Matrei (975 m) is the main resort in the region of South Hohe Tauern and is located between the sunny Isel and Virgen Valleys. As it is East Tyrol’s most significant ski area, Matrei is a real insiders’ tip. Over 150 mountains loom over three thousand metres, including Großglockner (3,798 m) and Großvenediger (3,674 m,), which are the highest peaks in the country. Typical for this resort is “gemütlichkeit” and village idyll. The residents here uphold their old customs, but are open to the Zeitgeist. Matrei is the perfect starting point for various tours in the wintry ski areas of Virgen Valley – with an 8 person gondola, you are transported from the edge of the resort up to an altitude of 2,190 m! Whether skiing, snowboarding, ice-skating, tobogganing or winter hiking, anything is possible here. Alongside the wide range of sports activities available, there are many shops, as well as an extremely interesting cultural offering to keep you occupied. Even on the culinary front, Matrei won’t disappoint with its many specialities.

Après-ski in Matrei is rather cosy. The day is rounded off sociably here in a bar or pub. Definitely worthwhile, is a visit to the apres-ski bar in Hotel Goldried or “Fun” in “Tom's Pub”, which are both located in Matrei near the Goldried gondola's valley station. A toboggan party on one of the Virgen Valley's toboggan runs is lots of fun after skiing. Nature lovers should not miss a guided snow shoe hike with the Hohe Tauern National Park's keepers. After a long day on the piste, you can recharge your batteries in one of the many lodges and traditional pubs, where you will be served regional specialities, such as bacon or spinach Knödel (dumplings). Later in the evening, the BB-Bar is the main attraction for revellers, with trendy music and mix your own cocktails. Lienz, which is only a 30 min. drive by car, has a lot in store for party goers.