Living The High Life in Obertauern, Austria’s Snowiest Winter Sports Destination / By Caroline Cooper / Publisher LLM Reporters /

Obertauern in Austria has quietly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most snow-reliable ski resorts. Nestled in the stunning SalzburgerLand region, just a short journey from the historic city of Salzburg, it sits over 1,700 metres above sea level, guaranteeing a long and consistent ski season from November through to May.

Whether you’re a seasoned skier chasing fresh powder or a first-timer looking for a little help on the slopes, Obertauern offers everything you need for a perfect Alpine adventure.

Ski made simple

Skiing can sometimes be off-putting due to the pure logistics as resorts are often hard and expensive to reach, but getting to Obertauern is surprisingly straightforward.

The nearest airport is Salzburg (around 90 minutes by car), and the final approach to the resort is relatively easy compared to other Alpine destinations with challenging mountain roads. For those preferring the train, Radstadt station is the closest rail link, from which buses and taxis regularly run up to Obertauern.

The benefit of being located at such high altitude means skiers rarely have to worry about thin coverage, even in warmer winters, and its layout means that almost all accommodation offers ski-in/ski-out access to the slopes.

There’s a combination of reliable snow, a lively après-ski scene, and a laid-back charm that appeals to families and adventurers alike.

In 1965, the Beatles came to Obertauern to film winter and ski scenes for their music video Help!

Perfect location

The village stretches along the road atop a high mountain pass, flanked by ski lifts on both sides. The slopes encircle the resort, allowing you to loop around the entire area without retracing your tracks or needing any alternative transport between runs.

With more than 100 kilometres of pistes in touching distance, most hotels and chalets are conveniently located right on the slopes, such as Hotel Schneider. Sitting at the base of the Gamsleiten 1 chairlift, Hotel Schneider has prime location at the heart of the ski area and centre of Obertauern and access to a further 24 modern ski lifts.

The hotel offers the definition of ski in/ski out, after breakfast you can strap on your skis and be carving turns within minutes.

When it is time to take a break, the hotel has everything you need with an indoor pool and whirlpool, saunas and steam baths, in fact you might need convincing to get back out in the snowy Obertauern if you stay too long.

The luxe doesn’t end there. The cuisine at Hotel Schneider is renowned, from a hearty breakfast to get the day started to a weekly premium seven-course gala dinner focusing on regional produce, partly from their own farm.

Obertauern has quietly built a reputation as one of Europe’s most snow-reliable ski resorts

Ski school

Obertauern stands out as a beginner-friendly destination, offering something for everyone and a number of top-notch ski schools including CSA Skischule Silvia Grillitsch which is renowned for its comprehensive offerings and a team of over 100 instructors, providing tailored lessons for all skill levels.

Those unseasoned skiers can feel comfort in the wide, forgiving blue (easiest) runs, particularly on the Sonnenlift side, while intermediates will find rolling red (more difficult) runs that invite long, cruising descents.

Advanced skiers aren’t left out either – the Gamsleiten 2 piste is one of the steepest groomed runs in Austria offering a challenge for any accomplished skier.

Obertauern also boasts an interesting piece of pop culture history. 60 years ago, The Beatles visited the resort to film Help! and even learned to ski during their stay, adding a unique historical charm to the destination.

When it comes to the youngest skiers there are great facilities across the pass from Bibo Bär Family Ski Park at the Edelweissbahn lift station, which features three kid-friendly slopes with a slalom course, wave runs, and playful animal-themed decorations, to Bobby-Land at the Schaidberg lift station, which offers a 250-metre-long magic carpet conveyor lift and snow playground, ideal for practicing basic skills in a safe, contained area.

Obertauern is located 1,630 metres above sea level and rises to 2,313 metres

Après-ski

Obertauern’s après-ski scene is a must-experience for skiers and snowboarders. After hitting the slopes, head to popular huts like Gamsleiten 2 and Seekarhütte for drinks, music, incredible mountain views, and traditional Austrian cuisine.

After a long day skiing it’s a perfect excuse to take your pick from the local cuisine like Wiener Schnitzel, Germknodel, Topfenstrudel and Apfelstrudel, paired with fine wines or a traditional Austrian beer. The lively atmosphere, enhanced by music and cheerful crowds, creates great ski memories in an Alpine setting.

A green approach to the Alps

Snow reliability in Obertauern is assured largely by its high altitude, meaning far less dependence on artificial snow than many lower resorts.

At the same time, Obertauern is leading the way in sustainability. Slope preparation machines use GPS to precisely measure snow depth, allowing state-of-the-art grooming in less time and with greater efficiency.

Energy use is just as forward-thinking – Austria’s highest-altitude biomass heating plant powers 120 local businesses, cutting around 7,500 tonnes of CO₂ annually compared to oil. Together, these innovations make Obertauern not only one of the snowiest resorts in Europe, but also one of the greenest.

Obertauern’s après-ski scene is a must-experience for skiers and snowboarders

In a nutshell

With snow as dependable as anywhere in Europe, Obertauern offers something for everyone – whether you’re carving perfect turns, taking your first steps on the slopes, or simply soaking up the après-ski atmosphere in your ski boots.

And who wouldn’t want the bragging rights to claim that they’ve learnt to ski in the same slopes as John, Paul, George and Ringo?!

Factbox

For mote information, visit obertauern.com or salzburgerland.com.

Accommodation

Address: Brettsteinstraße 2, 5562 Obertauern · Austria
Email: hotel@schneider.at
Tel: +43 6456 73140
Website: schneider.at

Ski passes

ski-obertauern.at/en/ski-pass/obertauern-ski-pass

Adults (Born before 2006)           1.5 days = €117               6 days = €357
Seniors (Born before 1961)          1.5 days = €111               6 days = €339
Child (Born 2010-2019)                1.5 days = €58.5             6 days = €178.50
Teens (Born 2007-2009)              1.5 days = €88                6 days = €268

Ski school

skischule.co.at