Obertauern is one of Austria’s most snow-sure resorts, at an elevation that guarantees good snowfall — often between mid-November and early May! It also stands out for being a purpose built resort, which is a rare thing in Austria! The purpose-built-ness can be seen in the excellent lift facilities — this is not the sort of resort where the queues are a downer — and in the excellent range of accommodation options, which range along the valley, rather than being centred around an original town. The great range of accommodation means our recommendations for the best places to stay in Obertauern are a good mix of family-friendly lodges, ski-in ski-out resorts, stylish spa hotels, and traditional chalets.

One of the other advantages of Obertauern’s recent founding, is that many of its best hotels are right on the slopes, or very close to them. This is turn makes it a great choice for families and beginners, as well as serious skiers and snowboarders. With around 200kms of slopes criss-crossed by more than 1,000kms of marked trails, there’s plenty of interest for skiers of all levels. Obertauern’s other opportunities for winter fun include night skiing, tobogganing, sleigh rides and winter golf, but there’s plenty of off piste action, and snow-shoeing too.

If you’re considering visit the area in summer you’ll find the skiers replaced by hikers and bikers, exploring similar trails and mountain peaks. There are alpine lakes for kayakers or canoeists, and gorgeous meadows for relaxing in, and appreciating the views from.

Whether you’re dreaming of a winter wonderland or a summer of adventure, the best places to stay in Obertauern promise easy access to some of Austria’s most spectacular landscapes.

The Best Places to Stay in Obertauern

For Ski-in Access

• You’ll recognise the Hotel Marietta, it’s the lemon-coloured hotel showing up brightly right beside the slopes. As well as being able to ski right from the door, the Hotel Marietta’s 100 rooms and suites offer the perfect accommodation match for all sorts of groups and families. The decor nods to the alpine location, with plenty of wood, and cosy details, but there’s a good variation in how ’chalet’ the decor in the rooms goes, some are quite contemporary, while others are charmingly traditional.
• Positioned so that it directly overlooks the slopes (there’s even a ramp so you can ski right out if the front door), the Hotel Romerhof is one of our top picks for families. The 70 rooms and suites offer a range of shapes and sizes, as well as well designed family suites, and homely decor that offers a contemporary take on cosy. The spa is useful for after-slope aches and pains, and the kids will like the indoor pool. There’s also a games room with table tennis tables. The restaurant offers five course suppers to those with the appetite for it.

For Families

• From the outside, the Hotel Rigele Royal is a rather traditional looking ski lodge, compete with stacks of wood and lots of balconies overlooking the slopes. Inside, a cosy lodge atmosphere remains, with plenty of blond wood, but the decor has been updated to more minimalist style. The hotel’s 57 rooms and suites offer a comfortable base, and the spa — complete with indoor and outdoor pools and a ice grotto — is a really welcome feature. There are plenty of family room options plus a playroom and various seasonal activities for little ones including children's cinema and ski courses. The restaurant offers gourmet cuisine, but not so fussy that your kids won’t enjoy it.
• The Hotel Kohlmayr Royal is a much more contemporary take on the traditional ski lodge, located right next to the slopes and with ski hire available within the hotel. Our favourite rooms have fantastic views over the whole area. The spa and pool are a good size, and there's also a games room, and a playground for the kids, plus an earlier ’Family Meal Time’ in the restaurant, and a child-friendly menu.

For Style

• For small and chic in Obertauern, consider the Manggei Designhotel. Here they’re offering a clever riff on all the highlights of chalet-style, so the use of gorgeous local slate and lots of explored wood inside and out, and a conscious effort to make the view one of the main features. The result is light and airy, and the 25 rooms and suites are comfortable and unfussy, but still stylish. The spa and pool are perfectly sized and ideal for relaxing after a day on the hill.
• The Hotel Panorama has opted to put its views in the name, and it’s certainly warranted. The hotel has big windows on all sides to take in the glorious alpine setting from every vantage point. Many of the 80 rooms and suites have floor-ceiling windows too for soaking up the views. The decor is big on alpine tastes, with lots of wood and local stone, and cosy fabrics. The spa has a hot tub, sauna, water beds and an indoor pool, and the hotel is right beside the slopes.

For Great Value

• The Sporthotel Edelweiss has gone with ’sport’ in the name, and it fulfils this moniker with its own ski school and ski hire, great ski-in and out facilities, an excellent spa and pool, and simplicity to the decor. The 72 rooms and suites offer a configuration to suit all sorts of groups and families, and the restaurant has a great recuperation menu. In summer the focus switches to mountain bikers.

For Beginners

• Skihotel Krallinger is a traditional style property, with a sloping roof, wooden shutters and incredible alpine views. Inside there are just 20 rooms and suites, including very comfortable family rooms, and there’s a ski school attached. Our favourite rooms come with private balconies overlooking the slopes. Perfect for families and beginners.

For a private apartment or villa

• If you’d prefer to stay in an apartment or private villa we recommend you visit our online partner, Booking.com.

Travel Information

• The closest international airport to Obertauern is in Salzburg: Salzburg W.A. Mozart International Airport, which is about an hour away by car, or taxi, or about three and a half hours by public transport. You might also want to consider flying into Munich Airport, which is about two and a half hours away by car, or about five hours by train.
• If you plan to hire a car we recommend you visit our online partner Rentalcars.
• Because of its elevation, Obertauern enjoys one of the longest ski seasons in Austria, with great snow expected between late November and early May. Tree-lined slopes mean skiers can go out in limited visibility and still enjoy themselves, and if you hit a clear, sunny day there’s nowhere better to be. Summers in Obertauern are perfect for hiking — there are around 300kms worth of trails to explore, across alpine pastures and breathtaking summits. The mountain biking routes are incredible too, and there are golf courses, horse riding opportunities and great fishing. The shoulder seasons are quieter, but the scenery is still spectacular, so you can almost always find hikers in town.

Still not sure where to stay?

• You could expand your search to include all the best places to stay in Salzburg Province
• Or expand just a little to include the local resorts of Mauterdorf, Bad Gastein, Zauchensee, Flachu and Wagrain, or Radstadt
• Or consider one of Austria’s other ski resorts. Try our recommendations for the best places to stay in St Anton, the best places to stay in Lech, Zurs, Kitzbuhel or in Obergurgl
• Alternatively, you could contact one of our friendly Gurus for personalised advice.