Gnadenalm is where the Tauern pass exhales: a wide, quiet valley floor just past the Obertauern snow bowl, made for the slower winter sports.
Why go
- Ski touring — the gentle open slopes above the Gnadenalm are a classic first-tour terrain: enough climb to earn the descent, none of the exposure. Local schools run introductory touring courses here.
- Tobogganing — a natural toboggan run descends near the Johanneswasserfall; sleds can be rented nearby in season.
- Cross-country — the Gnadenalm doubles as a cross-country base with tracks along the young Taurach.
Food
The Gnadenalm huts serve fondues worth the drive alone:
- Meat fondue — around 250 g of beef, pork, and turkey fillet, cooked at the table and served with six different sauces, mixed salad, French fries, and baguette.
- Cheese fondue — the classic alpine version, served the same way.
Both are a full dinner, not a snack stop — plan accordingly.
Summer
In the snow-free months the Gnadenalm turns into a trailhead. The free car park at the huts is where the easy “Alles Alm” experience trail starts: themed stations about pasture life, cows and water, playground stops, and after about an hour at family pace the Johanneswasserfall, a 60 m natural monument with a secured path that leads right behind the falling water. See the Gnadenalm to Johanneswasserfall hike.
Good to know
- About 30 minutes from Mariapfarr — over the pass, a few minutes beyond Obertauern (technically in Untertauern, Pongau).
- Being terrain outside groomed resorts, ski touring requires avalanche awareness — check the bulletin and go with a guide if unsure.
- Verify toboggan run opening and sled rental locally; conditions vary through the season.
