When does the ski season start in Obertauern?

Obertauern’s 2025/26 ski season is planned to begin with partial lift operation starting 21 November 2025 - this kicks off with early access to key lifts and runs. The full opening, with most lifts and pistes operational, is scheduled for 28 November 2025.

Do I need tickets for the Ski Opening concerts?

Yes. Concert entry requires a separate Ski Opening ticket (not included with a ski pass). Tickets are sold via the official portal and at the Obertauern Tourist Office. Indicative prices: from €69 per night, €120 combo for both concerts, and VIP options around €290. Buy early, these often sell out.

Obertauern Ski Opening

Q: Is early December a good time for skiing in Obertauern?

Absolutely. Obertauern is known as Austria’s snowiest resort, with slopes ranging from 1 630 – 2 313 m in altitude. Thanks to its high position and extensive snowmaking, most of the 100 km of pistes are usually open by early December. Skiers often enjoy quieter slopes, reliable snow, and even night skiing during the opening weeks, making it one of the best early-season bets in the Alps.

Ski into the winter season with Valamar

Where winter begins in Obertauern

Late November, Obertauern turns into Austria’s snowiest wonderland and kicks off the Ski Opening with live open-air concerts and first tracks.

Expect snow-sure pistes, buzzing après-ski and big-stage energy.

Plan your Ski Opening trip

Quick facts: Obertauern Ski Opening

❄️Snow guaranteed – one of Austria’s snowiest resorts

🎿Season starts late November with 100 km of pistes

🎵Live concerts & parties kick off the winter in style

🌙Night skiing included with multi-day ski passes

🥂Après-ski vibe – buzzing bars right in the village

Ski Opening highlights

Winter kickoff in Obertauern

Live music, alpine energy, and the official start of winter.

Après-Ski & side events

More than concerts – the whole resort comes alive with parties and alpine tradition.

Après-Ski & side events

Beyond the headliner concerts, Obertauern transforms into a festival village for the Ski Opening. The snowy streets fill with music, lights, and energy as visitors enjoy après-ski, night skiing and festive gatherings. It’s a blend of big-stage excitement and intimate alpine moments – the whole resort celebrates the season’s arrival together.

Find your base for the Ski Opening (4)

Type of holiday

Property type

01 03

01 03

01 03

Luxury ski getaway in the Alps Kesselspitze Hotel

SUPERIOR

Part of Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection 4* S

Obertauern, Austria

For the ultimate ski holiday with a dash of luxury, head for the Kesselspitze Hotel in the snowy wonderland of Obertauern. With the ski-in/ski-out directly from the hotel, you’ll maximise your time on the slopes. After a fantastic day of fun on fresh snow, hit the plush spa for laps in the indoor pool and unwinding in the outdoor whirlpool with mountain views. Meanwhile, the little skiers can have heaps of fun at the Maro Club and games rooms. In the evening, enjoy gourmet dining, fine wines and the utmost comfort in the state-of-the-art rooms and suites.

per room per night from

€480

Full Board Light included

01 03

01 03

01 03

Your exclusive winter hideaway Kesselspitze Chalet

SUPERIOR

Part of Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection 4* S

Obertauern, Austria

Find your perfect winter sanctuary at the exclusive Kesselspitze Chalet, adjacent to the Kesselspitze Hotel in Obertauern. With tastefully furnished interiors, the chalet provides high-end comfort for up to eight ski lovers – an ideal retreat for families and friends. Luxuriate in the privacy of your winter home, with breathtaking mountain vistas, impeccable service and full use of top-notch facilities of the hotel next door, including its luxury spa with an indoor pool, Maro Club facilities for kids and fine dining restaurant.

per room per night from

€1,785

Full Board Light included

01 03

01 03

01 03

Mountain chic the local way [PLACES] Obertauern

Obertauern, Austria

Go with the flow on the snowy slopes of Obertauern and discover a new kind of alpine cool. Designed for free-spirited travellers with curious minds, [PLACES] Obertauern by Valamar is an ideal spot for a fun-filled winter escape, just steps from ski lifts and surefire snow through the end of April. After a day of snowy fun, you’ll feel right at home in its state-of-the-art rooms, with alpine-chic décor, top-quality beds and high-tech perks. Unwind at the plush spa and the indoor pool and hit the buzzy après-ski scene with DJ tunes and top tipples.

per room per night from

€449

FLEXI Half Board included

01 03

01 03

01 03

A carefree alpine adventure Obertauern Hotel

Obertauern, Austria

With its quiet location in Obertauern, the Valamar Obertauern Hotel guarantees a perfect holiday in the Salzburg Alps. Here, you'll find the thickest snow cover in Austria and 100 km of ski slopes for every taste at an altitude of 1,700 metres above sea level. The hotel has direct access to ski lifts (mostly open type) and is located in the immediate vicinity of all the services and facilities of the ski resort.

per room per night from

€396

Half Board included

From opening to winter magic

The Ski Opening might steal the spotlight, but Obertauern knows how to keep the magic going. Make your first turns on fresh powder, then trade ski boots for a sauna or a steaming mug of Glühwein in a mountain hut. As night falls, the Tauern Advent market lights up with festive charm, blending traditional food, music and holiday cheer. Early winter here isn’t just about skiing, it’s about living the season to the fullest.

The ski season in Obertauern usually starts in late November, depending on snow and weather conditions. Thanks to its high altitude and reliable snowfall, Obertauern is often among the first ski resorts in Austria to open, with winter kicking off early and lasting well into spring.

Yes. Concert entry requires a separate Ski Opening ticket (not included with a ski pass). Tickets are sold via the official portal and at the Obertauern Tourist Office.

It depends on the experience you’re after. In the village center, [PLACES] Obertauern by Valamar puts you right in the middle of the action, just steps from the concert stage, après-ski bars, and shops. If you’d rather enjoy a calmer atmosphere, the Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet offer a slopeside ski-in, ski-out location at the Achenrainbahn Talstation, so you can dip into the Ski Opening buzz when you like, then retreat to alpine comfort.

Absolutely. Obertauern is known as Austria’s snowiest resort, with slopes ranging from 1 630 – 2 313 m in altitude. Thanks to its high position and extensive snowmaking, most of the 100 km of pistes are usually open by early December. Skiers often enjoy quieter slopes, reliable snow, and even night skiing during the opening weeks, making it one of the best early-season bets in the Alps.

Valamar Riviera d.d. has accommodation facilities in the Republic of Croatia and the Republic of Austria, where it operates through its branch Valamar Riviera d.d., Zweigniederlassung Austria, Gamsleitenstraße 6, 5563 Obertauern, FN 583355 a (Landesgericht Salzburg), VAT ID: ATU 78289647. Additionally, Valamar is a management company that, based on contracts, manages the tourism segment of the business and offers accommodation services in the facilities of Imperial Riviera d.d., Republic of Croatia, Rab, Jurja Barakovića 2, OIB: 90896496260 and HELIOS FAROS d.d., Republic of Croatia, Stari Grad, Naselje Helios 5, OIB: 48594515409. The term Valamar properties includes accommodation facilities of Valamar Riviera d.d., in Croatia and Austria, as well as accommodation facilities of other companies it manages.