Skiing in Matrei in Osttirol
Matrei in Osttirol is a market town in Austria's East Tyrol, on the southern side of the Hohe Tauern range and close to the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. The town is the home base of the Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, where access from Matrei covers 15 kilometres of pistes and 5 lifts. This is small-scale, authentic winter sport: no mass tourism, but plenty of nature, with the Hohe Tauern National Park as the backdrop. The region is snow-rich; recent winters recorded up to 201 centimetres of snow. Matrei itself is a lively town with shops, restaurants and a long history as a trading place. We list 3 accommodations in Matrei, with prices from 742 euros per person.
Last checked: 2026-10-26 · Sources: Open-Meteo (snow data), OpenStreetMap (lifts and pistes), partner offers refreshed daily.
Accommodations in Matrei in Osttirol
Matrei in Osttirol8.5Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Oostenrijk
SUN Matrei
Matrei in Osttirol8.9Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Oostenrijk
AlpenParks Hotel & Appartement Montana (Hotel)
Matrei in Osttirol7.5Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Oostenrijk
Hotel Goldried
Matrei in Osttirol7.5Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Oostenrijk
Appartementen Goldried
Matrei in OsttirolGrossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei, Oostenrijk
Naturhotel Outside
Snow report & 7-day forecast
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The ski area from Matrei
From Matrei you ski the Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei. The offer described here from the town counts 15 kilometres of pistes and 5 lifts: compact, clear and rarely busy.
The runs are varied enough for a relaxed week of skiing, with gentle sections for beginners and enough gradient for confident skiers. You will not find huge linked circuits here, and that is exactly the charm: short lift queues, no waiting and skiing with views over the mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park.
Snow reliability around Matrei
East Tyrol is known as a snow-rich region, and the numbers back that up: recent winters measured up to 201 centimetres of snow around Matrei, among the higher values in our listings.
The southern position on the Hohe Tauern means snowfall often arrives from different weather systems than in the northern Alps; when the north stays dry, it can snow heavily here. As everywhere in the Alps, December and March are more changeable than midwinter, but the starting position here is strong.
The town itself
Matrei is a genuine market town with a historic centre, shops, bakeries and restaurants that would exist even without tourism. The town lives year-round and therefore feels different from a purpose-built resort.
The atmosphere is calm and Tyrolean; do not expect classic après-ski, but do expect good kitchens serving regional dishes. Matrei is also a well-known base for the Hohe Tauern National Park, with winter hikes and nature excursions as an alternative to a ski day.
Who is Matrei for
Matrei suits winter guests who value peace, nature and authenticity over piste mileage. Families with young children and beginners benefit from the compact area with 15 kilometres of runs; mile-hunters should look at a larger area instead.
Winter walkers, cross-country skiers and nature lovers are equally well served, with the national park on the doorstep. With prices from 742 euros per person and 3 listed accommodations, the offer is select; what you pay for here is the setting and the quiet.
Practical information
You reach Matrei via Germany and Austria; the usual route runs through the Inn valley and then the Felbertauern tunnel into East Tyrol. It is a long drive, so an overnight stop or early start is advisable.
We list 3 accommodations in Matrei, with prices from 742 euros per person. As availability is limited, book well ahead for holiday weeks. January and March are quiet and relatively affordable, and the snow-rich location keeps even the late season interesting.
Matrei in Osttirol on the map
Webcams · Matrei in Osttirol
📷 Gemeinde Kals am Grossglockner: Kals am Großglockner, Großglockner - Adlerlounge, Cimaross
📷 Gemeinde Virgen › South-west: Burgruine Rabenstein - Sonnberg
📷 Glor-Berg: Kals am Großglockner - Blick nach Nordosten
📷 Gemeinde Virgen › North: Würfelehütte - Niedermauern - Virgental Straße - Obermauern - Wallfahrtskirche Maria Schnee
📷 Gemeinde Kals am Grossglockner › South: Kals am Großglockner
📷 Gemeinde Kals am Grossglockner: Kals am Großglockner - Blick nach Westen
📷 Gemeinde Hopfgarten in Defereggen: Hopfgarten im Defereggental - Blick nach Osten
📷 Gemeinde St. Veit in Defereggen: Defereggental Hotel & Resort
FAQ about Matrei in Osttirol
How much piste can you ski from Matrei in Osttirol?
From Matrei in Osttirol you reach the Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei ski area with around 15 km of marked pistes and 5 lifts.
What does a ski holiday in Matrei in Osttirol cost?
Accommodations in Matrei in Osttirol start from around €731 per person; Nivosola compares 5, refreshed daily.
Is there enough snow around Matrei in Osttirol?
Yes. Recent winters in Grossglockner Resort Kals-Matrei reached a maximum snow depth of around 201 cm. December to March is the most reliable period.
Where exactly is Matrei in Osttirol?
Matrei lies in East Tyrol, on the southern side of the Hohe Tauern range near the Grossglockner, Austria's highest mountain. The valley is reached via the Felbertauern tunnel, among other routes.
Is Matrei suitable for beginners?
Yes, the compact ski area with 5 lifts is easy to navigate and rarely busy, ideal for learning. For advanced skiers chasing mileage, the offer is deliberately modest.
How quiet is Matrei?
Matrei is one of Austria's quieter winter destinations. Even in holiday weeks the slopes and the town stay pleasantly calm, without mass tourism.
Can I go winter hiking or cross-country skiing around Matrei?
Yes, the region around the Hohe Tauern National Park is excellent for winter walks and has cross-country trails in the valleys. Many guests mix ski days with a day in the park.