The Ski Club of Austrian Journalists – consisting of Ski Guide Austria authors as well as representatives of top Austrian media outlets – conducted on-site research in one of Austria's most snow-sure winter sports resorts. The conclusion: Obertauern has an extraordinary amount to offer ski and snowboard enthusiasts.
When it comes to winter sports, one thing matters above all: snow. And Obertauern has plenty of it, because this resort, located 90 kilometers south of Salzburg at an altitude of 1,740 meters in the heart of the Radstadt Tauern mountains, is considered one of the snowiest winter sports destinations in Austria. Weather currents from the north and south ensure that the ski area is covered in fresh natural snow from the end of November to the beginning of May, as the Ski Club of Austrian Journalists (SCÖJ) was able to confirm during an on-site investigation in mid-December.
While elsewhere people were still complaining about a lack of snow, the slopes in Obertauern, situated between 1,630 and 2,313 meters above sea level, were in top condition. The average maximum snow depth is a remarkable 264 centimeters, as Mario Siedler and Mona Maier (Managing Director and Director of the local tourism association) explained, and they personally took the opportunity to show the SCÖJ (Swiss Ski Association) the highlights of the ski area. They also pointed out another unique feature of Obertauern: the mountains surrounding the village at the pass are grouped in a bowl shape. This means that slopes facing all directions are available, and skiers can enjoy sunshine all day long if they wish. The village center remains within sight of skiers and snowboarders, which, combined with the piste markers, guarantees easy navigation throughout the entire ski area.
100 kilometers of slopes
Approximately 100 kilometers of slopes and plenty of off-piste terrain cater to winter sports enthusiasts of all abilities and skill levels. 61 kilometers of the slopes are classified as easy (blue), 35 kilometers as intermediate (red), and four kilometers as difficult (black). The legendary Gamsleiten 2 is a true test for expert skiers and snowboarders. The location directly on the slopes is also ideal for skiers and snowboarders: 26 lifts form a ski circuit around the village. And: You can leave your car parked during your winter vacation, as the slopes are directly accessible from your accommodations on skis – ski-in/ski-out. From any access point, you can ski around the entire village – the so-called Tauern Circuit: the red circuit runs clockwise, the green circuit counter-clockwise. The seven highest points in Obertauern are part of the Super 7 circuit, including a selective descent at each cable car (marked with S7): Seekareckbahn, Panoramabahn, Hundskogelbahn, Plattenkarbahn, Schaidbergbahn, Gamsleitenbahn 2 and Zehnerkarbahn.
Uncomplicated atmosphere
What makes Obertauern stand out off the slopes is its relaxed atmosphere and vibrant après-ski culture. This begins during the day at lively spots like the Hochalm or the equally popular Edelweißalm and continues into the evening at the legendary Lürzer Alm, where the party really gets going – something the SCÖJ (Ski Club Obertauern Youth) experienced firsthand. Those who choose one of the predominantly family-run hotels are guaranteed warm Austrian hospitality – for example, at the renowned 4-star superior Hotel Enzian, run by Elisabeth Veith. Also worth mentioning are the numerous restaurants and cozy mountain huts, perfect for a break during a varied day of skiing – such as Treff 2000 or Krings Alm, both offering culinary delights far above average.
For those who want more than just skiing or snowboarding, there's snow biking and snowkiting, cross-country skiing, winter hiking, or tobogganing at the nearby Gnadenalm, which also features a laser biathlon shooting range. And for anyone looking for a break from the snow, the sports center in Obertauern is a great option. This former Olympic center, a training hotspot for top athletes like Hermann Maier for many years, has been revived this season after years of being empty, offering three paddle tennis courts, two squash courts, a golf simulator, bowling alleys, billiards, and a fitness studio.
Exciting events
The ski season in Obertauern runs until May 3rd this year and features a number of exciting events. After Seiler und Speer opened the season with a live concert on November 28th, 2025, and the duo Edmund provided soulful Austropop moments a week later, the program includes First-Track events with locals on February 12th, March 12th, and April 2nd, 2026; the Freeride World Tour Challenger Final from March 20th to 23rd, 2026; She Skis for Pink Ribbon from April 10th to 12th, 2026, plus the Obertauern Symphonic with the Salzburg Philharmonic on April 11th, 2026; and finally, the legendary Gamsleiten Kriterium – Austria's biggest treasure hunt in the snow – from April 16th to 18th, 2026.
And also importantly: All guests in Obertauern with a valid ski ticket and ski equipment can use the ski bus free of charge on the route from Untertauern to Tweng and between Mauterndorf and Radstadt. With the new Guest Mobility Ticket, all overnight guests also have the option of using all public transport in the state of Salzburg for the entire duration of their stay. This includes all city transport, regional bus services, all S-Bahn trains, regional trains, long-distance trains, and the Salzburg Transport Shuttles throughout the state.