THE place to stay when skiing Sillian – also called Skizentrum Hochpusteral – is the Dolomiten Residenz Sporthotel Sillian, a 4-star resort hotel perfectly situated at the base of the Sillian gondola at this Austrian ski area in the East Tirol.
This large, lovely Sporthotel property has beautiful modern alpine rooms, a wonderful spa, and a beautiful setting with views of Italy’s Dolomites. Essentially everything you need on ski holiday is here, in 4-star form. We immediately tucked our gear away in the ski and boot room, strolled through the lovely lobby bar and lounge, and headed up to our very posh modern alpine chic suite. We could see that our location was directly across the street from the modern Gondola! Basically Ski in Ski out!
Our room had fabulous lighting and a lovely bathroom with wood, tile and mirror accents, a huge walk-in shower, and plenty of space for the two of us. A king bed with fluffy duvets, and a seating area day bed (for traveling families), plus a desk and mini-fridge offered function and relaxation. Our balcony was the best – large with lovely views of the Italy’s jagged Dolomites. Yes, you are that close to Italy in this easternmost Osttirol – East Tyrol.
Our Sporthotel package included half board with an extensive buffet breakfast and 5 course dinner, plus access to the posh adult Spa. A tote bag with robes and slippers was provided in our rooms, so we slipped off to the downstairs indoor pool and adult spa facility.
Aside from a large indoor family swimming pool with water slide, and an indoor outdoor jacuzzi, the Adult Spa here is very chic. A labyrinth of calm, quiet, elegantly lit rooms led to saunas, a damp bed, infrared light rooms, and refreshing showers of varying temps, and an ice bath. Greg headed to the outside Finnish sauna hut for a very hot and invigorating time, while I explored the spa. If you would like a massage, facial or a pedicure, all this can be arranged with the Spa staff at the Sporthotel. In fact, they offer a line of local Tirolean beauty products, Magdalena – featuring Austrian herbs and healing potions (Arnika for muscle soreness), we enjoyed sampling these as amenities in our room.
Evenings, while the sun set over the Alps, we enjoyed our welcome cocktail in the beautiful lobby bar with views out to the patio, and fields and Dolomites.
Dinner is a bountiful 5 course meal, starting with a vast soup and salad buffet, then a plated starter and your choice of main entree followed by dessert, and a cheese course from the buffet if you still have any cravings not satiated. We were seated at a lovely table in the Stuberl room, reserved for couples away from families which we appreciated. Service by the team of English/German/Italian speaking waiters was excellent.
We slept so well on our heavenly bed, with fluffy down duvets. Morning, our day at Sporthotel Sillian started with an extensive self-service buffet in the grand dining room. Breads, meats, cheese, and fresh cooked eggs, plus yogurts and cereals, fresh fruit, juices and coffee, even an omelet bar made us ready for our day on the slopes. Grab your gear, warm dry ski boots, and walk under the road to the lifts of Sillian. We so enjoyed this ski resort, and the spectacular Dolomite and Also views, see our review of skiing Hochpusertal.
Afternoons, returning to the Sporthotel, we looked forward to a light snack that’s offered buffet style for half board guests – a salad bar, and a hot dish – pasta or soup, or casserole. Perfect to tied us over until dinner.
Aside from the lovely Spa as apres-ski amusement, you can also walk the pretty village of Sillian, to the beautiful Heinfels covered wooden bridge and the Heinfels castle up the hill. And if you need anything outside the hotel, a Spar grocery and ski shop are steps away, as well as an après ski umbrella bar for sporty social.
Sporthotel Sillian is a beautiful 4-star lodging property ideal for skiers, one of the top ski hotels we’ve stayed in skiing Austria. For a romantic ski holiday its ideal, with the beautiful suites, meals all set, and its extensive Spa. Or for a family staying at Sporthotel Sillian on a family ski trip, everything is conveniently here, even children’s programs and weekly activities. It’s an expansive property, culminating from additions over the years from the original Austrian chalet, with tasteful remodels of stucco and pine, reflecting the Austrian Tyrol atmosphere. The crowning Cupola, with byzantine tile, is the centerpiece of the hotel, and mimics the remarkable old Heinfels castle you can see just above Sillian on the hillside with its impressive ruins.
We recommend skiing Sillian Hochpusteral, which is part of Austria’s Ski Hit cooperative with a special pass for the East Tirol including St Jakob, Lienz Zettersfeld Hochstein, Obertilliach, Kals Matrei – Grossglockner, Molltaler Glacier, and Ankogel. The Snow Card Tyrol also includes these East Tyrol ski resorts, and over 90 ski areas in Austria.
See our Guide to Skiing the Alps
Top European Ski Resorts
Top Ski Hotels in Austria
Top Reasons to Ski Austria
“In Austria, history unfolds like a storybook, with each chapter revealing a new layer of grandeur and enchantment.” – Maria Theresa