Großglockner Resort Kals-Matrei

Matrei is the main ski resort of East Tyrol. To the north the area is overlooked by the majestic three-thousanders Grossglockner (3,798 m) and Grossvenediger (3,674 m). The municipality of Matrei in Osttirol lies at the very heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Visitors are drawn here not only by fantastic views and unspoilt nature but also by well-groomed pistes. The Hohe Tauern National Park offers superb conditions for high-alpine ski tours. The largest ski area nearby is Matrei-Goldried. The top station of the lift is at 2,190 m. There are plenty of pistes here that are ideal for relaxed leisure skiing. You can also ski on the slopes above the nearby villages of Virgen and Praegraten. A big attraction for skiers is the ski area in Kals at the foot of the Grossglockner. You can get there directly by lift from the Matrei-Goldried slopes. In the Hohe Tauern you can use the Top SKI Osttirol pass, valid in 7 areas in East Tyrol and 22 resorts in Carinthia. Around Matrei, within the Hohe Tauern National Park, many exceptionally scenic cross-country trails have been laid out. Fans of this kind of skiing are particularly drawn to the Virgental valley, near the villages of Virgen and Praegraten. Among other things, there is a FIS-homologated skating trail here. On a winter holiday in Matrei you can also enjoy other active pursuits besides skiing. There are toboggan runs, an ice rink and squash courts. You can go ice climbing. Praegraten regularly hosts sled-dog races. Matrei is a charming Tyrolean town and also the regional centre for shopping and cultural life. The accommodation here offers 3,000 beds in hotels, Gasthofs and apartments. When the weather is not right for skiing, you can visit the local sights: interesting churches in Matrei and Virgen.