Mountains at Schladming | Photo by Iveta Billová ()
Once the snow starts blanketing the Alps in Austria, there is only one thing on a serious winter athlete’s mind… skiing! Schladming-Dachstein is a fabulous location for some fun in the snow. Whether you ski or snowboard, you’re sure to find the perfect runs on the eight mountains in this region.
Head to Reiteralm, accessible from the Ennstal highway, for a day filled with perfectly groomed runs and cozy ski huts. You won’t have to worry about snow coverage here, as the wide runs have the highest snow reliability. If you are a really experienced skier, try the Black Quartet. As its name indicates, this is a four-slope combination of runs with up to an 80% gradient. Gather your courage and go flying down these runs!
Another option is Planai. A new 10-person gondola will bring you to the top of the mountain with maximum comfort. After 12 minutes you’ll reach an area that opens up into several groomed runs. The Plainai area is part of the 4-Mountain Ski Area, which includes over 76 miles of runs, 43 cable cars and 56 ski huts. The other three mountains included in this area are Hauser Kaibling, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm.
Young skiers will love the Hospi Children’s Winter Wonderland. You can either ski to this area or take the “Hopsi-Express” lift. The area is perfect for youngsters who are just starting to learn how to navigate the slopes. Take your little daredevil to the public area next to the ski school site if they’re ready for an adrenaline rush! You can also visit Reiteralm Kinderland, with children’s ski routes that have igloos to ski through, a hip hop waveway and a “Children’s World Cup” slope. Kids will love riding the 246-foot conveyor belt back up the hill.
If you plan on spending the night in Schladming, Sporthotel Royer is a fabulous option. This traditional hotel has a large parking lot, swimming pool, spa, sauna, bar, restaurant and so much more! If you’d rather stay inside than ski, you can hit the fitness center, play a game of indoor tennis, basketball, squash and even practice your aim at indoor air rifle shooting! I highly recommend booking a massage with Peter (one of the best massages I’ve had in Europe!). Fuel up before your busy day with a fabulous buffet breakfast. They even have omelets to order any way you like! Pair that with some fresh pineapple juice and you’ll be ready to ski the day away.
The skiing opportunities are plentiful throughout the Alps. Head to Austria for a skiing trip filled with fun. Bring the family or a group of friends. There’s no wrong way to spend a weekend on the slopes!
