Skiing in Schladming: The Ultimate Guide to Austria's Alpine Gem

When Is the Best Time to Ski in Schladming?

Schladming has a long winter season, with the main four-mountain ski area of Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm generally operating from early December into April.

Some opening dates depend on snow conditions, so it’s always worth checking the latest information before travelling.

The best time to visit really depends on what you’re looking for, whether that’s Christmas in the mountains, quieter January skiing or sunny spring days on the slopes.

December – Christmas in Schladming

December is a popular time to visit Schladming, particularly around Christmas and New Year.

The 2026/27 season is scheduled to get underway on the main mountains from late November and early December, with Hochwurzen and Galsterberg planned to open on 4 December.

The resort also has a major Ski Opening event in December, so there is plenty happening around the start of the season.

Christmas week is busy, so expect higher accommodation prices and more people on the slopes.

If you want the festive atmosphere of an Austrian ski resort, though, December is hard to beat.

January – Cold Winter Skiing

January is a good choice if your priority is skiing rather than Christmas celebrations.

The temperatures are generally colder, and after the Christmas and New Year period the resort becomes quieter.

One interesting option in the wider Schladming-Dachstein region is Fageralm, which is known for plenty of sunshine, particularly in January, along with wide pistes and good natural snow cover.

For skiers who enjoy spending most of the day on the mountain, January is well worth considering.

February – Peak Winter

February is the heart of the ski season and one of the busiest times to visit Schladming.

Families are particularly attracted to the resort during school holidays, so accommodation and ski passes can be more expensive and the slopes can be busier.

The advantage is that you’re right in the middle of winter, with the full four-mountain area available and plenty happening in the town and on the slopes.

If you’re travelling during February half-term, we’d recommend booking well ahead.

March – Our Pick

For us, March would be our first choice for skiing in Schladming.

The days are getting longer, there is usually plenty of winter left on the higher slopes and you have more daylight to enjoy the mountains.

March can also be a great month for enjoying lunch on a sunny terrace before heading back out for an afternoon of skiing.

The main ski areas continue operating through March, with the current 2026/27 schedule showing the main season running until March 26 for Ski amadé multi-day tickets.

April – Spring Skiing

April is still possible in Schladming, but we’d approach it as a spring-skiing holiday rather than expecting every part of the ski area to be operating as it would in January or February.

The higher and more snow-reliable areas are your best option as the season progresses. Reiteralm is currently scheduled to continue until 11 April 2027, while Planai, Hochwurzen and Hauser Kaibling are scheduled into early April, subject to conditions.

You’ll also get longer, sunnier days, which can make April enjoyable for skiers who like combining skiing with sitting outside for lunch and enjoying the warmer weather.

Our Recommendation

If we were planning a ski holiday to Schladming, we’d choose March.

You still have plenty of winter skiing, but the days are longer and there’s a better chance of enjoying some sunshine while you’re out on the mountain.

December is our choice for the Christmas atmosphere, January is worth considering if you prefer quieter slopes and colder winter conditions, and February is great for families who don’t mind travelling during the busy school-holiday period.

For April, we’d keep an eye on snow conditions and choose our accommodation and ski areas with the later season in mind.