Obertauern Information

Apres-ski

Après-ski is big at Obertauern with 30 or so bars, most of which line the long base of the slopes on each side of the valley.

As soon as the slopes close the Flubachalm (tel: +43 6456 7217; www.flubachalm.at) is a good place to be, thanks to good service, good food and a fun atmosphere. The Achenrt Tinhutte by the Gamsleiten Lift is usually fun too. It's a small place but the limited space is maximised by everyone hanging their helmets on the ceiling when they go in.

Among the late night options is the bustling Latsch'n Alm (tel: +43 6456 7288; www.latschnalm.at), a wood-clad hut open until 0200, which has regular DJ slots.

Eating out

There are numerous places to eat out in Obertauern, ranging from cafeterias and ski huts offering small, simple dishes to hotels and restaurants dishing up large portions of traditional Austrian cuisine.

The central Samson Restaurant (tel: +43 6456 7686; www.restaurant-samson.at) has a full Austrian menu and is one of the most popular venues in the village; because of this, reservations are normally required. Meanwhile, if you're craving something a little sweeter, The Gnadenalm (tel: +43 6456 7351; www.gnadenalm.com) is the spot for excellent fondue.

There are also several Italian options in the resort, chief among these is the popular Pizzeria da Giorgio (tel: +43 6456 7654; www.da-giorgio.at). Asian cuisine meanwhile can be found at Fritz & Friedrich (tel: +43 6456 7354).

Resort Information

Beyond the slopes

There's a lot to do in Obertauern besides ski and board. Alternative on-snow activities include horse-drawn sleigh rides, ski-biking (descending the slopes on a bike-like device fitted with skis), or tobogganing on one of the resort's long, winding runs.

There are also more adventurous and unusual options available including learning the art of ski-kiting at the snow-kite school (tel: +43 660 161 0001; www.hangon-kiteboarding.com), or trying biathlon (tel: +43 645 620 085; www.gnadenalm.com/langlauf-obertauern/biathlon), which combines cross-country skiing with target shooting.

The village's sports centre (tel: +43 6456 7656) has a range of facilities, including two tennis courts, a hall for football and basketball, badminton courts and a weight and fitness centre. Other pursuits, such as bowling, billiards, table tennis and darts, are also available.

Family fun

The resort is popular with families as there is plenty of child-friendly accommodation in Obertauern, much of which is conveniently located slopeside.

There are lots of short, easy trails on which to learn and a choice of five different ski schools for instruction. Young ones can play at the Bibo Bart Skipark (tel: +43 6456 7252; www.bibobaer.at), while the CSA ski school (tel: +43 6456 7462; www.skischule.co.at) also operates small classes for children. Non-skiing kids aged two and older can be cared for at the nursery in Hotel Alpina (tel: +43 6456 7462).

For older children, there are plenty of off-slope activities, particularly at the sports hall, in addition to tobogganing.

Retail therapy

Obertauern's 40 or so shops consist of the standard ski resort mix of ski and clothing shops, several food stores (including a large wine specialist) and a spattering of souvenir outlets and 'essentials' stores, including a post office, newsagents, hairdressers and a chemist.

For a wider choice of establishments, head to one of the nearby towns like Radstadt or Schladming.

Splashing out

For those who are in Obertauern at the end of the season, it's worth signing up for the Gamsleiten Criterion, 'Austria's largest treasure hunt', in late April. Around 30 treasure chests are buried in the snow, each containing a prize. The 1,000 competitors ride up on the lift and descend on skis in search of 'treasure'.

Hotels

There are about 70 different hotels in Obertauern, as well as pensions, guesthouses, holiday apartments and youth hostels. More than half of the accommodation choices are 3- and 4-star hotels, with 45 establishments rated 4-star alone. Most of these hotels have excellent facilities, including wellness centres and indoor pools.

Luxury

Moderate

Cheap