Mariapfarr’s winter trick: four genuinely different ski mountains within 25 minutes, none requiring a 7 am alarm.
Match the mountain to the group
| Mountain | Drive | Best for | Season |
|---|---|---|---|
| Fanningberg | 15 min | Beginners, young kids, sunny cruising | Early December to Easter |
| Grosseck-Speiereck | 15 min | Intermediates, long descents | Early December to early April |
| Katschberg | 25 min | Snow-sure family weeks | Early December to late March |
| Obertauern | 25 min | Mileage hunters, the Tauernrunde | Late November to early May |
Each mountain’s page lists this winter’s exact opening and closing dates.
Early and late season
In late November Obertauern is the only one of the four running, so an early trip is an Obertauern trip. From early December all four are open. Katschberg closes in late March and Fanningberg at Easter; Grosseck-Speiereck carries on into early April and Obertauern into early May, so a spring week leans on those two.
A week from Mariapfarr
Start at Fanningberg to find your legs while the children are in ski school, then give Grosseck-Speiereck a day for its long descents. Katschberg suits the family day, and Obertauern the big one — start early, especially at weekends. Leave one day without lift passes: the Winter Weekend shows the two-day version.
Not skiing today
Lungau’s valleys stay busy in winter without a lift ticket. Prebersee has a groomed loipe, ice skating and a toboggan run; Gnadenalm grooms a free loipe from late November or early December; the valley floor along the Longa has cleared winter trails and a loipe to the Dicktlerhütte; and in Tamsweg the BadeINSEL indoor pool runs all year.
The Mariapfarr strategy
Sleep cheaper in the sunny valley, ski expensive mountains by day, sauna at Samspitze 4 by night.
FAQ
Which Lungau ski area is best for beginners?
Fanningberg — wide sunny blues, a good ski school, and no intimidation factor. Katschberg's kids' areas are a close second.
Can you ski Obertauern from Mariapfarr?
Yes — it is about 25 minutes by car over the pass, making Mariapfarr a cheaper base for Obertauern ski days.
How long is the ski season in Lungau?
Fanningberg, Grosseck-Speiereck and Katschberg open in early December and close between late March and early April; Obertauern runs from late November to early May.