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Overview of Obertauern
Obertauern is a beautiful and idyllic family ski holiday destination. Whilst it may initially appear to have a less raucous atmosphere and a family-oriented demeanour in comparison to other Austrian resorts, Obertauern is not your traditional Austrian ski resort. Being the first and only purpose-built ski resort in Austria, Obertauern is a gem of a resort. It is the highest sitting resort in the Salzburg ski area with a fantastic snow record. Obertauern offers a complete ski holiday experience for its visitors and as such, it is no wonder that it is seeing a steadily growing popularity among British skiers who visit the resort in increasing numbers each new season.
Historically, Obertauern was only a mountain pass dating back to the Roman empire, with some Roman waggon tracks discovered dating back to the 1200s. Skiing only began after the first world war with the village officially built in the winter of 1929. The lift was installed In 1948 at the Seekarhaus and by the end of the 1960s, there were gondolas, cable cars and drag lifts. There’s more to Obertaurens history than meets the eye. Deemed the perfect setting they were looking for, the resort has played host to rock and roll royalty, when a certain, famous musical quartet from Liverpool visited the resort and spent up to 2 weeks filming part of their 1965 musical movie, Help!
As a purpose-built ski resort, the entire set-up at Obertauern functions perfectly for all visiting skiers. It practises a pedestrian, car-free centre and also has 100% ski-in and ski-out hotel and chalet accommodation; allowing visitors to jump out of bed, into their ski boots and onto the slopes! The pistes in Obertauern are perfect for all ski abilities with beginners to advanced skiers finding joy on the pistes. The resort sits at a very impressive 1750 metres altitude with more than half of its pistes above that height, peaking at 2,315 metres. Not only does Obertauern promise high altitude snow sure skiing and excellent ski conditions, its altitude sees the season start early, from November last up until the month of May. Its slopes are also home to cosy and lively mountain lodges and huts where you can stop by for a midday meal and warm drink; perfect for families.
Obertauern has up to 100 kilometres of snow-sure, high-altitude pistes that cater to just about all mixed ski abilities. The pistes range from 1630 metres to 2315 metres altitude and are serviced by an efficient network of 31 lifts including gondolas, chairlifts, drag lifts and magic carpets.
After completing a few runs and building confidence in the nursery areas of the resort, beginners can find easy slopes to build on at Perner, Übungs, Kirchbühel and Edelweiss lift. The easy runs here are gentle blues that are an absolute pleasure for beginners. Access the Schaidberg chairlift to reach other easy blues located higher up in altitude.
The majority of the runs here are perfect for intermediate level skiers. One of them, the Tauern Circuit, is a 200 kilometre round trip of the resort which cuts across both blue and. Red slopes.
There are only 6 difficult runs on Obertauern that appeal to seasoned skiers. Advanced skiers can head up to the Gamsleiten 2 to access some of these challenging runs coming down from Gamsleiten at 2,357 metres altitude. There is also a long, windy black coming down Gamskarlift which is worth a shot for advanced skiers. Obertauern also has fantastic off-piste opportunities but we world always strongly recommend visiting with a guide.
Freestylers and snowboarders are very well catered for at Obertauern. The terrain here at Obertauern is very much freeride-orientated and as earlier mentioned, the pistes here are suitable to all ski ability types. There is also an amazing snowpark with all the obstacles you would normally find (rails, boxes and kickers etc) and more. The park is also open to all ski ability levels.
Snow Conditions in Obertauern
Obertauern is one of Salzburglands highest resorts and its fantastic snow conditions see’s the resort stay open from November up until May. The resort has averaged 593 centimetres of snowfall per annum over the last 10 years also with an average of 46 days of snowfall each season. The resort also has very efficient snowmaking facilities to supplement any losses.
For a small, family-friendly ski resort, the après-ski in Obertauern is pretty lively. It traditionally begins on the pistes with a good number of mountain huts and lodges dotted across the slopes known as “après mile”, where lunch service seamlessly transforms into vibrant music, increased flow of drinks, dancing or taking in the sun whilst enjoying the view on the outdoor terraces. When you head back down, there are a number of pubs, bars and lounges that greet your arrival and from where you can continue the apres-ski evening. Most bars stay open early hours.
Edelweissalm Chalet
Edelweissalm It is a traditional Alpine ski bar with a cosy interior and lively atmosphere. It is one of Obertauern's many ski slope lodges/huts that transforms from a lunch bar and restaurant to full-on apres-ski as the afternoon wavers on. Sitting at 1,850 metres altitude, the party kicks off from 3:30 pm every day and the DJ rolls out the sets which lead to dancing until later in the evening until it’s time to ski back down to the village and continue the crawl to other bars in the resort. It also has an outdoor terrace which often tends to be the scene of table and chair dancing. It is well known for hosting great apres-ski parties.
Lürzer Alm
Lürzer Alm is one of the main apres ski hubs in Obertauern. It is located at the foot of the slopes and is open every day from 3:30 pm. It is a huge establishment which has two different food outlets and a huge bar hall. Great place to catch up on drinks and stories just off the slopes and food is served until midnight. It’s perfect for all types of evening catchups. There is a cosy indoor interior with a fireplace and an outside umbrella bar as well (a great place to hang out on sunny days). Its location makes it the obligatory place to visit once coming down the slopes from Edelweissalm. There is also a large dance floor which comes alive at 9:30 pm when the DJ sets come out and the party kicks off. Lürzer Alm is also well known for throwing some of the best-themed apres-ski parties at Obertauern.
Der Turm Der Turm which translates as The Tower (stemming from its mediaeval tower looks) is a lovely small bar also located at the foot of the slopes and by the Gamsleiten chairlift. Part of Hotel Schneider can be reached by foot or by ski. It has a large sun terrace with deck chairs from where you can enjoy the perfect view of the surrounding mountain range. Smaller and cosier feel to the larger bars in the resort, Der Turm offers a mix of traditional and chic lounge experiences. If you love your cocktails, Der Trum has a fantastic cocktail menu.
Treff 2000 Treff 2000 is a bright, modern restaurant bar that sits at 2,000 metres altitude above the resort, near the Grünwaldkopf lift. It has recently undergone a refurbishment which has certainly given it a very modern and contemporary facelift. Browse through an extensive drinks menu from wines, beers and spirits which you can enjoy along with some of the most breathtaking views anywhere in Obertauern. There is a restaurant on the first floor and a sun terrace on the ground floor with outdoor table seating and deck chairs; amazing on a sunny day.
Gruberstadl The self-proclaimed number 1 après-ski spot in Obertauern. Located right on the ski slopes on 18a, Gruberstadl has a great party atmosphere and the vibe is constantly lively. It usually starts slow but accelerates as the day progresses into the evening. Expect live bands, happy hours, DJ sets and parties. Gruberstadl is also known to throw really good new years eve parties.
The facilities in Obertauern are fantastic. As earlier mentioned, Obertauern is a purpose-built ski resort and as such, it was built to fulfil all needs and requirements of a functioning ski resort. The resort has awesome accommodation facilities which allow door-to-door skiing and easy access to the several amenities available on the resort including shops, cafes, restaurants and bars. There is also a good amount of off-slope entertainment for all visiting age groups.
A purpose built ski resort like Obertauern will have no shortage of ski equipment shops offering ski equipment hire. There are a number of ski hire shops within Obertauern where you can walk in and inquire about equipment hire however, the most convenient way to arrange your ski equipment hire is with us directly. When making your holiday booking, you can easily add ski equipment to your overall package. If you are completing the order online you will be able to do this on the ski extras page, however, if you are speaking to one of our reps over the phone, just request and provide the details of what you need to hire. Once complete, you can pick up your equipment from any branch of the ski equipment shop that will be named on your voucher. It's really that simple.
Pre-order your Obertauern ski pass directly with us at Erna Low and avoid queueing at the ticket offices and lift machines. It is by far the easiest way to obtain a ski pass in Obertauern and it saves you a lot of time and hassle. Ordering your ski pass online means that it is ready and waiting for you at the resort when you arrive. No questions asked, no further inquiries, just throw on your ski gear and hit the slopes.
Most of the hotels in Obertauern have wellness centres that include spas, saunas and swimming pools to help relax the muscles and help the mind unwind after an eventful day on the slopes. Obertauern is home to a fantastic range of hotels and most of which have wellness facilities within them that are fully equipped with modern spa equipment. Hotel Enziam for example has a spa area with an indoor pool which has large windows from where the stunning surrounding mountains can be appreciated. It has a 1400m square spa area fully equipped with steam baths, different themed saunas and relaxation rooms. It also has a stone pine scent to deliver a positive effect on your wellbeing. Das Seekarhaus Spa Hotel is home to one of Obertauern's fanciest wellness areas. The spa area is unique because it has a separate swim and spa for children and for adults. The children's area has an indoor swimming pool, a family sauna and a family steam room. The panorama sauna complex is the adult’s section of the spa in Das Seekarhaus Spa and it is equipped with every modern type of equipment and after your session, you can relax by an open fireplace. Apart from the Panorama sauna, there also is Technogym specifically aimed at sportsmen and athletes. There are a host of many other hotels and spas in Obertauern perfect for an evening of relaxation.
Obetauern’s resort centre has a good amount of local shops, ranging from souvenir shops, ski equipment, small groceries and more. Austrian ski resorts in particular, are well known for having a good amount of high fashion shops at the resorts and Obertauern is no exception as there are a couple of boutiques in the resort centre. Other shops include a pharmacy, a few cafes and a large department store.
Obertauern is the perfect resort for children. A purpose-built family-friendly resort, it has more than enough facilities to ensure that children are well looked after and catered to. There are several attractions that are specifically for children's entertainment and enjoyment. We have listed a few here.
As well as being a family-friendly resort, Obertauern is also a snowsports destination and is very ski-oriented, with the resort built specifically for that reason. There are a number of ski schools in Obertauern which offer classes and lessons specifically for children who are just learning to ski. If you are visiting with family, why not book your children's ski lessons directly with us? We have partnered with some of the best and widely reputable children's ski schools across the Alps including Obertauern. Securing your children’s ski classes with us allows you to save time when you arrive at the resort but also if you are visiting during peak times like school holidays, booking ahead of time allows you to get a place in for your child ahead of others as classes may be limited in some cases.
Obertauern has a good number of non-ski attractions that are sure to keep the young ones entertained. First of all, you and the kids can enjoy up to 6.5 kilometres of pure tobogganing fun. The slopes cut across sunny runs through stunning landscapes. There is also night tobogganing which is of course with accompanying adults. There are also magical horse-drawn carriage rides in Obertauern. The ride takes you and the children through beautiful snowy landscapes in the areas around the resort. The carriages have blankets so you can snuggle up, get cosy and enjoy the ride. If the kids are looking for more adventure, you can also take them on snowmobile rides through the snow. After all the fun activities outside in the snow, you can take the kids for swimming and spa sessions in Das Seekarhaus Spa Hotel. It has family swimming pools and saunas which are aimed at children and their adult family members. Obertauern also has a cinema which features a lot of children's classics and favourites.
A lot of the hotels in the resort have childcare options and facilities and you can choose from various options from full daycare to babysitting. Also, check with the local tourist and ticket offices.
The resort sits at 1,750 metres with the ski terrain ranging between 1,630 and 2,526 metres surrounded by the slopes of the Radstädter Tauern. The mountain has slopes to suit all ski levels, but intermediates are spoiled for choice with countless blues and reds.
