"Came during an active avalanche warning. Heinrich paused 15 min to check the road. Arrived safely, very impressed."
Salzburg → Obertauern
Salzburg → Obertauern
At 1,738 metres – Salzburg's most snow-secure ski resort.
Obertauern sits right on the Tauern Pass and averages 6 metres of snow per season. We take you up the A10 and then steeply uphill – 7 km of switchbacks ranked among Austria's most demanding alpine roads in winter. With winter tyres, chains on board and a chauffeur who knows the road.
The Alpine route
The final 7 km from Untertauern climb at an average 9% gradient – every bend has a name.
Salzburg–Obertauern is one of Austria's most spectacular short routes. We take the A10 south to Eben im Pongau, switch onto the B99 and follow the Tauern valley uphill. At Untertauern (1,000 m) the alpine ascent begins: 7 km of switchbacks at an average 9% gradient, typically under 30–80 cm of snow in winter.
The bends even have names: "Witch's Curve", "Hammer Curve", "Inn Curve" – each with a story from the 1970s, when ÖAMTC mountain rescue used them as a training ground. We know every one of them, because our chauffeurs must have driven at least two seasons before they're cleared to handle an Obertauern transfer alone. That's our strictest internal qualification.
What makes Obertauern special: snow security. While Kitzbühel and Saalbach often see green meadows in April, Obertauern is still skiing. We bring beginners for the season opener (late November) and veterans for the closing day (early May). Same flat rate, same commitment.
Flat rates
Salzburg ↔ Obertauern
| Vehicle | Passengers | Flat rate from |
|---|---|---|
| Salzburg City → Obertauern (E-Class) | 1–3 | €220 flat |
| Salzburg City → Obertauern (V-Class) | 1–7 | €260 flat |
| SZG Airport → Obertauern (Vito) | 1–8 | €260 flat |
| MUC Airport → Obertauern (Vito) | 1–8 | €420 flat |
Flat rate incl. A10 toll, B99 Tauern toll, snow-chain fitting if needed (free), 30 min waiting, VAT. Christmas-holiday surcharge +10%.
From the Tauern Pass veteran
"I've driven this route over 4,000 times since 2009. At −18 °C in a blizzard. You can relax."
H
Heinrich F.
Tauern Pass veteran · since 2009
Obertauern is my favourite resort, precisely because the route is demanding. What many rental drivers underestimate here is the combination of altitude (1,738 m), gradient (9%) and weather changes. You can leave the Salzburg valley in sunshine and find yourself in a blizzard with visibility under 30 metres 50 km later.
My standard protocol: from Untertauern I drop to 60 km/h, switch the ESC stability control into snow mode, and check Vredestein winter-tyre pressure every 1,000 m of altitude. On active avalanche warning (level 3 or higher) I drop briefly back to Eben before the climb and check the current road status with Salzburg mountain rescue. Those 15 minutes' loss are better than an accident.
What surprises guests most: the silence of the climb. Snow dampens tyre noise, the V8 Mercedes powertrain runs quietly, sometimes you only hear the click of seatbelts. 95% of families reach the top without the kids once asking "are we there yet?".
Obertauern guests
Reviews
"May ski tour, sunshine, no traffic. Pure relaxation – 95 km felt like a Sunday drive."
Salzburg → Obertauern
"Blizzard on the climb. Heinrich stayed calm, the Vito stayed stable. Family up safely with no drama."
SZG → Obertauern
Obertauern FAQ
Common questions on the Tauern Pass route
Can't find your answer? Message us on WhatsApp – we typically reply within minutes.
WhatsAppIs the climb safe in a storm?+
On avalanche warning level 4+ the road is officially closed. On level 3 we drive only with veteran chauffeur after mountain-rescue consultation. On level 1–2 normal operation with chains on standby.
Which hotels do you serve?+
All resort hotels: Hotel Tauernhof, Hotel Edelweiss, Hotel Steiner, Sporthotel Marietta, Hotel Alpenhof, Hotel Schütz. Direct hotel-door drop-off.
How long is the season really?+
Season opens usually 25 November, closes the first week of May. Snowmaking covers the upper resort; spring sees the best sun conditions.
Are chains mandatory?+
Yes when snow is on the pass road (yellow sign from Untertauern). We carry Ö-Norm chains, free fitting in 8–10 min.
Can I store ski gear there?+
Several hotels offer year-round ski-room storage. We deliver gear at season start and pick up at the end (flat rate €120 round-trip in E-Class).
Is Obertauern good for families?+
Very. Six ski schools, one of Austria's oldest beginner areas, car-free resort centre, many ski-in/ski-out hotels.
Which restaurants do you recommend?+
Our standing recommendation: Lürzer-Alm (hut-style), Restaurant Hochalm (upmarket), Hotel Steiner restaurant (family-friendly). We reserve.
Are there summer transfers to Obertauern?+
Yes, in July/August for the hiking and MTB season. Summer flat rate 10% cheaper because no chains required.
Which tour operators do you partner with?+
Crystal Ski, Snowtrex, Iglu Ski, Skiset, Mark Warner. Show voucher on arrival.
Do you offer beginner-school pickup?+
Yes – popular with UK families: 09:00 hotel pickup, 09:15 drop-off Krallinger ski school, post-lunch pickup, etc. Daily or weekly package.
Salzburg → Obertauern