Skiing in Schladming: The Ultimate Guide to Austria's Alpine Gem
Timeless Wanderers: Updated October 11,2025
Table of Contents
Why Schladming Is a Standout Ski Destination in the Austrian Alps
Schladming is a premier ski destination in Austria, nestled in the heart of the Dachstein-Tauern region of Styria.
Known for its skiing tradition, picturesque alpine charm, and modern facilities, Schladming attracts visitors from all around the world.
The resort is part of the Ski Amade network, one of the largest ski areas in Europe, offering extensive skiing opportunities across multiple mountains.
In this guide we cover everything you need to know about Schladming from Ski area and passes, to accommodation, where to eat, apres-ski, and how to get there.
The town of Schladming with its cobblestone streets, historic architecture, and bustling town centre, Schladming offers a welcoming alpine atmosphere.
The village’s blend of authenticity and convenience makes it an excellent base for a memorable ski holiday.
We love:
Historic Charm:
The village dates back to medieval times, offering a quaint yet lively setting.
Modern Amenities:
Shops, spas, and facilities cater to all visitor needs.
Lively Apres-Ski:
Schladming is famous for its apres-ski scene, especially along its main street and on the slopes.
SKI AREA and SKI PASSES
Schladming is part of the Ski Amade area, which includes five major ski regions and offers access to over 760 kilometers of slopes across 25 resorts.
Ski Area Highlights
Schladming is centered around the 4-Mountain Ski Area, which connects:
- Hauser Kaibling: Known for wide-open slopes and great snow conditions.
- Planai: The hub of Schladming, ideal for both intermediate and advanced skiers.
- Hochwurzen: Perfect for night skiing and families.
- Reiteralm a training ground for professional ski teams, featuring challenging off-piste runs.
TERRAIN OVERVIEW
Beginners:
Gentle slopes and dedicated learning areas
Intermediate:
Blue and red runs dominate, making it a paradise for confident skiers.
Advanced:
Black runs, moguls, and off-piste terrain cater to thrill seekers.
Snowboarders and freestyle ski and jump rails and a halfpipe is available for snowboarders and freestyle ski.
Wear a SKI-HELMET, especially if you’re a beginner or in the snow parks and remember to pack your SKI-GOGGLES for Schladming.
Ski Passes
Ski Amande pass:
Covers all five regions of the ski Amade area including Schladming.
4 mountain passes:
access to the interconnected mountains Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reitalm.
Beginner and Local Passes:
Specific passes for smaller areas, ideal for learners or short trips.
Passes are available online or at resort ticket offices, with discounts for families, seniors, and multi-day purchases.
*Handy Tip*
Don’t forget your GOPRO or your INSTA360 for all those action shots with family and friends.
Where to Stay in Schladming.
Luxury
Arx Hotel: Contemporary design meets alpine coziness, complete withwellness facilities and fine dining.
Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming: A modern 4-star hotel with spa facilities, gourmet dining, and ski-in/ski-out access.
Hotel Schutterhof: Known for its panoramic views, excellent service, and wellness area.
Mid-Range
JUFA Hotel Schladming: A family-friendly option in the heart of the village, with spacious rooms and an on-site play area.
Alpine Club by Diamond Resorts: Comfortable apartments with modern amenities and great views.
TUI BLUE Schladming: Centrally located with easy access to the Planai gondola.
More Accommodation: Check Rates and Book Your Stay.
I always carry a DAY BACKPACK when skiing, as well as a WATER BOTTLE. It keeps me hydrated all day long on the slopes.
Where to Eat
On the Mountain
Holzhackerstube:
A cosy mountain hut known for its hearty Austrian dishes and stunning views.
Schafalm:
Located on Planai, offering local specialities and live music.
Almwelt Austria:
Traditional Styrian cuisine with a focus on fresh, local ingredients.
IN TOWN
Julius:
Traditional Austrian meals.
Vorstadt-Stub’s:
A family-run establishment servicing traditional Syrian meals.
Papa Joe’s:
Mexican style eatery,
Apres-Ski and Bars
Schladming boasts a lively apres-ski scene with plenty of bars and clubs:
Hohenhaus Tenne:
The largest apres-ski venue in Europe, located at the Planai base station.
Tauernalm:
A cosy bar with an excellent selection of schnapps and live music
Friends Bar:
A laid-back spot in the heart of the village.
How to get to Schladming
BY PLANE
Salzburg Airport: around 80 km’s (1.5 hour by car)
Innsbruck Airport: around 145 Kilometre (21/2 hours by car)
Munich airport: approximately 230 kilometres (3 hours by car)
From these airports, SHUTTLE services and CAR RENTALS are available to take you directly to Schladming.
BY TRAIN
Schladming has its train station, with regular connections from major Austrian cities such as Salzburg, Vienna, and Graz. Trains are a convenient and scenic way to reach the resort. You can book your TRAIN HERE.
BY CAR
Schladming is easily accessible via Austria’s well maintained roads.
- From Salzburg: Take the A10 Tauern Autobahn south, followed by regional roads to Schladming.
- Parking: Many accommodations offer private parking, and public parking is available in the village.
- For more convenience and flexibility, compare these car rental rates, DISCOVER CARS or RENTALCARS.COM
TRANSFER WITH ALPS2ALPS
Getting to Austria’s best ski resorts couldn’t be easier than with ALPS2ALPS offering both airport and train station transfers.
Private transfers are a popular choice, as you will not be sharing with others or waiting at the airport, as your driver will be waiting for you.
BY BUS
Regional buses operate from near by towns and airports, providing and affordable alternative to private transfers.
Planning Your Trip
Timing:
The ski season in Schladming runs from early December to mid-April, with the best snow and most reliable conditions between January and March.
The area is part of the Ski Amadé region, one of Austria’s largest interconnected ski networks.
Booking:
Schladming is a popular yet relaxed resort, ideal for families and mixed-ability groups.
Book accommodation early during school holidays and World Cup race weeks.
Good options include Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming, TUI Blue Schladming, or Haus Lanka for cozy apartments.
Transport:
Fly into Salzburg Airport (1 hour) or Graz Airport (2 hours). Regular trains and buses connect Schladming to both cities.
The resort is compact and well-served by free ski buses linking all four mountains — Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, and Reiteralm.
Ski Passes:
The Ski Amadé Pass covers over 760 km of slopes across 25 resorts, including Schladming.
Perfect for longer stays or families who want variety.
Packing:
Bring layered ski gear, thermal base layers, and warm outerwear.
Include snow boots for village walks and casual après-ski spots. Goggles and helmets are essential, as weather can change quickly.
Activities:
In addition to skiing, enjoy night tobogganing on Hochwurzen, snowshoeing trails, or relaxing at the Schladming Adventure Pool.
The Planai cable car ride also offers great panoramic views for non-skiers.
Dining:
Expect hearty Austrian food and family-friendly restaurants like Talbachschenke and Julius Restaurant.
On the mountain, try Onkel Willy’s Hütte for classic schnitzel and strudel with a view.
Local Tips:
Buy lift passes online to save time, and check slope conditions daily.
During peak times, Planai’s lower lifts can be busy early morning—arrive before 9 a.m. to beat the rush.
FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
1. When is the best time to visit Schladming for skiing?
January to March offers the best snow and lively après-ski atmosphere, while December is ideal for Christmas markets and festive charm.
2. Is Schladming suitable for beginners?
Yes — Schladming offers excellent ski schools, beginner slopes at Rohrmoos and Planai West, and wide runs that help new skiers build confidence.
3. How large is the ski area?
The Schladming-Dachstein area features around 123 km of pistes, connecting four mountains, and is part of the massive Ski Amadé network with over 700 km total.
4. Can non-skiers enjoy Schladming?
Definitely. Activities like tobogganing, winter hiking, spas, and scenic gondola rides make it great for non-skiers and families.
5. Is Schladming good for families?
Yes — it’s one of Austria’s top family ski resorts, with child-friendly ski schools, fun parks, and gentle blue slopes near Rohrmoos.
6. What’s the après-ski like?
Schladming’s après-ski is fun but not wild — expect a lively atmosphere at Hohenhaus Tenne or Siglu Bar, but still suitable for families.
7. Do I need a car in Schladming?
Not really. Public transport is excellent, and free ski buses run regularly between lifts and nearby villages.
8. Are lift passes expensive?
Lift passes are good value compared to larger resorts. The Ski Amadé pass is flexible and offers discounts for families and children.
9. Can I ski on glaciers nearby?
Yes — the Dachstein Glacier (about 30 minutes away) offers high-altitude skiing and panoramic views, ideal for a day trip.
Schladming offers a wealth of activities for non skiers or those seeking a break from the slopes:
Winter Hiking:
enjoy scenic trials through snow-covered forests.
Tobogganing:
Hochwurzens illuminated toboggan run is a highlight.
Ice Skating:
A family-friendly activity available in the village.
Dachstein Skywalk:
A thrilling glass viewing platform on the Dachstein Glacier.
Spa and Wellness:
Many hotels offer extensive wellness facilities for relaxation.
*HANDY TIP*
Make sure you have TRAVEL INSURANCE before hitting the slopes.
Final Thoughts
Schladming’s traditional alpine charm, world-class skiing, and vibrant apres-ski culture make it an excellent destination for all visitors.
Its connection to the Ski Amade area ensures endless skiing opportunities, while the village itself provides a welcoming base with superb dining and accommodation options.
Whether you’re carving through the slopes of the 4-Mountain Ski Area or enjoying a hearty meal in a mountain hut, Schladming promises an unforgettable alpine experience.
Other Favorites in Austria
Plan your Ski Adventure
Booking a ski trip involves a range of reliable resources to ensure a smooth and enjoyable experience. I have listed below our favorite companies we use when we plan our ski holiday.
Ski World– They have been taking customers to the best ski resorts in Europe, the US and Canada for more than 36 years.
BOOK YOUR FLIGHT – Going is a great search engine if you are flexible about your travel destination and dates. Sign up for their newsletter and get the latest deals on destinations around the world. GOING is our new go to.
Booking.com– for accommodation, we rely on Booking.com for its extensive options and user reviews. We find they have the cheapest rates and offer payment options. In addition, VRBO is another terrific website for all types of accommodations.
Train Travel– to European ski resorts is convenient and scenic, popular trips include Glacier express to Zermatt, the Eurostar from London to the French Alps. We find Omio or Trainline are the best sites for booking trains in Europe.
Car Hire – we usually hire a car it offers us flexibility and convenience, allowing easy access to most resorts. Companies like Discover Cars or Rentalcars.com provide reliable options with winter equipment.
Travel insurance– Don’t ski without it. If you get hurt on the mountain it could cost, you a small fortune if you’re not insured. We use SAFETYWING when my wife broke her ankle a few years ago in Wengen they were terrific.
Ski Equipment. – Bring your own ski gear, its usually cheaper and much better than renting, it ensures you have a perfect fit. Owning also saves time and money in the long run. Equipment like Skis, Pants and Jackets, Gloves, Ski-helmets and Thermal underwear” can all be bought online. You can purchase everything you need from BACKCOUNTRY
ARC’TERYX – is a go to reliable brand for outdoor adventure and travel, their wide range includes light weight durable, easy to clean travel gear.
Check out our RESOURCE PAGE for more additional planning.