Schladming, Austria

Schladming is a true ski resort, however not so famous among the average skier. Schladming has actually been elected Austria's best ski resort, which is not that easy seeing the hard competition! During 2013 Schladming will host the World Cup in Planaistadion.

Schladming is an incredibly charming village with a mining traditional. It is tucked in between the Dachstein glacier and high mountain peaks, which creates an idyllic atmosphere.

Skiing in Schladming

The village is located at only 750 meters above sea level, but the ski slopes go all the way up to 2,700 meters. The snow is usally good and abundant and lasts until spring. In cases of poor weather conditions, there is very good coverage with snow cannons.

There are about 270 kilometers of ski slopes and 47 ski lifts, interconnected in one ski system. Some of Europe's longest ski runs are available here, at most 7.7 km! Most of the slopes are red and blue, but there are nice and easy slopes that are also suitable for families with children. You'll also find fun forest skiing.

For those who are very advanced skiers there are some real challenges. A couple of the slopes are quite steep, even by alpine standards. If you want even greater selection it is close to reach the other ski areas in the Ski Amadé system.

Fun in Schladming

There are plenty of fun things to do both while skiing and after skiing. When you are up on the mountain, do pay a visit to the small cabins that are scattered among the ski slopes, where you can get some good food and drink. They have very cosy areas for relaxation and sun-bathing and some have after-ski some days of the week.

Also try to take a run in the 8.6 km long toboggan run, visit the adventure swimming pool, try some ice climbing or just head for the after-ski. A bit more special activity that you do not find in many other ski resorts in the Alps is "Skijoring", which means that you go special skis behind a horse, dog or a motor vehicle. Kind of like water skiing, but on snow.

The Dachstein glacier is also a given destination, whether you carry your skis or not. Incredibly beautiful views. Combine this with a visit to the Ice Palace, which is located in the middle of the glacier. Beautiful ice statues and cool views of the glacier. Moonlight walks on the glacier are also offered.

The after ski in Schladming is very Austrian: dedicated and active. Europe's largest afterski bar can be found here, Hohenhaus Tenne, which is a five-storey building with space for more than 1,000 guests. It is located at Olympic Stadium. Do visit Sonderbar as well, which is the most popular disco.

Travelling to Schladming

The best option is to fly to Salzburg and then continue by bus, taxi or rental car. It takes about 1 hour and 15 minutes. You could also fly to Innsbruck.