Obertauern vs Stubai Glacier — Which Is Better?

Obertauern and Stubai Glacier are genuinely similar mountains. If you're a beginner or intermediate skier planning a week-long holiday, either will keep you busy. The decision probably comes down to travel logistics and price rather than anything you'd notice on the hill.

Side-by-Side Stats

Highlighted cells indicate the stronger result for each metric. Numbers are measurements — compare them directly.

ObertauernStubai Glacier
Vertical Drop
Height from top to bottom — more is a longer, bigger mountain feeling
690m (2,264ft)1,453m (4,767ft)
Summit Elevation
How high the mountain reaches — higher tends to mean colder, drier snow
2,313m (7,589ft)3,210m (10,531ft)
Base Elevation
Height of the base village — affects snow quality at the bottom of the mountain
1,630m (5,348ft)1,750m (5,741ft)
Annual Snowfall
Average natural snowfall per season — more means better powder odds
800cm (315in)700cm (276in)
Trail Count
Total marked runs — more variety over a week-long trip
10064
Lift Count
Total lifts — more lifts typically means shorter queues and better mountain access
2626
Skiable Area
Total groomed and patrolled terrain in hectares
100ha (247ac)109ha (269ac)
Beginner Terrain
Percentage of trails rated beginner — higher means more options for new skiers
28%30%
Intermediate Terrain
Percentage of trails rated intermediate — the core terrain for most holiday skiers
47%50%
Advanced Terrain
Percentage of trails rated advanced or expert — higher means more challenge
25%20%

Category Breakdown

These resorts are more alike than different. The right choice depends more on location, price, and personal preference than measurable mountain stats.

Vertical DropStubai Glacier wins

Stubai Glacier has significantly more vertical — a full run takes noticeably longer and the mountain feels much bigger.

Annual SnowfallSimilar

Both resorts receive similar annual snowfall — you can expect comparable snow conditions at either.

Beginner TerrainSimilar

Both resorts offer a similar proportion of beginner terrain — neither has a meaningful edge for first-timers.

Mountain SizeObertauern wins

Obertauern is much larger — significantly more trails means more variety and far less chance of skiing the same run twice in a week.

Snow PreservationSimilar

Both resorts sit at similar base elevations, so snow quality and preservation are comparable.

Who Should Choose Which?

Obertauern
Beginners and families with young children

Obertauern has a comparable amount of beginner-friendly terrain and is a lower-pressure environment for new skiers.

Frequently Asked Questions

Which is better for beginners — Obertauern or Stubai Glacier?

Both resorts offer a similar amount of beginner terrain (Obertauern: 28%, Stubai Glacier: 30%), so neither has a clear edge for first-timers. Focus on which resort offers better ski school programs and convenience for your group.

Which resort gets more snow — Obertauern or Stubai Glacier?

Obertauern (800 cm/year) and Stubai Glacier (700 cm/year) receive similar annual snowfall. Neither has a meaningful snow advantage — other factors like aspect, elevation, and grooming matter more day-to-day.

Which mountain is bigger — Obertauern or Stubai Glacier?

Obertauern is the larger mountain by trail count (Obertauern: 100 trails, Stubai Glacier: 64 trails). On a week-long trip, a bigger mountain means more variety and a lower chance of feeling like you've exhausted the terrain.

Which has better terrain for expert skiers?

Obertauern has a higher percentage of expert terrain. If you're an advanced skier who will spend most of your day on black and double-black runs, that extra challenge is worth considering when choosing between these two.

Which resort is better for families?

Both Obertauern and Stubai Glacier are similarly suited to families. Look at ski school quality, on-mountain kids' facilities, and accommodation proximity to lifts when making your final decision — those practical factors matter more than raw stats for a family trip.

Related Comparisons

Other matchups featuring these resorts and their regional peers.

Full Stats