If you are looking for a ski destination that offers a variety of slopes, modern facilities, and a charming atmosphere, look no further than Schladming in central Austria.
The historic small town in the Styria region of Austria, with about 4500 inhabitants, is surrounded by the majestic Dachstein mountains. The winter season usually starts at the beginning of December and runs until the beginning of April.
Skiing day and night
Schladming offers 123 km of slopes spread over four interconnected ski areas: Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling and Reiteralm. The lovely ski resort in the middle of the Austrian Alps is a perfect choice for skiers of all levels and preferences. Whether you prefer wide carving runs, challenging mogul fields, or illuminated slopes for night skiing, you will find it in Schladming. You can also enjoy the legendary World Cup slope, where the world’s best skiers compete in the “Night race” every year. Schladming hosted the Alpine Ski World Championships in 1982 and 2013 and has invested heavily in improving its infrastructure and services. Moreover, you can experience the famous Austrian hospitality and hearty cuisine at one of the 50 ski huts in the area. We visited a couple during our stay and can recommend the Kaiserschmarrn at Märchenwiesenhütte.
Winterfun for non-skiers
There are plenty of winter fun for non-skiers as well. Check out the 7 km long natural toboggan run at the Hochwurzen, one of the longest in the Alps. Additionally, there are hiking trails in the mountains, reachable by gondola or ski lifts, and marked hiking winter trails in the valley, with separate tickets available to hikers. Try snowshoeing if you want to get out into the deep snow! For beginners, there are guided snowshoe tours, including the equipment. If you are a seasoned snowshoe hiker, you can experience the Schladming-Dachstein Region in its most pristine form. There are 26 tour suggestions available, ranging from easy to complex. And the great thing is that you can make your tour if the snow conditions are right. Just get some tips for dos and don’ts before you head out.
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How Schladming Combines History, Culture, and Nightlife in a Charming Town
The lively and cosy town is also with a rich history and culture. You can stroll along the pedestrian zone in the historic centre, where you will find many shops, cafes, and restaurants. Additionally, we recommend visiting the local museum, the Gothic church, or the Salzburger Tor – the last remaining one of the formerly three town gates in the wall that used to encircle the town. Schladming offers fantastic nightlife, with many bars, pubs, and clubs. It’s a ski destination that has it all: stunning scenery, diverse slopes, modern facilities, and a vibrant atmosphere. It is where you can enjoy the best Austrian skiing and culture.
How to Get to Schladming and Travel Around the Ski Areas
Schladming is easy to reach from Salzburg (1 hour and 15 minutes) or Innsbruck (3 hours) by car or train. Furthermore, you can fly to Vienna or Munich and take a shuttle bus to Schladming. Once there, you can use the free ski bus or the train to get around the ski areas. If you arrive by car, park at your accommodation and use the frequent ski buses. If you are only in the day, there is a vast multi-storey parking garage at the Planai ski lift. Nonetheless, try to arrive early as it fills up fast, especially on weekends.