On our way from Munich to Obertauern, we pass green meadows and leafless trees. Winter can be a dreary season, especially when the fog hangs so low and steals a little more light from the world. When we reach Obertauern, it feels as though we’re entering another world. A world that already looks much brighter and more welcoming thanks to the snow. More snowflakes dance merrily in the air. Winter has already arrived here, and the forecast promises brilliant sunshine for the next day, too. Perfect conditions for the Tauernrunde.
From the breakfast room straight onto the slopes
The forecast was right. When I pull back the curtains the next morning and gaze out over the surrounding mountains, some of the peaks are already glowing in the light of the rising sun. The sky is still lit up in soft candy colors. It’s such a lovely atmosphere. All that’s missing now is coffee, and the morning will be perfect.
After the obligatory hot drink, I squeeze my feet into my stiff ski boots in the hotel’s ski room. The Tauernrunde awaits! From here, it’s straight onto the slopes, with no detours or fuss. And I mean that literally.
The Tauernrunde is a ski circuit that takes you all the way around the resort of Obertauern. You can ski it either clockwise or counterclockwise. This time we follow the green signs and start at Zehnerkar. Approximately 12 km and 4.612 meters of elevation change lie ahead of us.
We haven’t even taken 10 steps outside the hotel before we reach a groomed run. That’s really convenient in Obertauern. I’ve been here several times now, and I’ve always found a place to stay with direct access to the ski area.
Perfect conditions on the first run
It’s still early. The slopes are untouched. At Zehnerkar, I clip into my skis. The dry, cold snow crunches beneath them. The groomer’s grooves are still clearly visible. Not many people have skied here yet.
The first turns are fun! I’m on new skis. They have a good edge and carve into the fresh snow. It takes a little getting used to. But my skis and I are slowly getting acquainted. We wind our way down, turn after turn, with plenty of room on the slope.
A detour to the ghost train
Even though the air is really cold, my legs are slowly warming up. I only get goosebumps again when we find ourselves in front of the ghost train. It’s part of the new Bobby Land at Schaidberg. A huge sign points us in the right direction.
We ski into a wooded section. Creepy wooden figures are attached to the trees on either side. Then we come to one. We pass through the curtain. We can keep our skis on; there’s snow inside. It’s pitch-dark in there. Suddenly, a light flashes on beside me and I hear moaning and groaning. Figures come to life on either side of me.
Glowing eyes stare at me. Knives move up and down. Grimacing faces grin into the darkness. And a spooky soundtrack accompanies it all. How cool is that? They really have a ghost train in the ski area! As a fairground fan, that makes my heart sing.
Germknödel at last!
By the time we’ve completed half of the Tauernrunde, the sun is already higher in the sky. It’s lunchtime. We stop at a mountain hut and take a seat on the sunny terrace. I put on my sunglasses while I study the menu. Today really is a perfect day. It could hardly get any better.
The Germknödel catches my eye. Not so long ago, I used to have one every lunch break. This time, I can barely remember when I last had one. It’s about time! And it turns out to be exactly the right choice. With lots of poppy seeds, just the way I like it. Mmm! Delicious!
The best run
Refueled, I’m ready to finish the rest of the circuit. One of the best runs is still ahead of us. We ski over to Seekarspitze, where you can even see as far as Dachstein from the top. And then we’re off.
This is one of the longest runs in Obertauern. It’s a little steeper at the top, but the snow is still fluffy and soft, giving us good grip as we turn. Farther down, the gentler gradient is ideal for carving.
I’m no carving expert, but I give it a try. With every turn, I lean into it a little more and give my legs a workout. Every now and then, I get that feeling of being on rails. It feels good!
Well-earned relaxation
It feels so good that we don’t stop at the end of the Tauernrunde. We add a few more runs. We just have to. Eventually, we return to the hotel tired but happy.
We’ve earned a little spa time today. Normally, I hardly ever use a hotel’s spa area. This time, it feels sooo good to sink into the warm, bubbling water of the hot tub on the hotel roof. Ah, this is bliss.
I enjoy the view of the surrounding slopes from up here for a while longer, then close my eyes. I really could end every day like this …
Also of interest:
> Description of the Tauernrunde
> Mountain biking on the Stoneman-Taurista in Obertauern
> The best ski areas 2019