Sometimes, when things get too busy or touristy on the South Tyrolean side of the Hochpustertal, we like to escape to East Tyrol. Although it is only about 20 km from our office in Toblach, everything here feels calmer, more authentic and more peaceful — and there is often significantly more snow.
In the past, one might have had to compromise on the food, but this has changed noticeably in recent years, likely due to East Tyrol's growing popularity among Italian guests. Our hotel, Waldruhe, run by a young and passionate host family, is particularly renowned for its beautiful rooms and refined cuisine.
And before we forget, the ski touring here is exceptional. There is such a wide range of easy, enjoyable tours between 900 and 1,200 vertical metres that, depending on the snow and weather conditions, we can always select the very best tour, either directly in the Upper Lesachtal or occasionally in the nearby Villgraten Valley.
Most tours start on a forest road through a wooded high valley and gradually open up to the wide alpine meadows of the Carnic ridge. Once we reach the summit, good weather will reward us with stunning panoramic views of the neighbouring Sexten and Lienz Dolomites.