Ski in the front row to the spring sun and make the most (and then some) of the ski season.
If the Danish spring is just too far away, despite the calendar saying otherwise, and you're not quite done with mountains, sun and snow, the answer is Obertauern in Austria.
Copyright Tourismusverband Obertauern
We don't have the term in Danish, but if you say "spring skiing", all skiing enthusiasts know what it's all about.
At the bottom of an idyllic valley, wrapped up in the Austrian Alps, you'll find cosy Obertauern.
Obertauern is one of Austria's most snow-reliable areas and is especially known for its long ski season, which runs until 1 May. Although not the largest area, it offers a well-connected and manageable ski experience that seems much larger compared to other areas of similar size.
Obertauern has 26 lifts and 100 kilometres of slopes divided into 6 km of black, 35 km of red and 61 blue runs. For those who love wide, well-groomed boulevards, it doesn't get much better. You can ski or snowboard seamlessly from one slope to another, or choose from two circular routes: the Tauernrunde, green counter-clockwise, and red clockwise.
Many Advantages of Late Season Skiing
There are many advantages to taking an extra ski trip at the end of the season: the sun is high in the sky and the slopes are far from crowded. Plus, it's considerably warmer in April, ensuring you're not bitterly cold.
Many of the town's hotels offer ski-in-ski-out convenience, and with lifts opening at 8:30 AM, you can quickly get ready for a day under the bright blue alpine sky. It’s wise to start early as the snow conditions are best until around 2 PM. As the day warms into the afternoon, the snow softens, but that's the perfect time to land in a comfy lounge chair at one of the many inviting restaurants scattered across the terrain, offering everything from sun terraces to refreshing drinks and delicious food.
RESTAURANTS/ APRÈS SKI ON THE SLOPES
Flubachalm: "Flu", as the Flubachalm inn is affectionately known, is located in the centre of the ski area and has been one of the charming family businesses in Obertauern since 1936. There is a restaurant with an après-ski bar and you can enjoy mountain views from the panoramic sun terrace.
Gamsmilchbar: The highest ski chalet in Obertauern, directly at the Zehnerkarbahn mountain station at 2200 metres above sea level. Curl up in the sun loungers and enjoy the unique view of Obertauern. Whether it's for a break in between or to end a great day of skiing, perhaps with an Aperol Spritze.
Skiing in the front row to the spring sunshine
If you're looking for a little après-ski atmosphere, Treff 2000 is a good place to start, with high spirits, cool DJs, bagpipes, crispy pizzas and cold drinks. Get on the floor and get a little; Mountain high on life.
Continue over to the Hochalm located on the sunny Obertauern plateau. Hochalm is known for the best party atmosphere and the world-famous speciality drink "Himbeerli". The restaurant offers freshly prepared delicious dishes that you can enjoy inside in front of the open fireplace or outside on the partially heated terrace, which is open to the ice cream parlour when the sun goes down. Hochalm is the meeting place for all party animals and a great place to hit the floor before you hit the slopes for the day.
End the evening with a dinner at Freiwild or Zehnerkar in the centre of Obertauern.
Front row to the spring sunshine on skis
Obertauern is just over an hour's drive from Salzburg Airport, book your trip easily and conveniently here.
Alternatively, you can fly directly to Munich, where there are several daily flights, and and rent a car for a 2 1/2-hour drive to Obertauern.
A long weekend of snow, sun and fresh Alpine air can turn the grumpiest winter face into mild and friendly one, and the best part? It's real spring when you land on Danish soil again.
PS - remember sun cream with a high SPF and a t-shirt at the very bottom when the sun calls, you'll only be all smiles.
