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Schladming Ski Holidays
If the phrase “hidden gem” never resonated with anything you ever knew, then welcome to Schladming, the living embodiment of a hidden gem in the Alps. Why the phrase? Of course, it’s not hidden in any way, it actually sits in plain sight in the heart of the Styrian Enns Valley in Austria. It forms part of the Schladming-Dachstein ski region which is made up of 8 ski mountains in total. Thanks to its calm and low key resort vibe, Schladming almost always flies under the radar, allowing the vibrant and more well known Austrian resorts of Ischgl and Mayrhofen to take centre stage.
Perhaps one of the oldest villages in the Alps, Schladming dates back to the 1300s, with some of the buildings still standing to this day whilst also adding some mediaeval charm to this idyllic resort. It has a fully pedestrian centre which makes for a lovely stroll through the lovely streets. A walk through the resort reveals an endearing contrast between the old village with its old town gate and the 300-year-old Kirchenwirt Hotel with its new stylish and modern buildings. It is a very beautiful resort set against the backdrop of the Dachstein mountains and its towering glacier. Schladming is not only a good looker but it is also well known for its excellent resort amenities, which played a huge part in its role as the host of the 2013 World Ski Championships, Junior World Championships and the Special Olympics World Games.
Schladming is home to the 4 mountain ski area as well as the Dachstein glacier, which is the highest mountain in the area. There are guided tours on and inside the glacier which feature attractions such as the Dachstein Suspension Bridge, the SkyWalk and the Ice Palace or the Stairway to Nothingness. Access to the glacier via the Dachstein Glacier Railway can leave you with some of the thrilling yet heart-stopping ski memories of a lifetime. A breathtaking panoramic view featuring the mountain peaks farther up north in the Czech Republic and Slovenia awaits you from the summit of the glacier. It is probably one of the highest places where you could have lunch, with the Glacier Restaurant sitting up there at 2,700 metres. With so much to offer and experience, it does beg the question of why Schladming seems to go largely unnoticed outside of Austria, however, once experienced, you get the sense that everyone who visits likes the idea of this resort being the best kept open secret of the Alps. It ticks just about every box, from high altitude skiing, to little or no queues at the lifts, to lovely village surroundings and lots of non-ski activities for young and old visitors.
For a classic Austrian ski experience with a super lively après-ski scene, you can't beat Schladming—it's got a great vibe both on and off the mountain.
Rebecca Dodson, Sales Manager
Mountain facts
Boasting a substantial 123km of meticulously groomed and fully interconnected pistes within its core 4-Mountain area, Schladming provides a reliable and extensive winter playground. The terrain is serviced by a modern network of 81 lifts. It is strategically designed for intermediates, with a commanding 68.3km of red runs complemented by 46.1km of blue cruisers and 8.3km of challenging black routes. If that wasn’t enough, an impressive snow-making system guarantees 100% slope coverage, while altitudes ranging from the village at 745 m up to 2,700 m on the Dachstein glacier ensure a long and snow-sure season.
Snow conditions in Schladming
Schladming is widely recognised as a snow-sure resort, boasting a reliably long season from December through April. This reliability is largely due to its extensive, state-of-the-art snow-making infrastructure, which blankets 100% of the pistes to maintain excellent grooming and firm conditions even during periods of low natural snowfall. Historical data proves this, with average snow depths steadily increasing from a solid 72 cm on the upper slopes in December to an impressive 170 cm by March, ensuring epic skiing throughout the core winter months.
Skiing in Schladming
While Schladming warmly welcomes skiers of all abilities, it truly shines as a paradise for intermediates. The resort's crown jewel is its brilliantly interconnected network of four mountains, which offers a seemingly endless variety of perfectly groomed red runs. Here, you can spend days exploring without retracing your steps, enjoying long, cruisy descents on Reiteralm or taking in the beautiful scenery on the trails that wind through the snowy forests of Hochwurzen and Planai. It's the kind of terrain that intermediate skiers dream of, allowing you to build confidence and mileage across a vast and varied landscape.
Beginners are also well looked after, with large, gentle nursery areas located conveniently near the village of Rohrmoos and at the base of the Planai mountain, providing a stress-free environment to find your feet. And while the resort is not primarily known for its extreme terrain, advanced skiers shouldn't underestimate the challenge. The legendary Planai slope, a mainstay on the World Cup circuit, and the demanding Streicher piste provide a serious test of skill with their steep and relentless descents, proving that Schladming has a thrilling edge for those who seek it.
Snowboarding in Schladming
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Schladming is an absolute gem for snowboarders, seamlessly blending its world-class skiing pedigree with a fantastic, inclusive experience for riders. The resort's extensive network of interconnected, wide-open red runs and cruising blue pistes are a dream for beginners and intermediates looking to build confidence and explore the massive 4-mountain area without getting stuck on flat cat-tracks. The terrain naturally flows, making it easy to link turns and enjoy long, satisfying descents from peak to village.
For those looking to catch air, the freestyle scene here is seriously impressive. The resort is home to multiple well-maintained snowparks, but the undeniable centrepiece is the legendary Superpark Planai. This isn't just a few jumps and rails; it's a world-class facility that is a key stop on the freestyle circuit, featuring a progressive line of features for all ability levels. Whether you're a total beginner taking your first lesson with a renowned school like Boardstars or an advanced rider honing your skills in the park, Schladming provides a vibrant and supportive environment for every snowboarder.
Accommodation in Schladming
With a host of budget and luxury accommodation options on offer in Schladming, the choice might seem overwhelming. That’s why we’ve compiled a list of our favourite spots below.
What's available at Schladming ski resort?
Après-ski in Schladming
Schladming’s reputation for having one of the most vibrant après-ski scenes in the Alps is well-earned, offering an electrifying mix of high-energy parties and relaxed mountain vibes.
- The action kicks off right on the slopes, with legendary spots like the Almrausch umbrella bar at the Planai mid-station and the sun-drenched Almbar on Reiteralm. Here, you can join the crowds for live music and a celebratory drink while still in your boots, enjoying fantastic panoramic views as the afternoon transitions into the evening. It’s the perfect way to extend the ski day before returning to the village.
- Once you’re in town, the party's epicentre is the colossal Hohenhaus Tenne, Europe's largest après-ski hut, located at the base of the Planai. This place is an institution that hosts live acts and DJs who pump energy until the early hours.
- For those seeking a slightly mellow but still social atmosphere, the sun terrace at the Schafalm on the mountain or the modern alpine lounge vibe of Gumpen Bar at Hauser Kaibling provide the perfect setting to relax with a well-earned drink.
Facilities in Schladming
Schladming has fantastic facilities across the board from top-class accommodation, a modern resort centre, swift and updated lifts and off-piste activities. Having hosted a number of international ski championships over the years, you can expect that the standard of services and facilities would be top quality.
Facilities for children in Schladming
Schladming is a wonderfully family-friendly resort that goes the extra mile to ensure younger guests have a fantastic and safe introduction to the snow. Dedicated children's areas are conveniently located on each of the four main mountains - Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, and Reiteralm. These zones are designed with kids in mind, featuring gentle slopes, magic carpets for easy access, fun characters, and beginner-friendly practice lifts, all creating a playful and stress-free environment for them to build their confidence away from the main ski traffic.
Beyond the basics, the resort offers engaging programs to excite children about skiing. Several highly-regarded ski schools provide group and private lessons tailored to all ages and abilities, ensuring professional and patient instruction. To really spark their enthusiasm, children can test their skills on special fun slopes and funcross courses found on Planai and Hochwurzen. These features include playful obstacles, tunnels, and banked turns, transforming a lesson into an adventure and making skill development an absolute blast.
Why choose Erna Low for Schladming skiing holidays?
Incredible value holidays: We’ll beat any competitor’s price, giving you the best value for money.
Huge choice of accommodation: Choose from bargain breaks, 5-star premium deals and so much more.
Customisable travel: We specialise in fully customisable ski holidays; offering a wide range of options to suit all tastes and budgets.
Fully protected bookings: We’re TOPP members and abide by their Code of Conduct.
5-star Trustpilot reviews: We pride ourselves on the service we provide, which is why out of 10 of our clients would recommend us.
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Schladming is a fantastic choice for serious skiers, with its massive four-mountain area offering endless, perfectly groomed pistes for all levels.
Jane Bolton, Product Director
