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ItalianoUpdated 19.12.2022
The holiday region of East Tyrol is nestled between the Lienz Dolomites and the Hohe Tauern in the heart of the Alps and is characterised above all by its unspoilt nature. Gentle cross-country skiing fits harmoniously into the natural, wintry surroundings. A 400-kilometre-long network of cross-country ski trails criss-crosses the valley landscapes of the Austrian mountain region, framed by the white peaks of the 266 three-thousand-metre peaks. Guaranteed snow, deep snow-covered forests, wide plains with panoramic views and award-winning, varied cross-country trails make East Tyrol a popular destination for cross-country skiers - whether beginners or experts, fans of the classic style or skaters. The Nordic sport is finding more and more followers, especially younger ones. Not least because of the fitness factor: when "gliding through the expanses", all muscle groups are evenly exercised, blood circulation is promoted and, on top of that, the heart is strengthened. Intensive whole-body training and the experience of nature thus form a harmonious and healthy combination. Cross-country skiing in East Tyrol stands for vastness, scenic diversity and an optimal infrastructure. In addition, the demand for quality and safety in East Tyrolean winter sports is enormous and also award-winning. The towns of Prägraten, Virgen, Kals am Großglockner, Kartitsch, Obertilliach and Untertilliach in the Gailtal valley have been awarded the Tyrol's cross-country skiing seal of approval. Excellent signposting of the trails, good public transport including a free ski bus as well as quality-tested cross-country skiing accommodations with drying and waxing rooms directly at the trail distinguish East Tyrol as a mecca of the Nordic skiing scene. Cross-country skiing is also one of the gentler winter sports in terms of price: the East Tyrol season ticket (with all the cross-country trails in the region) is already available for €120/person. langlaufen.osttirol.com
There are many ways to glide across snow-covered expanses in East Tyrol. No less than seven cross-country skiing regions offer variations for every taste and requirement: whether in Alta Pusteria with its villages of Sillian, Obertilliach, Kartitsch and the Villgratental, in the sunny Lienz valley floor with a view of the Dolomites, in the high-mountain Defereggen valley or across the largest protected area in the Alps, the Hohe Tauern. The National Park municipalities of Virgen, Prägraten am Großvenediger and Kals am Großglockner also have well-maintained cross-country ski trails. Above all, however, the two villages of Obertilliach and Prägraten are considered the designated cross-country skiing hotspots of the region.
The small mountain village of Obertilliach in the upper Lesach Valley is an exciting starting point for cross-country skiers. The rustic village sits enthroned at an altitude of 1,450 metres, with the Große Gail river flowing through it. Due to its high altitude, Obertilliach is considered particularly snow-sure, so the first cross-country ski trails are already open from the beginning of November. The internationally recognised cross-country skiing and biathlon centre is a sporting highlight in the small village, attracting not only holidaymakers but also professionals to the region. The Norwegian biathlete Ole Einar Bjørndalen, for example, lived there for several years because of the ideal training conditions. The sports centre includes a five-kilometre-long, artificially snowed cross-country ski trail and a four-kilometre-long roller ski run that can be used all year round. Those interested can follow in the footsteps of famous biathletes at the "Taster Biathlon". Tour example: The Grenzlandloipe is considered one of the most varied cross-country trails in East Tyrol. It owes its name to its immediate proximity to South Tyrol and Carinthia. The panoramic trail leads from Hollbruck to Kartitsch and then ascends to the Kartitscher Sattel at an altitude of 1,525 metres. From there the trail runs across open meadows and through snow-covered forests in the Schöntal and Leitnertal valleys past to Obertilliach. Stop for a bite to eat: The Klammerwirt, steeped in history, offers typical East Tyrolean specialities.
The mountaineering village of Prägraten am Großvenediger lies at 1,309 metres above sea level south of the main Alpine ridge in the Hohe Tauern National Park. It scores above all with its quiet location at the head of the valley directly at the foot of the "majesty", the Großvenediger (3,666 m). Five varied, perfectly groomed cross-country trails with their skating and diagonal tracks lead through the white dream scenery of the rear Virgental. It is not for nothing that Prägraten has been awarded the Tyrolean cross-country skiing seal of approval. Tour example: Cross-country skiing along the Isel, the last free-flowing glacier river in the Alps, is particularly impressive, where the hoarfrost hanging from the trees is a constant companion at the right temperatures. Tip for late-night skiers: the Blusen-Unterfeld route in Prägraten am Großvenediger, a three-kilometre-long, continuously lit night trail.
East Tyrol is an active member of the "Tyrolean cross-country skiing specialists" as well as the Dolomiti Nordicski association, the largest cross-country skiing carousel in Europe with 1,300 kilometres of trails. From the beginning of January to the end of March 2023, sports enthusiasts can take part in the Trans Dolomiti campaign. Active skiers glide without luggage and thus "carefree" over 100 kilometres on the cross-country trails of East Tyrol and the Dolomites. At the end of each day's stage, the suitcases are already waiting for their owners in the next hotel room.
After a two-year break, East Tyrol will once again host a top-class event and Austria's largest cross-country skiing event: the legendary Dolomitenlauf on 21 and 22 January 2023. More than 2,000 athletes from all over the world are now taking part in the international competition, which has been held in Lienz for 53 years. "Whether you are a professional, an amateur or an amateur athlete - we offer the right competition with the right challenge for every taste. And all this in front of an impressive natural backdrop," enthuses Franz Theurl, organiser and chairman of the East Tyrol Tourism Association.
Further information: www.osttirol.com