Obertauern
Piste Overview
Blue
61 km (61%)
Red
35 km (35%)
Black
4 km (4%)
Ski Route
0 km
Total: 100 km
Lift System
Gondolas
Chairlifts
T-Bar Lifts
Aerial Trams
Total: 26 lifts
Slope Map
Resort Review
Snow-sure high-alpine bowl ski area with a true ski-in/ski-out village, a clear circuit concept (Tauernrunde/Super Seven) and a very lively après-ski scene; solid park and family infrastructure.
Advantages
- High altitude with excellent snow reliability, plus true ski-in/ski-out convenience throughout the village
- A beautifully coherent circuit concept (Tauern Circuit) – ski days feel effortlessly “in flow”
- Vibrant après-ski with well-known hotspots right in the centre and close to the slopes
Disadvantages
- In bad weather, the high-alpine terrain—largely free of forest—can make orientation difficult (visibility/wind)
- At peak times, the compact base area can quickly feel crowded (lifts, meeting points, main piste corridors)
- Freeriding is enticing, but not something to do “on the side”: alpine hazards and changeable conditions demand expertise
Skiing straight from the village: short distances, lots of ski-in/ski-out
Obertauern sits high up and “right in the middle of the action”: many accommodations and meeting points are close to the slopes and lifts, so you can organize your ski day without long transfers. The ski area spans roughly between about 1,630 m and 2,313 m, offers around 100 km of pistes and 26 lifts—big enough for several days of variety, without the routes around the area becoming complicated.
Loop tours instead of piste-hopping: the Tauernrunde (both directions) as a “flow” concept
One defining feature is the Tauernrunde, a signposted ski circuit that works in both directions and gives the day a clear structure: sectors alternate logically, and you keep passing close to the village. For more athletic days, the “Super Seven” idea (ticking off the highest points/stations) adds a much more demanding twist to the loop-tour concept.
A piste mix with sporty outliers: plenty of blue/red, plus true tests
The overall feel is family-friendly and geared toward enjoyment (lots of blue and red runs—great for carving and progressing). At the same time, Obertauern brings some real edge with a handful of black pistes and steeper sections—ideal for anyone who deliberately wants a challenge from time to time.
Freestyle at the Kehrkopfbahn: “The Spot” with a progressive layout
The snowpark “The Spot” is located in the Kehrkopfbahn area and is described as a park with multiple lines, so beginners and advanced riders can practice separately. Expect kickers/boxes/rails plus additional zones (e.g. a powder-kicker area); overall, the setup is geared more toward versatile riding and progression than “pure contest-sized” features.
Freeride: off-piste lines close to the runs—high-alpine, but no walk in the park
Away from the pistes, Obertauern offers numerous variants and designated options—often cited as a real plus. At the same time, it’s high-alpine terrain: visibility, wind and avalanche conditions strongly determine what makes sense. If you venture beyond groomed runs, plan conservatively (e.g. get local information/hire a guide).
Families: themed parks and practice areas as clear anchor points
For kids and families, several offerings are well established: the Bibo Bear Family Ski Park (including waves/jumps/slalom elements) as well as additional children’s and themed areas make it easy to define a “home base” for the day. Add to that the generally beginner-friendly piste network near the village and a wide range of ski school options.
Après-ski is part of the concept: central, dense, loud—if you want it
Obertauern is known for strong après-ski, with a noticeable concentration of venues right in the village center and close to the slopes. Frequently mentioned are Lürzer Alm and Edelweissalm (classic “from the piste straight into the party” vibes). If you’re after quiet evenings, it’s best to plan proactively (accommodation location/evening program).
Beyond downhill: cross-country skiing and tobogganing as solid alternatives
For a change of pace off the pistes, cross-country trails (including around Gnadenalm) and tobogganing options (some floodlit, depending on the route) are typical building blocks. It’s not a “city break,” but it’s a solid set of activities for active rest days.
Detailed Ratings
Around 100 kilometres of high-altitude pistes, seamlessly linked by the Tauern Circuit. Plenty of blue and red runs for relaxed cruising and steady progress, with the occasional sporty crux. Overall, the lift infrastructure is modern and geared to comfort.
“The Spot” at the Kehrkopfbahn is clearly laid out (multiple lines), making it ideal for progression. The setup combines classic park features with additional zones—more versatile than exceptionally large.
Countless variants and off-piste options in and around the ski area make freeriding an appealing choice. At the same time, this is still high-alpine terrain: conditions can change in an instant, and careful planning and solid safety knowledge are essential.
Plenty of beginner-friendly slopes close to the village, plus themed and practice areas (including Bibo Bear). Ski schools and childcare services are available; the village’s compact layout makes logistics with children easier.
A very lively après-ski scene with several well-known hotspots, some right by the slopes. Those looking for a party atmosphere will reliably find it—those seeking peace and quiet should choose their accommodation location carefully.
Great add-ons like cross-country skiing (e.g. Gnadenalm) and tobogganing bring welcome variety beyond the downhill runs. Overall, the focus is clearly on sport—less geared toward shopping or a city-style programme.