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Obertauern Ski Holidays

At a glance

  • Excellent lift system
  • Clever natural ski circuit
  • Attractive purpose built resort

Great for

  • Snow-sure conditions
  • Ski-in / ski-out
  • Families

Ski Holidays in Obertauern

Obertauern stands apart from other Austrian resorts in more ways than one; it’s the nation’s only purpose-built resort offering ski in/ski out convenience whilst impressively maintaining Austrian charm. It has unusually high altitudes for Austria, with pistes peaking at 2313m, and the ski area is built in a one-of-a-kind circuit where you always return to your starting point, whichever direction you ski.

  • Flight Time
  • 2 hours
  • From London
  • Nearest Airports
  • Innsbruck, Salzburg
  • Time zone
  • GMT + 1 hour
  • Language
  • German
  • Currency
  • Euros
  • Ski Season
  • Dec - April

Obertauern Stats

Top Altitude
2313m
Bottom Altitude
1740m
Resort Altitude
1740m
Total Piste
100km
Longest Run
2.5km
Slope Orientation
N, S
Vertical Drop
573m
Skiable Vertical
573m
Night Skiing
Yes
Glacier Skiing
No

This is one of Austria’s little known gems. Justifiably gaining in popularity with Brits, it was made famous by the Beatles who filmed their second feature film Help! here in 1965. Situated in the Salzburgerland region of the Austrian Alps and nestled within the scenic peaks of the Tauern mountain range, Obertauern was originally just a mountain pass before it became Austria’s first and only purpose built resort.

Unlike most of the purpose built resorts you’ll find in the Alps, Obertauern’s chalet-style architecture gives it a good degree of alpine charm. Also making it stand out as an Austrian resort is the fact that most of the accommodation is ski-in / ski-out. Another of the resort’s great advantages is its location only 90 minutes from Salzburg airport and 20km from Radstadt train station, which makes it the perfect option for those who want to avoid the hassle of long transfers and spend more time on the slopes.

With an excellent snow record, a long season (usually from November till May) and a terrific variety of terrain, those who love friendly Austrian charm and lively après with quality snow to boot will find that Obertauern ticks all the boxes.

Skiing here has been well designed; the ski pass allows access to a modern interconnecting lift system where you can ski 100km of pistes in a natural circuit without the need of ski buses! This clever system allows you to always return to your original starting point, whichever direction you start off in. The slopes are also generally quiet especially outside peak weeks, perfect for beginners and families not wanting to waste valuable ski time in long lift queues.

Obertauern is a very family friendly which usually offers free lift passes for children up to 6 years old and those undertaking ski lessons.

Winter Sports Ratings

Beginners

Intermediate

Advanced

Snowboarding

Obertauern Transfer Times

Salzburg 90 min

The nearest airport to Obertauern is Salzburg at 90 km or about 90 minutes by car

What's the ski area like in Obertauern?

With the lifts in a central location, Obertauern’s skiing starts right in the town centre with many of the accommodation options ski-in, ski-out. With varied terrain, this resort is terrific for mixed ability groups.

Which other ski resorts are near to Obertauern?

The nearest ski resorts to Obertauern include Lungau, Grossartal and Salzburger Sportwelt.

Ski Area Facts

LocationAustria, Alps
Established1942
Downhill100km
Lift Pass€205 (adult 6 day)

Beginner Slopes

60km60%

Intermediate Skiing

36km36%

Advance & Expert Terrain

4km4%

Snowboarding Trails

100km100%

What is Obertauern like for Beginner skiers?

The nursery slopes and the ski school meeting points are conveniently situated directly beside the village. The ‘green circuit’ with 7 lifts including the main Zehnerkar cable-car gives access to superb open slopes where skiers can build confidence and progress. We like the Edelweiss run, a gentle wide green that leads through the trees.

What is Obertauern like for Intermediate skiers?

Intermediates are spoilt for choice with 36km of runs to explore. Worth checking out is the long red 16a from the top of the Zentrabahn lift - you can really get some speed up here.

What is Obertauern like for Advanced skiers?

Advanced skiers should head to the notorious Gamsleiten No.2. Famed for being one the steepest mogul runs in Europe, this piste is not for the faint hearted and is sure to give any skier or snowboarder an adrenaline kick. Something everyone’s bound to enjoy is night skiing, usually taking place twice a week with floodlights illuminating a 1500m stretch at the Edelweissbahn lift. Those with a competitive streak will enjoy the public racecourse where your downhill slalom time is measured (you’ll find it at the Schoenalm lift and the Schrotteralm lift).

What is Obertauern like for snowboarding?

For budding free-stylers, The Spot Snowpark is the place to be, with two sections and wide choice of rails, boxes and kickers.

What is Obertauern like for off-piste skiing?

When snow conditions are good there is some excellent off- piste to be found – hire a local guide for a safe introduction to the powder from someone who knows the area inside out.

What is Obertauern like for cross country skiing?

Cross country skiers won’t be bored here with 20km of trails running through glorious snow-covered countryside, suitable for all levels and expertly groomed for both classic and skating techniques.

Obertauern Restaurants

The majority of accommodation is half board and most hotels serve traditional Austrian cuisine to a very high standard. It is possible to walk into a lot of the hotels to dine in their restaurants. Should you wish to eat out, there are some lovely restaurants ranging from Italian pizzerias such as Da Giorgios’s to those serving regional dishes. Make sure you sample the menu at the award winning Almstube – their apple strudel is amazing. For a unique dining experience check out Hotel Marietta who have a “live cooking bar” where your chosen dishes are created in front of you.

If you want to dine on the mountain try Lurzer alm for traditional Austrian specialities such as wiener schnitzel (deep fried breaded veal).

Obertauern Après Ski

The après here is fun but not riotous and mainly based in the mountain huts dotted around and at the bottom of the slopes. You’ll find a mixture of traditional Austrian music and dancing and some good old Europop thrown in for good measure.

A popular place is the Edelweissalm where things heat up from 3.30pm with live DJ’s, be prepared for some dancing on tables in your ski boots! Head to the Polar bear bar for cosy sessions by the open fire.

Obertauern Activites for Non-skiers

Obertauern has a great range of non-skiing activities to keep you entertained including bowling and curling. If the weather isn’t great you can always escape a white out and enjoy some well-earned pampering at many of the hotels who offer excellent wellness facilities. For something different, take a romantic horse-drawn sleigh ride through the beautiful forest landscape or book into an ice climbing course. A tranquil way to soak up the stunning mountainous scenery is snow-shoeing. Take a guided hike alongside frozen streams, powder snowfields and beautiful woodlands. Children will love the 1.5km tobogganing run which is usually floodlit every evening

Clothing Food & Souvenir Shops

There are 40 or so shops in Obertauern, almost half are sport shops and ski rental. A perfect place to upgrade or try out new equipment. In the resort there's a little rank of shops in the Hotel Shutz Complex and a small but exclusive shopping mile in the Hotel Rigele Royal. Also, in the resort you will find a hairdresser, photographic store, pharmacy, grocer and bank. For a wider choice why not take the short bus trip to the nearby towns of Radstadt or Schladming, or even explore as far as Salzburg for the day, is well worth it.

Obertauern Package Ski Holidays

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Best Time to Visit Obertauern

Situated at a relatively high altitude of 1740m compared with the vast majority of Austrian resorts, the season runs from November until May with peak snow conditions likely to be around January-March. Obertauern has a snow-sure reputation however if snowfall is ever lacking the resort has excellent artificial snow technology with 280 Snow canons covering 95% of the slopes.

The Ski Club of Austria hosts the annual Winterfest usually held in February, this party is packed with action including a spectacular ski demonstration from pro skiers, great stunts, a snow bar and fireworks display – check out when it’s on this season if this sounds like your cup of Jägertee.

What's Obertauern like at Christmas?

Escape the crowds and soak up the festive atmosphere over Christmas in Obertauern with a warming glass of glühwein at the traditional Christmas market usually brimming with homemade festive treats and gifts.
Christmas Ski Holidays

What's Obertauern like in the New Year?

Indulge with a special gala dinner on the 31st and celebrate the New Year in Obertauern Austrian-style with a peach schnapps in hand. Join the crowds in the centre and enjoy the impressive firework display with your loved ones.
New Year Ski Holidays

What's Obertauern like in Half-Term?

February half-term in Obertauern sees excellent snow conditions in this perfect family friendly holiday destination. All ages can enjoy the ski area, with no chance of getting lost as the pistes naturally lead back to the starting point.
Half Term Ski Holidays

What's Obertauern like at Easter?

With the village situated at 1740m and the ski area’s fantastic reputation for being snow-sure we love spending Easter in Obertauern. Add that to the fact most accommodation is ski-in ski-out we are struggling to find a reason not to book!

Obertauern Snow Conditions

Snow Report, History & Forecast

View our detailed Obertauern snow report to see skiing confitions now. Our Obertauern snow history shows you what snow depths have been in recent years month-by-month. If you're visiting soon, use the Obertauern snow forecast to see predicted snowfall over the coming days.

  • Sunny skies Today
  • Partly cloudy skies Sunday
  • Moderate snow Monday
  • Partly cloudy skies Tuesday
  • Light snow Wednesday
  • Moderate snow Thursday
  • Current snow depth at top
    149 cm
  • Alternate Text
  • Current snow depth at base
    100 cm

Ski Accommodation in Obertauern

We have 660 ski holidays in Obertauern. Search all Obertauern ski deals or pick your preferred accommodation type below:

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Obertauern has an infectiously friendly laid-back atmosphere and with generally quieter slopes than the big name resorts and a short transfer of only 90 minutes, it’s no surprise that this is a popular destination for family ski holidays.

Make your family holiday simple by choosing a property near the ski school meeting place and lifts so all the family can easily reach the slopes. We love Hotel Marietta which has doorstep skiing with the Zentralbahn chairlift less than a minute away and the Alpenhotel Tauernkönig which is only 150m from the nursery slope.

Give our ski specialists a call if you are interested in properties with childcare on-site for any little ones not yet on the slopes.

The ski area is great for parents bringing their children on their first or second ski holiday with friendly and highly rated local ski schools including Ski Club Austria whose motto for little ones is “learning through play”. With gentle nursery slopes and accessible blue and red slopes to progress on to your children will get up to speed in no time. The well designed system of 26 lifts allows you to ski in a circuit clockwise and anti-clockwise and always return to your starting point all without a ski bus! Families can ski the “green circuit” which consists of 7 connecting lifts where you’ll find wonderful open slopes, perfect for beginners to practise their technique outside of ski lessons.

Groups looking to escape the hustle and bustle will love Obertauern. With snow-sure conditions and 100km of pistes to explore with varied terrain it is a great destination for mixed ability groups.

Beginners are spoilt for choice with gentle nursery slopes right beside the village and there are easily accessible green and blue runs further up the mountain. There will be no chance for intermediate skiers to be bored with 36km of reds to master and experts can hire a local guide to discover the legendary powder. The good thing about the area is that mixed abilities can start off and end up at the same place thanks to the circuit nature of the pistes.

Groups love our hotels with their own bar and lounge area, you can meet in the bar and lounge area for an aperitif before dinner and have a natter about the day’s events. Hotel Steiner is a lovely property located only 150m from the resort centre. Whilst this is no St Anton, Obertauern won’t disappoint those looking to unwind and have a boogie. The Polar Bear Bar is great for relaxing with lovely atmosphere. Order a white wine spritzer, a popular drink in this region and thought to be invented in Austria and if you want to dance the night away, the Tavern has a lively disco to enjoy until the early hours.

If your group are all planning to fly out to the resort, select one of our packages including flights and transfers for the ultimate fuss- free break. If road trips are more your style ask us about our self-drive packages with channel crossings included - make sure you have your Beatles album handy as their 1965 film Help! features scenes shot in Obertauern. If your group are organising travel separately ask us about our accommodation only deals.

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4
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It’s great for family skiing. It’s a bit quiet but it’s a nice resort. We had a good time here. + more
Mr Mcintosh, Scottish Borders
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Ski Extras

How much is a ski pass in Obertauern

Maximum and minimum adult Obertauern lift pass prices ranged from €199 to €235 for 6 days access to the Obertauern ski lift system at the start of the 2025 winter season. Our lift passes are part of a packaged Obertauern holiday with accommodation, so prices vary depending on chalet or hotel suppliers. Confirm price for the lift ticket before booking your holiday.

Lift Tickets Child Adult Senior
1 Day Price €23 - €23 €46 - €46 €43 - €43
6 Day Price €118 - €118 €199 - €235 €203 - €224
Age Range 7 - 15 19 - 64 65+
Obertauern Packages + Extras

Getting to Obertauern

Most of our ski holidays to Obertauern packaged with flights include airport transfers. We can also arrange private transfers to Obertauern from nearby airports

How long does it take to fly to Obertauern from the UK?

Flights from London take about 2 hours to Innsbruck, Salzburg. This table shows approximate transfer times to Obertauern from the nearest airports, smaller airports can be more prone to delays.

Airport Distance Transfer Time
Salzburg 90 km 90 minutes
Munich / München 200 km 3 hours
Packages with Plane Train or Car

How long does it take to drive to Obertauern from the UK?

Browse our self-drive ski holidays which include your car channel crossing, or go choose accom-only and book your car ferry or tunnel later.

Self-Drive Ski Holidays
↑ INCL CAR ↑↓ WITHOUT ↓
Accommodation-Only

How long is the transfer from nearest Austria train station to Obertauern?

The transfer time from alpine train stations are generally shorter than from airports, Call us for details of Obertauern transfers.

Station Distance Transfer Time
Radstadt 20 km 20 minutes
Ski Train Holidays

Obertauern Maps

Obertauern piste map
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Regional map
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Town Map
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Going to Obertauern under your own steam

For independant travel to Austria, compare accommodation only with Obertauern self-drive packages which include Eurotunnel or ferry.

Accomm-Only & Self-Drive

See driving directions to and from Obertauern in Austria.

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Obertauern Ski Holiday Resources

Need help choose your Obertauern ski holiday? Call us on 020 7770 6888 or click Enquire - we love to help!

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Similar Ski Resorts to Obertauern in Austria

Austria Ski Holiday Resorts

Every Sno holiday packaged with flights is ATOL protected by the Civil Aviation Authority. All our suppliers are ATOL bonded, so your money is safe. In addition to this, payments for your holiday are held in trust, by NatWest bank and the Travel Trust, who insure every booking against supplier failure.

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