Base: 745m | Summit: 2,015m | Piste: 123km (4 mountains) | Lifts: 43 | Season: Dec–Apr | Airport: Salzburg (SZG) — 1 hr; Munich (MUC) — 2.5 hrs; Graz (GRZ) — 1.5 hrs
Schladming is Austria’s second most famous racing resort after Kitzbühel — home of the legendary Planai Nightrace (the world’s biggest ski race by spectator numbers) and the Hahnenkamm’s friendly rival in the World Cup calendar. The Ski Amadé area (760km across 25 resorts) makes it one of Austria’s most extensive lift networks, while the charming Styrian town offers genuine Austrian character at accessible prices.
Resort overview
Schladming’s four mountains — Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, and Reiteralm — share the Ski amadé lift pass and are connected at altitude by gondola and ski bus. The terrain is predominantly intermediate — long, well-groomed reds and blues that suit the majority of recreational skiers, with enough challenge for competent skiers. The town of Schladming itself is an attractive Styrian market town with a genuine year-round life beyond skiing.
The Planai World Cup run is the centrepiece — a 3.5km giant slalom course with an extraordinary finish area that transforms into the Nightrace venue in January. The race event draws 50,000+ spectators and is one of the most atmospheric nights in World Cup skiing.
Getting there
Salzburg (SZG) is 1 hour — good connections from UK and Europe. Graz (GRZ) in eastern Austria is 1.5 hours. Munich (MUC) is 2.5 hours. The Schladming train station is on the main Salzburg–Graz railway — excellent rail access for visitors without cars.
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The skiing
Terrain and pistes
123km across four mountains — all well-groomed, predominantly intermediate. The Planai is the main mountain and most linked to the town. The Hauser Kaibling sector is larger (with the best expert terrain on the Kaibling mogul run) and slightly less busy. The Hochwurzen and Reiteralm sectors are smaller and suit families. The Ski Amadé extension opens up 760km across the Salzburg, Dachstein, and Schladming regions — truly exceptional value on a week’s pass.
Ski schools and lessons
Multiple schools with good English instruction. Strong racing coaching available given the World Cup heritage.
Lift passes
The Ski Amadé regional pass (760km, 25 resorts) costs approximately €270–295 for six days — exceptional value. The four-mountain Schladming-Dachstein pass is cheaper at around €225–245. Book online in advance.
Where to stay
Schladming town has extensive accommodation at very reasonable prices by Austrian standards — good hotels, apartments, and pensions throughout. Its town character (shops, restaurants, cultural life) makes it a more rounded destination than purpose-built ski resorts.
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Après-ski
Good but not Ischgl — Schladming has a lively local scene with Austrian character. The Hohenhaus Tenne at the Planai base is the main après venue. The town has good restaurants and bars. The Nightrace week (January) transforms it into one of the most extraordinary events in skiing.
Best time to visit
January for the Nightrace experience. February and March for the best snow and quieter slopes. The Planai base altitude (745m) means lower slopes can be variable in warm spells — stick to the upper mountains in poor snow years.
Tips and insider advice
- Attend the Planai Nightrace if at all possible — 50,000 spectators, torchlit courses, and an electric atmosphere unlike any other ski event.
- The Ski Amadé pass is outstanding value — dedicate days to exploring different mountains in the region.
- Hauser Kaibling is quieter than Planai and worth a full day — excellent intermediate terrain with fewer crowds.
- The train connection from Salzburg is excellent and avoids driving on potentially icy mountain roads.
- Schladming town’s restaurants and cafes are genuinely good and better value than on-mountain dining.
Frequently asked questions
What is the Planai Nightrace?
The Planai Nightrace is the world’s largest ski race by spectator attendance — typically drawing 50,000+ fans in January. The Planai World Cup giant slalom is held under floodlights with a torchlit course, dramatic fireworks, and concert acts before and after. It’s one of the most unique events in the ski racing calendar and an extraordinary spectator experience.
What is the Ski Amadé pass?
One of Austria’s best-value lift passes — covering 760km of piste across 25 ski resorts in the Salzburg and Styrian Alps including Schladming, Bad Gastein, Hochkönig, Filzmoos, and many others. For skiers who want to explore multiple Austrian resorts on one pass, it’s exceptional value. Approximately €270–295 for six days.
Is Schladming good for intermediates?
Ideal — the terrain across all four mountains is predominantly well-groomed red and blue runs suited perfectly to recreational intermediate skiers. The four mountains provide variety without extreme challenge, and the Ski Amadé extension adds enormous additional terrain if needed.
Is Schladming affordable compared to other Austrian resorts?
Yes — Schladming is one of Austria’s better-value ski destinations. Accommodation prices in the town are reasonable, restaurant prices are competitive, and the town’s character means you’re not paying a premium for resort-town convenience. It’s significantly more affordable than Kitzbühel or Lech.
Can I reach Schladming by train?
Yes — Schladming station is on the main Salzburg–Graz railway, with direct services from Salzburg (1 hour) and Graz (1.5 hours). It’s one of Austria’s better-connected ski resorts by rail, and the journey from Salzburg through the Enns valley is scenic.
How does Schladming compare to Kitzbühel?
Kitzbühel has more prestigious racing heritage and a more famous village. Schladming has more varied terrain (four mountains), better value, and the Ski Amadé extension (760km). Schladming is better for intermediates who want value and variety; Kitzbühel is better for those who want prestige and the Hahnenkamm atmosphere.
Is there a World Cup race at Schladming?
Yes — the Planai hosts the World Cup Men’s Giant Slalom (the Nightrace) in January. Schladming hosted the FIS Alpine World Ski Championships in 1982 and 2013. The World Cup race at Schladming is one of the most popular in the circuit for spectators due to its unique nighttime format and enormous crowds.
Is Schladming good for families?
Yes — the Hochwurzen and Reiteralm sectors have gentle family-friendly terrain. The town is safe and charming for family stays. Good ski school provision and children’s facilities throughout the four mountains. Prices are more family-friendly than the prestige Austrian resorts.