Ski Schladming-Dachstein Like a Local
Ski Region with Heart
The vibrant heart of the ski region is the town of Schladming, which was shaped by 13th-century mining. In 1953, the first ski lifts were built, and since then, Schladming has grown into a renowned Austrian ski hub, hosting Ski World Championships and World Cup races. In 1993, it became the first town outside the United States to host the Special Olympics World Games, with Arnold Schwarzenegger, a native of nearby Graz, as a co-initiator. Schwarzenegger maintains a connection to his home region and is always a welcomed guest.
The main ski area of Schladming is the '4-Mountain Ski Area' (4-Berge-Skischaukel), offering 76 miles of continuous ski runs that lead directly to the town centre. Across the four ski areas—Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, and Reiteralm—guests enjoy night skiing and fun parks, and children are well-cared for with dedicated kid's areas and ski schools.
Austrian dishes made of high-quality and regional products are served in cosy mountain huts. The regional speciality, 'Steirerkas'—a lean, crumbly cow's cheese – is often served with Spätzle in an iron pan. Discerning gourmets, enjoy the 12 award-winning restaurants.
Above all, the warm hospitality and personal care for the guests make the region stand out, clearly reflecting the region's slogan, 'We are there for you.'
Skiing season:
mid/end of November – April 21, 2025
Part of the Ski amadé alliance – one of the largest winter sports areas in Europe with 5 ski areas, 472 miles of slopes, and just 1 ticket. (3-day pass from $ 195)
Schladming-Dachstein includes 9 ski mountains with 142 miles of runs, of which the '4-Mountain Ski Area' (4-Berge-Skischaukel) connects the four largest ski areas for continuous skiing with 76 miles of slopes.
The town of Schladming offers a free ski bus, so no car is needed!
8 dedicated children's areas throughout the region ensure great skiing fun for the little guests
A spectacular season kick-off awaits every year with concerts by renowned international artists, this year with Bryan Adams, Sting, and Simply Red from December 6 – 8
You'll find 100+ ski huts to stop by to enjoy high-quality local food.
Host to 2 Ski World Championships, Special Olympics, and the Nightrace on the Planai (one of the Ski World Cup's most spectacular slalom competitions)
Away from the slopes, Schladming-Dachstein offers many more ways to experience winter, whether you prefer leisure activities or those with more action. Here are some of the locals' favourite pastimes:
Alpine Wellness: Exercise in the fresh mountain air, relax in the spa, and enjoy nutritious meals.
Fatbiking: Ride through the winter landscape on 105 miles of bike slopes, trails, and paths.
Horse-drawn sleigh rides: More than 20 providers offer sleigh rides through the winter landscapes.
Cross-country skiing: Explore 135 miles of trails and biathlon facilities at the foot of the Dachstein.
Winter hiking with a twist: Join unique guided hikes, including guided alpaca and torch-lit tours.
Schladming is a top destinations for aprés-ski aficionados. From the base station of the Planai to the town centre, numerous bars, huts, and venues invite you to wind down your ski day with a drink and great vibes. Here are some of the local's favourite spots:
Hohenhaus Tenne: The largest après-ski hut in Europe, located at the base of the famous Planai ski run.
Platzhirsch-Alm: Renown après-ski in Schladming that goes late into the night, featuring live show acts, DJs, and plenty of deer-themed decorations.
BAR.bara: A low-key après-ski spot where guests and locals come together for a cosy gathering.
In Austria, the culinary scene is a vital part of skiing, and Schladming-Dachstein offers quite a range, from cosy Alpine huts and traditional inns to top-class, award-winning restaurants. Local chefs passionately focus on regional products, and you can taste the quality! Here are some of the local’s favourites:
Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch: Austrian award-winning TV chef Richard Rauch collaborates with hut hosts to develop creative dishes.
Hochwurzen Alm: Cozy hut by the ski slope and toboggan run. Tip for night owls: Enjoy one of the Alps' longest illuminated slopes and toboggan runs.
Die Tischlerei: Young, innovative restaurant with surprising menus in Schladming's centre.
Johann Genussraum: Urban lifestyle meets Alpine cosiness at this award-winning restaurant with a wine cellar.
Schafalm: An Alpine hut and event location with rustic charm, located at the mountain station of the Planai gondola lift.
A visit to the mountain huts is an absolute must. The Kaiserschmarren with applesauce or plum compote tastes simply heavenly here.
Alexandra C., ski instructor
Schladming-Dachstein is a true centre of hospitality. Whether on the mountain, right by the slopes, or in the valley, first-class hotels and chalets offer heartfelt service and creative cuisine. A warm welcome will await you upon arrival, and you will immediately feel connected to the region and its people. Here are some of the local’s recommendations:
Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming: Luxury vacation at the 4-star superior active hotel of the Falkensteiner Premium Collection.
Johann Schladming: What started over 400 years ago as an inn and post office has evolved into a 4-star hotel, still run by a local family.
Almwelt Austria: A charming chalet village on the Reiteralm with views of the Dachstein massif and direct access to the slopes.
Chalets Coburg Schladming: A boutique aparthotel offering a uniquely personal style of living.
Stadthotel brunner: A boutique, self-care, and yoga hotel in the centre of Schladming.
Sporthotel Royer: Superior hotel with tradition and a diverse range of sports activities located near the valley station in Schladming.
Schwaigerhof: Ski-in-Ski-out and wellness 4-star superior hotel in Rohrmoos, near Schladming.
The Schladming-Dachstein region consistently ranks among the frontrunners in innovative projects. Here are some mountain innovations that the locals are particularly proud of:
New Mountain Station at Dachstein: The centrepiece of the newly modernized mountain station is the glacier restaurant, offering a 280-degree view, an outdoor terrace, and a sky bar. The facade is equipped with photovoltaic modules that independently generate 80% of the required energy.
Bio-Power: The 22 snow groomers, 36 company vehicles, and 13 buses in the ski areas are powered by green energy. Specifically, they run on used plant oils, plant residues, and fish oil, achieving a 90% reduction in emissions.
Dachstein Attractions: Dachstein, the highest mountain in Styria, features numerous attractions that offer awe and adventure: the Ice Palace, Suspension Bridge, Stairway to Nothingness, Skywalk, and the new Sky Ladder.
Crosspark Reiteralm: The Crosspark is not only a venue for top-level sports but also open to recreational activities, offering far more than a conventional fun slope.
Practical Travel Tips
Tourismusverband Schladming-Dachstein
Ramsauerstrasse 756
8970 Schladming
Phone: +43 3687 23 310