. At the westernmost point of the trail, a connection branches off to Tristach. Just under 3 km of the Dolomites circuit are illuminated until 9 p.m. ‘Restful and relaxing, yet stimulating and athletic’ is how cross-country skiing in Nikolsdorf can be described. Wide fields with idyllic glades, forest passages, gentle long stretches and shorter steep climbs and descents make cross-country skiing a real pleasure. 

Dolomitenlauf – ‘Everyone is a winner over themselves’

From 16 to 18 January 2026, Austria’s largest cross-country skiing event, the Dolomitenlauf, will once again take place in snow-covered East Tyrol. The international competition, which can look back on over 50 years of racing history, now attracts over 2,000 athletes from all over the world. Register now at: www.dolomitensport.at

Cross-country Safari Osttirol

13.12.2025 – 29.03.2026
Included services:

• 7 nights
• 7 days cross-country skiing pass Osttirol

• Hotel **** with half board from € 752,00
• Hotel *** with half board from € 612,00
• Private room with breakfast from € 332,00

>> BOOK NOW on www.osttirol.com

You can find all trails digitally at https://maps.osttirol.com