Towering ski resort with a Beatles obsession and signs of the Fab Four everywhere

Not long passes in Obertauern before you spot one of Britain’s top exports – the faces of the Fab Four – and all because the famously filmed Help! across the snow-covered mountains of the Austrian resort.

Locals fondly recall stories of John, Paul, George, and Ringo having the time of their lives curling, tobogganing and speeding down the slopes on snow bikes. And it's no surprise they did – this place really is Something where all the family can . There are memorabilia and statues, and many walls in restaurants and bars are still filled with signed photographs.

Last month this winter paradise celebrated the 60th anniversary of the visit. But Obertauern is much more than just a pop-culture tourist attraction. Located 90 kilometres (60 miles) south of Salzburg at 1,740m (5,700ft) above sea level, it is the highest ski resort in Salzburgerland, reaching an altitude of 2,313m (7,588ft).

Due to its geographical location, Obertauern is lucky enough to receive large amounts of snow from the north as well as snowfall from the south. The unique resort, with its mountains forming a bowl, enjoys good snow until May – with an average depth of 264cm (104in). More than 60km (37 miles) of slopes are classified as easy (blue slopes), 35km (21.7 miles) as medium (red slopes) and 4km as difficult (black slopes).

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And there is much more to do around this beautiful resort for those who do not wish to ski or snowboard – from beautiful walks, to sledding, exquisite restaurants and apres-ski.

Where to stay

For me, there is no question when it comes to picking a ski hotel – it has to be ski in and ski out. And it doesn't get much better than the Kesselspitze Valamar Collection Hotel. Located just a short walk away from the ski lift – this beautiful spot enjoys tradition and luxury along with an exceptionally relaxing atmosphere. With its unique location, superb services and facilities – which include a personalised touch for all guests – it is the perfect place for a winter holiday experience.

Kesselspitze boasts 66 comfortable furnished rooms and suites, plus a chalet house located next to the hotel. Each room is phenomenally crafted for comfort, with plenty of space and a breathtaking view of the mountains around you. Double rooms are available from £303 per night, which includes a fine buffet breakfast, light lunch, snacks and a first-class selection of regional and Mediterranean dishes for dinner.

But if you want to try something really special, you have to visit the fondue room where you can try a wide variety of meats, vegetables and bread to dip in hot cheese and oil. The hotel staff are nothing short of fantastic with their brilliant local knowledge and passion for providing excellent service – they really make you feel special.

Valamar also offers two other four-star hotels in the area: Places Obertauern by Valamar (doubles from £324 per night), and Valamar Obertauern Hotel (doubles from £138 per night).

What to do

You cannot mention this hotel without talking about its spa and pool area – it is unlike anything I have seen before. Not only is there a huge indoor freshwater pool and hot outdoor whirlpool – but also a whole hidden world inside the Balance Spa.

Valamar offers signature treatments and rituals as well as organic cosmetics inspired by healing Alpine herbs. There are several saunas and steam rooms – offering different benefits to help you recover after a long day on the slopes. But by far my favourite was the salt cave, nestled away in an underground cavern and packed with marble furniture. A perfect place to switch off from the rest of the world and relax after a long day.

Staff inside the spa also provide a range of refreshing drinks, including herbal teas and fresh juice. There are also fresh towels, as well as robes and slippers provided to every guest and there’s a well-placed lift nearby so you can sneak back up to your room.

Food and drink

Valamar offers a complimentary shuttle service into the town where there are a number of restaurants, bars and shops that you must go and explore. The hotel also offers a great selection of dishes in both its Momenti restaurant and Lounge Terrace – which also
boasts an extensive wine list and sommelier service.

If you still have room for a night cap then you can head into the cosy lobby bar, which has one of the most quirky fireplaces I have ever seen. But if you're looking for a special place to enjoy some lunch during the day – you have to visit the Treff 2000. You can find this spot 2,000m (6,561ft) above sea level, right next to the Grünwaldkopfbahn lift.

It is accessible both to skiers and non-skiers who can take the gondola. It offers an extensive menu, with numerous culinary specialities from the Alpine region – from classic snacks to rustic dishes. And if you're done skiing for the day, there is a large outdoor bar area to take in the wonderful views and enjoy some apres-ski.

After a long day on the slopes you can work up quite an appetite, so I would recommend the fillet steak, which comes with truffle-topped fries and salad.

Book the holiday

• easyJet flies from Gatwick and Luton to Salzburg, Austria, from £38.99 one-way in April.
• Rooms at the Kesselspitze Hotel & Chalet, Valamar Collection, in Obertauern, start at £255 a night, full board in April.
• Rooms at the Obertauern by Valamar hotel start at £150 a night, half-board in April.
• Rooms at the Valamar Obertauern Hotel start at £206 a night, B&B in April.
• Equipment hire around £25-£42 a day.
• Lift passes around £54 a day adult, £27 child.
• More info at