Schladming is a world-famous resort town in Austria, a favourite among many winter sports enthusiasts. Standing at an altitude of 745m, it is part of the Schladming-Dachstein ski area, which offers around 123 km of skiable terrain. This resort is also home to the Planai ski area, renowned for its World Cup downhill races and offering a range of skiing options for all levels. Schladming’s snow record is consistently reliable, thanks to its high-altitude ski areas and snow-making facilities.
Schladming Ski Area
The Schladming-Dachstein ski area comprises four interconnected mountains: Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, and Reiteralm. The ski area offers a total of 81 runs, with 24% being blue, 58% red and 18% black.
Beginner Skiing in Schladming
Schladming, contrary to popular belief, is an excellent location for beginners. The resort boasts a variety of gentle nursery slopes, such as the ones found at Rohrmoos and Schladming town. Once you’ve mastered these, you can venture onto the gentle blue runs on the Planai and Hochwurzen mountains. The Kaltenbach run is a favourite amongst beginners with its wide, well-groomed blue piste. For those still building confidence, it’s advisable to take the gondola back down the mountain.
Intermediate Skiing in Schladming
Intermediate skiers will find a wealth of opportunities in Schladming. The resort offers a variety of red runs, with some of the best found on the Planai and Reiteralm mountains. The Panorama run on the Planai mountain is a particular favourite, with its stunning views and varied terrain. Another recommended run is the 4.6km long FIS downhill run on the Hauser Kaibling mountain. Although the grading system in Schladming is slightly more challenging compared to other Austrian resorts, it provides a fantastic opportunity for intermediates to expand their skills.
Advanced Skiing in Schladming
Schladming provides a thrilling experience for advanced skiers with a proportion of black runs that offer a challenging terrain. The Planai is home to one of the most notorious black runs, the Krahbergzinken run. Not only is it steep with an incline of 60%, but it also features a drop in altitude of 720m, making it a thrilling ride. The Reiteralm mountain also offers a challenging black run, the Silver Jet. With its steep sections and length of 3.8km, it’s not for the faint-hearted!
Off-piste Skiing in Schladming
Schladming offers fantastic opportunities for off-piste skiing, particularly on the Hochwurzen mountain. The off-piste terrain here ranges from steep chutes to vast open powder fields. The Hochwurzen Freeride Area is a well-known spot, offering four different routes with a combined length of 11km. Another popular off-piste area is the Planai Freeride Area, which offers a range of challenging routes. If you’re venturing off-piste, we recommend hiring a local guide who knows the area well and can ensure your safety.
Snowparks in Schladming
For those who love freestyle skiing, Schladming has a fantastic snow park, the Superpark Planai. With a range of different features, including kickers, rails and boxes, it’s perfect for both beginners and experienced freestylers.
Conclusion
Schladming offers a diverse range of skiing experiences for every type of skier. With its variety of runs, excellent snow conditions and thrilling off-piste areas, it’s a resort that must be explored. To make the most out of your trip, consider booking a ski instructor who can guide you to the best areas based on your skill level.