Obertauern

Austria · Salzburg/Carinthia · 100 km pistes · 1,630m - 2,313m

Summary

Obertauern is the high-altitude Austrian resort — village at 1,740m (Austria’s second highest after Obergurgl). Geographic position: Radstädter Tauern Pass (1,738m col), natural border Salzburg-Carinthia.

Compact domain (100 km): well-groomed pistes, north-facing orientation = excellent snow (October-May, 7 months), pure mountain atmosphere without artificiality. Not a “resort” — it’s mountain with lifts.

Best for intermediate skiers prioritising snow over crowds. It’s “quiet authenticity” — good lifts, technical pistes, pure Alpine landscape, zero hype.

Technical data

Topography: The mountain

Obertauern is NOT an interconnected domain. It’s one mountain (Graukogel, 2,313m) with pistes distributed across multiple facings:

• North face (Graukogel) — North-facing = best snow
• South face (Twengtal) — South-facing = faster spring conditions
• East face (Moarleitental) — Blue pistes, family area

All accessible from base 1,630m without changing lift pass. Lateral movement between faces possible.

Pistes and highlighted zones

Graukogel (2,313m)

Main summit. Access via cable car + 2nd-level drag lift. North-facing red descents = best snow. Macro Alpine views (Eastern Alps).

Twengtal Circuit

South-east branch. Long red-blue descent from mid-height towards Twengtal base (approx 1,800m). Wooded terrain, wind protection, rhythm pistes.

Mooralm Zone

Mid-level red-blue area. Access via drag lift. Spacious, well-groomed pistes, excellent for turning technique.

Snowpark Obertauern

Small facility, beginner-intermediate level. Basic rails, jibes. Typical of small mountain resort.

Why ski here

1. Guaranteed snow. Altitude (1,740m village, 2,313m summit), predominantly north-facing, October-May = SEVEN-MONTH season. Longest in Austria. October and May are skiable.

2. Absolute tranquillity. 1,000-1,500 inhabitants village. Zero crowds, zero resort noise. It’s skiable mountain, not “Alpine entertainment”.

3. Accessible red pistes. Not extreme freeride, but reds are technical, well-groomed. Good for progressing intermediate level.

4. Logical access from two capitals. Salzburg (120 km, 2h) or Innsbruck (150 km, 2.5h). Border pass = midpoint.

5. Extended season. October = early season opening (vs. typical November). May = last spring opportunity pre-summer.

The snow

EXCELLENT. It’s the main reason to travel here.

October-November: Very good base. High altitudes (>2,000m) early snow, firmer base than other resorts in October. December-March: Optimal. January-February = deep, consolidated. April-May: Late spring. Ski early (7-8am early start). North face (Graukogel) holds snow longer.

Frequent powder at altitude after moderate snowfalls (locals say “safe powder October-May”).

Best periods: October for early powder, January-February for deep base, May to play last chance before summer.

Accommodation

• Hotel Hochgruber (3-4)* — Centre, piste access
• Hotel Hochzeiger (3)* — Small traditional Tyrolean
• Private rooms abundant — Local houses

Obertauern is small Alpine village — limited but authentic offer. No hotel chains.

Après-ski and gastronomy

Obertauern village

Tranquil mountain village atmosphere. Bars: Hochgruber Stube (Tyrolean, fireplace), Apres-Hütte (après-ski, tea/mulled wine).

After skiing: dinner at hotel, village walk, early night. No “party”.

Gastronomy

Authentic Tyrolean mountain village cuisine: Tiroler Gröstl, Kaiserschmarrn, local smoked meats. Restaurants mainly in hotels.

How to get there

From Spain: Flight Salzburg, transfer/bus Obertauern = 2-2.5h total logistics.

Giora’s advice

I haven’t skied here personally. This sheet is based on verified sources.

Obertauern is excellent for:

• Intermediate skiers who hate crowds + artificial resorts
• Seeking guaranteed snow + long season
• Preferring authentic mountain vs. “Alpine entertainment”
• Travelling October or May (border seasons)
• Valuing tranquillity over après-ski

Not good if:

• You need nightlife (it’s a tranquil village)
• Seeking massive domain (100 km is compact)
• Preferring resort with spa/services (it’s minimal)
• You hate isolation (it’s nearly the end of the world)

Optimal period: October for early powder + safe snow. January-February for deep base. May for last chance before summer.

Essential: Ride to Graukogel on clear day — unforgettable macro Alpine views.

Bonus: Obertauern = Starting point Radstädter Tauern hiking route (summer). If you return June, epic trekking south side (Carinthia).

Avoid: Christmas (relative saturation for small village).

Related sheets

• [[obergurgl]] — The other high-altitude Austrian resort (comparison)
• [[bad-gastein]] — Another neighbouring Salzburg resort (larger)
• [[soelden]] — Larger, less guaranteed snow