Obertauern stands out in Austria’s Salzburg region for its high-altitude setting, which grants a long skiing season from November to April, and a purpose-built village offering near-universal ski-in, ski-out convenience. With around 100 km (62 miles) of runs spread around a natural snow bowl, it suits beginners, intermediates, and freeriders alike. Off-slope, a bustling après-ski scene and varied off-piste activities ensure a well-rounded Alpine experience.
Here’s a practical guide we’ve put together just for you, filled with insider tips and essential info to help you plan the perfect Obertauern ski holiday. You’re going to learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and even the best spots to grab a bite or chill out after skiing.
Let's get started!
Obertauern is nestled in the Radstädter Tauern Pass within Salzburger Land, about 90 km (56 miles) south of Salzburg.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| High-altitude resort | Modest vertical drop |
| Ski-in/ski-out convenience | Can get busy during peak season |
| Ample off-piste options | Limited challenges for advanced skiers |
| Vibrant après-ski culture | Less rustic charm than historic Austrian mountain villages |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Obertauern has to offer.
(Ref: Obertauern)
Thanks to gentle nursery slopes and beginner zones by the Pernerlift and Bobby’s Monster Park, Obertauern is prime territory for novices. English-speaking ski schools foster a stress-free introduction, while wide, open blues around the Sonnenlift or Schaidbergbahn provide an ideal stepping-stone once basic turns are mastered.
With roughly 100 km (62 mi) of pistes dominated by blues and reds, intermediates can comfortably explore Obertauern’s terrain. The Tauernrunde circuit offers scenic variation, and many runs flow smoothly into one another, minimising downtime on lifts. Families and intermediate groups often enjoy the green variant of the loop, weaving through Fairy Tale Park and the whimsical Geisterbahn ghost train.
Though not the steepest resort in Austria, advanced skiers discover challenging pockets:
Broad, open pistes and minimal flat sections make Obertauern highly boarder-friendly. A snowpark sits near the Kehrkopfbahn, featuring rails, kickers, and boxes for freestyle practice.
Freeriding epitomises the sense of freedom Obertauern delivers. Surrounded by towering summits in a high-alpine bowl, powder hounds can roam off the sides of marked pistes, finding fresh lines after recent snowfall. Experts can choose any aspect; south, north, west, or east-facing slopes, to catch the best conditions.
The ski season in Obertauern for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 21 November to 3 May. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Obertauern deals for the best ski offers available.
Obertauern offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 23 cm (9.05 in) and 27 cm (10.62 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.4 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 26 cm (10.23 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.5 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Obertauern, with 44 cm (17.32 in) of snow over 4.1 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 17 cm (6.69 in) of snow over 2.9 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 23 cm/9.05 in | 3.2 days |
| January | 27 cm/10.62 in | 3.7 days |
| February | 26 cm/10.23 in | 3.5 days |
| March | 22 cm/8.66 in | 3.6 days |
| April | 17 cm/6.69 in | 2.9 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Obertauern offers 20+ restaurants and cafés, with plenty of hearty Austrian fare alongside Italian and international dishes. Highlights include:
Obertauern’s après-ski scene comes alive with more than 25 huts and bars scattered across the slopes and into the village. As the lifts close, the resort transforms into a hub of music, dancing, and alpine energy. Some standout venues include:
Obertauern’s après buzz flows naturally from the slopes into the village, with music, laughter, and Austrian hospitality keeping the energy high long after the last run.
Download Obertauen piste map pdf here
