Quick Facts:
- What is Schladming? A picturesque mountain village in Styria, Austria.
- Where is Schladming located? In the heart of the Dachstein-Tauern region.
- What can you experience there? A variety of outdoor activities, charming alpine huts, and a lively town center.
- What is Schladming known for? Internationally renowned for its top-tier World Cup ski area and the outstanding Planai cable cars, Schladming also offers numerous hiking trails with breathtaking mountain panoramas. For mountain biking enthusiasts, there are adventurous trails of varying difficulty levels.
About Schladming
Schladming is the perfect place to relax amidst majestic peaks and idyllic nature. This enchanting destination attracts not only skiers but also nature enthusiasts year-round. The town center of Schladming is vibrant and offers a plethora of restaurants, shops, and cozy cafes.
Schladming in Winter
Schladming is internationally known for its World Cup ski area and outstanding Planai cable cars. The well-groomed slopes and a variety of runs make this place a paradise for winter sports enthusiasts.
This area in the Austrian Alps hosts some of the most impressive ski mountains in the country, including the Schladminger 4-Mountain Ski Swing.
The Slopes
With a total of 230 kilometers of excellently prepared slopes and 77 modern cable cars and chairlifts, Schladming-Dachstein offers a winter paradise that caters to all preferences. Whether you are a beginner or an experienced skier, you’ll find slopes to suit your skill level. The slopes are divided into 94 kilometers of blue (easy) slopes, 120 kilometers of red (medium) slopes, and 16 kilometers of black (difficult) slopes.
For added excitement and variety, there are six Funslopes designed specifically for thrill-seekers. The Crosspark on the Reiteralm offers a spectacular route that culminates in a daring jump from an alpine hut. In the Superpark Planai, you’ll find park elements for every level, from easy to challenging.
In addition to the top-notch slopes and parks, you can enjoy traditional Austrian cuisine at the approximately 100 rustic alpine huts and partake in lively après-ski parties. Schladming-Dachstein is the perfect place to fully experience the winter season.
Schladming Ski Opening
The Ski Openings in Schladming are a legendary event that attracts thousands of visitors from around the world every year. The Opening marks the official start of the winter season in Schladming and is a celebration for all winter sports fans.
The Opening typically takes place on the first weekend of December. During this weekend, the lifts on the Planai are already open, and visitors can make their first turns of the winter. The Opening is celebrated with a grand party held on the Planai. It features live music, DJs, food trucks, and, of course, plenty of skiing and snowboarding.
In recent years, the Ski Openings in Schladming have seen numerous stars in attendance, including Robbie Williams (2023), David Guetta (2009), Pink (2007), Swedish House Mafia (2012), Tenacious D, Bilderbuch & Christina Stürmer (2015), and the Toten Hosen (2018), to name just a few.
Schladming in Summer and Autumn
For your summer stay in Schladming, we strongly recommend the Summercard. This card is provided for free in many accommodations with a stay of two or more nights. With the Summercard in hand, you can enjoy numerous free admissions and discounts. A special highlight is the opportunity to take a daily free gondola ride to explore the impressive mountain scenery.
Hiking and Mountain Climbing: Schladming and its surroundings offer an extensive network of hiking trails. Whether you are an experienced mountaineer or a leisure hiker, you’ll find the perfect route. The Dachstein Glacier cable car takes you comfortably to spectacular viewpoints.
Mountain Biking: Schladming is a paradise for mountain biking enthusiasts. The diverse trails take you through forests, across alpine meadows, and along mountain streams. Bike parks offer challenges for riders of all levels.
Relaxation by Lakes and in Alpine Huts: The region is home to picturesque mountain lakes such as Spiegelsee and Giglachseen. The numerous alpine huts offer traditional Austrian cuisine and a perfect opportunity to refuel while enjoying the outdoors.
The Planai cable car provides access to numerous hiking trails and the Hopsi Land, a paradise for children.
The Hopsi Land is a large playground for children on the Planai. It stretches for about 1.5 kilometers and offers something for every age group. There are swings, slides, climbing structures, multiple ball tracks, a trampoline, a water world, and much more. Hopsi Land is a popular destination for families with children, providing loads of fun and excitement.