Obertauern Overview

Obertauern is located in Salzburg, Austria, high in the Radstädter Tauern. With skiing from around 1,630 m to 2,313 m, it is known for reliable winter conditions, supported by snowmaking on key sections. The ski area covers 40 ha, with 100 km of pistes, 76 pistes and 26 lifts.

The piste mix is around 61 % intermediate, 35 % advanced and 4 % expert, making Obertauern especially appealing for skiers who are already comfortable linking turns and want a varied day on red pistes. Its compact layout is a major strength, with the Tauernrunde linking the main sectors into a practical circuit around the resort.

Families benefit from ski schools, beginner-friendly areas, tubing options and accommodation close to the pistes. Obertauern is a strong choice for visitors who want high-altitude skiing, short transfers within the resort, efficient lift access and a lively mountain village atmosphere.

The most convenient airports are Salzburg, Klagenfurt and Munich. By rail, travellers usually head to Radstadt or Mauterndorf, then continue by regional bus towards Obertauern. In winter, local buses and ski buses help connect accommodation, lift access points and nearby villages.

By car, access is normally via the A10 Tauern Autobahn and then through Radstadt or Mauterndorf. Driving is the easiest option for families and groups carrying ski equipment, while train plus bus can be a calmer and often more cost-effective choice for visitors who prefer not to drive mountain roads in winter.

The terrain at Obertauern is compact, high-altitude and easy to navigate. The ski area wraps around the village, so visitors can ski several sectors without long transfers. The Tauernrunde is the key route, linking the main areas in both directions.

Beginners and families should start on the gentler blue pistes and learning areas close to the village. Ski schools, rental shops and places to pause are nearby, which makes the day easier to manage with children or cautious skiers.

Intermediates get the strongest choice. Obertauern’s many red pistes are well suited to carving, longer linked descents and full ski days without repeating the same piste too often.

Advanced skiers can look for steeper red and black sections. The vertical drop is 683 m, but the open high-alpine setting gives the skiing a more exposed and athletic feel than the number alone suggests.

Freestyle skiers and snowboarders can add variety in the resort’s official park and fun areas. These features are useful for changing the rhythm of the day without leaving the marked ski area.

The landscape is a major part of the experience. Open slopes, wide mountain views and the resort’s position in a high pass give Obertauern a strong alpine character, especially in clear weather.

Start early on the Tauernrunde. The pistes are usually at their smoothest in the morning, and the circuit feels much easier before the busiest part of the day.

If you want a simple plan, use the Tauernrunde as the backbone of your ski day. It links the main parts of Obertauern and helps you explore the resort without overthinking the route.

With children, stay close to the village at first. The gentler pistes, ski schools and break options are easier to manage than heading straight onto the full circuit.

After fresh snow, stick to open and secured pistes. Obertauern can deliver excellent soft snow, but the safest choice is to ski only where access is officially allowed.

For the best views, aim for the higher parts of the ski area on clear days. The resort’s position in the Radstädter Tauern gives broad, open panoramas.

Add the official park or fun areas when you want a change of pace. They are useful for skiers and snowboarders who want something more playful between longer piste laps.

Take lunch slightly before or after the main rush. You will avoid the busiest restaurant period and often find quieter pistes while others are stopping.

Obertauern works especially well if you stay close to the pistes. Short walks, quick lift access and easy returns to accommodation make the whole ski day feel smoother.