This year, to the incomprehension of many ski fanatics, the lifts were shut down in many places as planned at the beginning of April despite perfect snow conditions. However, the internet told us that Obertauern was still open. Reason enough for us to pay a visit to the village at 1700 meters above sea level.
Saturday morning we set off.
9am meeting point at the parking lot of the Gamsleiten lift. And even in the village there was still plenty of snow. And so our small group of passionate freeriders started the weekend session.
Anyone who has ever been to Obertauern knows that the ski resort has a variety of backcountry runs to offer. Although the two longest runs down to the neighboring villages of Tweng and Untertauern are no longer possible at this time of year, there is still enough choice at the top to let off steam for a weekend.
As the sun made its way through the clouds despite the bad weather forecast, our slopes were to a certain extent pre-defined. The first nice slopes to soften up in the Obertauern spring sun in the morning are on the Seekareck. And so we didn't miss the opportunity to let the firn on these slopes splash up twice. Just what we needed to warm up.
With the sun becoming increasingly intense, we moved over to the other side of the valley at around twelve o'clock. Kesselspitze was on the agenda. Without further ado, we shouldered our skis and tackled the fifteen-minute hike. It was going to be worth it. The top two slopes were really firing up. So even the deep slush in the lower section couldn't spoil our good mood.
We then experienced the technical skiing highlight of the day on the "Platte". Due to its exposure, the sun never hits the slab head-on. However, even the most optimistic among us had not dreamed that we would still find powder here. Our jubilation at this unexpected pleasure could probably be heard far and wide.
And Sunday left nothing to be desired.
Even the gullies on the Zehnerkar offered the best conditions. This time, of course, we took the very first lift at 8.30 in the morning. The right choice, as it turned out. Because the sun meant well with us again. Quasi the right invitation to spend the afternoon on a cozy terrace from 2 p.m.
And if you still fancy a firn session this season, the north-facing lifts in Obertauern are still open until 27 April.