Perched at 1,740 metres in the heart of Austria’s Salzburg region, Obertauern has earned its reputation as the country’s snowiest ski resort – and for skiers weary of disappointing snow reports elsewhere, that alone makes it worth serious consideration.
The resort’s unique geography creates what can only be described as a natural snow magnet. Situated in a spectacular amphitheatre-shaped bowl, Obertauern benefits from weather systems arriving from both north and south, ensuring consistent snowfall from late November through to May. It’s this reliability that sets it apart from lower-altitude resorts, where artificial snow-making often becomes the main event rather than a backup plan.
Obertauern is also really easy to get around. Twenty-six modern lifts and cable cars form an unbroken loop around the resort, creating what the Austrians have dubbed the Tauern Circuit. Skiers can join at any of 11 entry points and follow either the Red Tauern Circuit clockwise or the Green Tauern Circuit counterclockwise, never needing to remove their skis or board a shuttle bus. It’s ski-in, ski-out convenience taken to its logical conclusion – step out of your hotel door, click into your bindings and the entire 100km of groomed pistes await.
The bowl configuration delivers another unexpected benefit: all-day sunshine. Whilst many resorts force skiers to choose between morning or afternoon light, Obertauern’s varied exposures allow you to chase the sun across the mountain throughout the entire day. There’s something deeply satisfying about carving through perfectly groomed corduroy whilst bathed in Alpine light, whether you’re an early riser catching first tracks or prefer a leisurely afternoon session.
With 61km of gentle blue runs and special areas for children, Obertauern is the ideal resort for families. © Obertauern Tourism | Mirja Geh.
The terrain itself caters admirably to all abilities. Beginners and families will find reassurance in 61km of gentle blue runs, whilst intermediates can test themselves across 35km of reds. Advanced skiers aren’t forgotten either; there are several demanding black pistes which offer nail-biting descents and technical challenges that’ll sort the competent from the genuinely skilled.
Families receive special attention here. Children under five ski free when accompanied by parents, easing the financial burden of introducing young ones to the slopes. The resort’s Children’s Tauernrunde – affectionately known as the Bobby-Round after the resort’s snow bunny mascot – provides a gentle, entertaining circuit designed specifically for young adventurers. Older children and teenagers can tackle the My Track route, complete with timed runs, wave tracks and even a spooky ghost train section.
When dusk settles across the mountains, Obertauern doesn’t simply close up shop. Twice weekly, on Monday and Thursday evenings, the 1.5-km Edelweissbahn slope illuminates for night skiing between 7:00 and 10:00 pm. If you haven’t skied at night before, let me tell you that it is quiet thrilling to carve turns under the stars, surrounded by the stillness of snow-covered peaks. Better still, night skiing comes included with all multi-day passes from 1.5 days upwards – no supplements, no additional fees.
Looking for a wild descent on untouched powder snow before joining the vibrant après-ski scene at Obertauern. © Obertauern Tourism.
For those seeking indulgence beyond the slopes, Obertauern offers approximately 150 accommodation options spanning the full spectrum of luxury and budget. The five-star Hotel Das Seekarhaus stands out as a particularly elegant choice, offering a prime ski-in, ski-out location alongside state-of-the-art wellness facilities, including what they’ve dubbed an “exclusive wellness oasis”. The luxurious property combines sparkling powder snow access with exquisite cuisine – rather an attractive combination after a demanding day on the mountain. Those seeking similar standards might also consider the highly-rated Kesselspitze Valamar Collection Hotel, which consistently receives excellent reviews for its spa facilities and mountain-facing rooms.
Beyond the obvious skiing, Obertauern provides a complete winter experience. Cross-country trails wind through snow-laden forests, winter hiking routes offer a gentler pace, and snowshoe adventures reveal the quiet beauty of the high Alps. They even offer horse-drawn sleigh rides through pristine woodland for the incurable romantics out there.
The après-ski scene here strikes a pleasing balance between lively and civilised. Numerous huts and bars dot the slopes and village, where skiers can celebrate a successful day in true Austrian style.
Obertauern not only does snow sports exceptionally well, it also provides all the other elements for an unforgettable holiday. This is genuine value wrapped in genuine quality.
Author: Lina Ress
Leading image: Gamsleiten 2 slope at Obertauern, one of Europe’s steepest black-graded mogul runs. © Obertauern Tourism.
Find other ski destinations recommended by I-M Inquisitive Minds, HERE.
Show Comments +