Take me back to Obertauern this winter

Take me back to Obertauern this winter

Powder snow, varied slopes and culinary delights are tempting visitors back to the Austrian resort of Obertauern this winter

If it’s been too long since you discovered Austria’s snow-covered mountains, open fires and Kaiserschmarrn (shredded pancake) then it’s time to return to its snowiest winter sports resort: Obertauern, 90km south of Salzburg in the south west region of Saltzburger.

If you just want to ski, then you’re in luck, as Obertauern’s natural ski season is longer than most, lasting from November till the beginning of May. What’s more, skiers of all abilities will find the right track, as Obertauern is home to more than 100km of pistes – including the Edelweissbahn, a 1.5km slope that is open every Monday and Thursday after dark, from 7pm to 10pm.

Obertauern’s slopes are easy to access. Ski bridges are readily available – so you needn’t unstrap your skis to cross a road – and the resort features 10 entry points and ski-in and ski-out destinations. The arrangement of lifts also means you can navigate all pistes clockwise or anti-clockwise in a circle, and you won’t wait long to reach the slopes either – the legendary Tauern Round comprises 26 cable cars and lifts. So if you’re longing for freedom, peace and exhilaration at high altitudes, you’ll find what you’re looking for in Obertauern.

The family-friendly resort has everything to make children’s hearts beat faster, too, from first ski runs and sledging tracks to open spaces for snowball fights. Little ones will also want to look out for Bobby the snow bunny, Obertauern’s local mascot.

All ages will be thrilled to climb the frozen Johannes Waterfall, attempt ramps in a snow park and snowbike with Hermann Koch, a Guinness World Record holder. You can also enjoy the town’s two new photo points: a 360° viewing platform with a telescope on the 2,239m peak of Hundskogel, and the highest panoramic swing in Salzburg province, which will be inaugurated for the 2021-2022 season at Schaidberg, a picturesque chairlift. Photographers can also take selfies inside a #loveobertauern picture frame and snap a memorial to The Beatles’ outside The Edelweiss hotel, where the fab four once slept.

Once night falls, return to your accommodation. Whether you want a cosy lodge, a luxurious, sophisticated hotel or a chalet that’s been run by the same family for generations, you’ll find accommodation to suit your needs as the resort has 150 places to stay.

Obertauern’s restaurants are as varied as its accommodation, serving up bowls of semolina dumpling soup and plates of Kaiserschmarrn as well as cups of cocoa or hunter’s tea, which you can drink by an open fire. Warming up is the perfect way to round off a snow day in Obertauern this winter.