Schladming Ski Resort Review: Discover Austria’s Majestic Four Mountains Playground ⛷️
Welcome to our comprehensive Schladming ski resort review! Nestled in the heart of Austria, Schladming is a true gem for ski enthusiasts worldwide. Known for its thrilling World Cup downhill racing and breathtaking alpine landscape, Schladming offers an unforgettable ski holiday experience. In this article, we’ll take you through everything you need to know about this fantastic destination—from its extensive slopes and modern lift systems to après-ski hotspots and insider tips that will help you save money and maximise your fun on the snow.
Whether you’re a beginner eager to learn, an intermediate skier looking for varied terrain, or an advanced rider chasing challenging runs, Schladming has something for everyone. Let’s dive into the magic of Schladming together.
Table of Contents
- 🏔️ Overview of Schladming Ski Resort and the Four Mountains Area
- ❄️ Snow Parks, Ski Routes, and Family-Friendly Facilities
- 🎿 Recommended Ski Runs for Every Level
- 🍽️ Mountain Restaurants and Après-Ski Extravaganza
- 🌙 Nightlife and Town Atmosphere
- ⚖️ Pros and Cons of Schladming Ski Resort
- 📊 Ski Resorts Video Ratings for Schladming
- 💡 Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Schladming Ski Holiday
- 🚆 Getting to Schladming: Easy Access by Train, Bus, and Car
- 🌟 Final Thoughts on Schladming Ski Resort Review
🏔️ Overview of Schladming Ski Resort and the Four Mountains Area
Schladming is part of the renowned Ski Amadé region, one of the largest ski networks in Austria, boasting an impressive 230 kilometres of pistes that cater to all skill levels. The resort itself is divided into the famous “Four Mountains” ski area, consisting of:
- Planai
- Hauser Kaibling
- Hochwurzen
- Reiteralm
These four mountains together provide 123 kilometres of slopes served by 47 ski lifts, offering an exhilarating and continuous skiing experience. The slopes break down as follows:
| Skill Level | Kilometres of Pistes | Percentage of Total Slopes |
|---|---|---|
| Beginner (Blue Runs) | 94 km | 37% |
| Intermediate (Red Runs) | 120 km | 55% |
| Advanced (Black Runs) | 16 km | 8% |
The resort’s highest peak is Hauser Kaibling at 2,015 metres, while the lowest point is the charming town of Schladming itself, situated at 745 metres. This altitude range offers a good vertical drop for varied skiing experiences.
Schladming is serviced by a modern and efficient lift system of 77 lifts, including 30 chair lifts and 12 cable cars. This ensures minimal waiting times and easy access to all parts of the ski area, making it suitable for families and large groups alike.
❄️ Snow Parks, Ski Routes, and Family-Friendly Facilities
For freestyle enthusiasts and families, Schladming offers plenty of fun options beyond traditional slopes. There are two snow parks located in Reiteralm and Planai, each equipped with jumps, rails, and other features perfect for freestylers.
Next to the snow park in Planai, you’ll find a unique ski movie section where cameras record your run and time it, allowing you to download your exciting moments for free later on—a fantastic way to relive your best runs!
Families with young children will appreciate the dedicated children’s nurseries and fun slopes found in Planai, as well as additional kids’ areas near slope 8 in Hauser Kaibling and at the base stations of various gondolas. These facilities provide a safe and enjoyable environment for youngsters to learn and play on the snow.
Moreover, there are fun slopes scattered throughout the ski area, including near the Gietfelbahn and Hochwurzen gondola base station, where beginners and children can have a blast without the pressure of steep terrain.
🎿 Recommended Ski Runs for Every Level
One of the standout features of Schladming is its variety of ski runs tailored to different skill levels. Here are our top recommendations for beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers:
Beginners: Gentle and Scenic Blue Runs
Beginners will find the Rohrmoos Plateau on Hochwurzen mountain a perfect playground. The plateau offers a maze of wide, easy blue slopes—ideal for first-timers and those building confidence. The Rohrmoos Plateau Blue Run (number 37 on the ski map) is particularly well-loved for its gentle gradients and picturesque chalets scattered across the landscape.
If you want to ski down to the town of Schladming on a blue run, be sure to turn left before crossing under the old two-seater chairlift. If you take the right turn instead, the slope changes into an easy red run as you approach Schladming, offering a smooth progression for beginners ready to step up.
Intermediate Runs: Varied and Enjoyable Red Slopes
Intermediates will absolutely love Schladming. The area offers a wealth of red runs that balance challenge and enjoyment beautifully. On Reiteralm mountain, the Holzer Red Run (number 5) is a favourite, providing a solid workout with stunning alpine views.
For a gentler ride with excellent mountain restaurants along the way, try the Reiteralm Red Run (number 2), where you can stop for refreshments at popular spots like Eiskerhütte and Hochalm. Continuing down to Reiteralm Pichl Red Run (number 2a) can also be a great way to explore more terrain when conditions are favourable.
On Hochwurzen mountain, the FIS World Cup Red Run (number 31) offers a thrilling intermediate experience. At the T-junction at the end of this run, turning left takes you towards Reiteralm mountain to repeat runs or try others from Hochwurzen peak, while turning right leads back to Schladming or Planai mountain. Be mindful to maintain your speed if heading right, or else you might have to walk.
Advanced Runs: Black Slopes and Iconic World Cup Courses
While the black runs are fewer in number, advanced skiers can challenge themselves on some exhilarating slopes. The Panorama Run (black 7) and the black Ostan ski route (dashed black 9) both start at the highest point in the Four Mountains, Hauser Kaibling peak.
However, the most iconic runs in Schladming are the World Cup courses on Planai mountain:
- Women’s FIS World Cup Run (Red 2) – Starting from the top of the Mergel Wiesenborn eight-seater chairlift, this run descends all the way to Schladming and offers a thrilling vertical drop of over 1,000 metres.
- Men’s FIS World Cup Run (Red 1) – This famous course starts at the same point as the women’s run but takes a left fork early on. The last 500 metres to Schladming are a challenging black slope, making it a must-try for advanced skiers.
Recommended hotels
Planai Area Hotels
Location doesn’t get better than the TUI Blue Schladming, positioned directly opposite the Planai base station for ultimate convenience. Modern rooms, hearty half-board dining, and a rooftop spa with panoramic mountain views make this four-star property a smart choice. You’ll literally step out of the hotel and onto Austria’s famous World Cup slopes within seconds.
Budget-conscious skiers get premium location without the premium price at Jufa Alpin Schladming, uniquely positioned at the Planai mid-station. This hostel-style property offers hotel-level amenities including ski lockers, waxing rooms, and hearty breakfast buffets. Summer hiking passes are included, making this an excellent year-round value pick for active travelers.
Town Centre Hotels
For those seeking alpine luxury, the Falkensteiner Hotel Schladming delivers five-star sophistication right in the heart of town. With its expansive 1,500 m² Acquapura SPA and award-winning cuisine, this is where discerning skiers unwind after conquering the Four Mountains. The Planai gondola is just a three-minute stroll away, making it the perfect base for serious slope time.
Eco-conscious travelers will appreciate Hotel Brunner, where sustainable timber architecture meets wellness-focused hospitality. Start your day with Ayurvedic breakfasts and complimentary yoga sessions before hitting the slopes, then return to this tranquil sanctuary just five minutes from Schladming’s bustling main square. The hotel’s commitment to environmental responsibility doesn’t compromise on comfort or style.
Families love the central location and newly refurbished suites at Posthotel Johann, right in Schladming’s pedestrian zone. With two on-site restaurants and just a 300-meter walk to the Planai lifts, logistics become effortless when managing ski gear and excited children. The hotel’s position above the main square puts you at the heart of all the alpine action.
Rohrmoos Area Hotels
Design enthusiasts will fall in love with the ultra-modern Arx Boutique Hotel, perched in the scenic Rohrmoos plateau with direct ski access. This intimate retreat features only 18 exclusive suites, each offering breathtaking Dachstein views and access to rooftop saunas. The gourmet tasting menus here are legendary among Austria’s ski-in, ski-out properties.
East Entrance Area Hotels
The peaceful Hotel Schladmingerhof sits in a quiet meadow setting while maintaining easy access to the slopes via two bus stops to Planai. This solid three-star option offers excellent half-board deals and complimentary parking, stretching your ski holiday budget further. The serene location provides a welcome retreat from the busier town center after long days on the mountain.
🍽️ Mountain Restaurants and Après-Ski Extravaganza
Schladming is not just about skiing; it’s also about soaking in the atmosphere and enjoying the vibrant mountain culture. The ski area boasts numerous mountain restaurants where you can savour hearty Austrian dishes and warm up by the fire after a day on the slopes.
Popular on-mountain après-ski bars include:
- Tauernalm near the Hochwurzen Gipfelbahn base station
- Hochalm in Reiteralm
- Almrausch Planai near the Fastenberg six-seater top station
Each valley run typically ends with a variety of umbrella bars and larger venues, such as the Alm Arena near the base of the Hauser Kaibling gondola, perfect for relaxing and socialising.
But the crown jewel of Schladming’s après-ski scene is undoubtedly the Hohenhaus Tenne. This is the largest upper ski bar in Austria and arguably the world, boasting three spacious floors and a huge outdoor terrace. Unlike many bars that wind down after dinner, the party at Hohenhaus Tenne continues well into the morning, making it the ultimate spot for night owls and party lovers.
🌙 Nightlife and Town Atmosphere
The town of Schladming itself is lively and rich in history, with a pedestrianised main street lined with shops, bars, and restaurants. While it may not have the same charm as some of the famous Tyrolean ski resorts, Schladming offers a perfect blend of traditional Austrian ambiance and modern amenities.
For nightlife, the church area in Schladming is the hub, where you’ll find venues catering to different tastes:
- The Cultclub for those wanting to dance the night away
- La Porta for cocktail lovers seeking a relaxed vibe with friends
However, it’s important to note that Schladming’s nightlife scene is relatively modest compared to larger ski resorts, so visitors should adjust expectations accordingly.
⚖️ Pros and Cons of Schladming Ski Resort
Like any ski resort, Schladming comes with its strengths and weaknesses. Here’s a quick rundown to help you decide if it’s the right destination for your next ski holiday:
| Pros | Cons |
|---|---|
| Ultra-modern lift system and facilities | Low-altitude resort (which can affect snow reliability) |
| Fantastic après-ski options, including the massive Hohenhaus Tenne | Limited off-piste terrain for freeriders |
| Easy to reach by train, bus, or car | Slopes can get busy during peak times |
📊 Ski Resorts Video Ratings for Schladming
Based on extensive analysis, here are the ratings for Schladming as a destination for a week’s holiday, considering different types of visitors and aspects of the resort:
| Category | Rating (out of 10) |
|---|---|
| Beginners | 7.0 |
| Intermediates | 8.5 |
| Advanced Skiers | 7.5 |
| Snowboarders | 8.5 |
| Freestylers | 7.0 |
| Freeriders | 6.5 |
| Après-ski | 8.5 |
| Nightlife | 7.0 |
| Resort Charm | 8.0 |
| Value for Money | 7.5 |
Overall, Schladming scores a solid 7.8 out of 10, making it a highly recommended destination for skiers and snowboarders of various levels who also want a vibrant après-ski culture.
💡 Insider Tips for an Unforgettable Schladming Ski Holiday
To help you make the most of your trip, here are some insider tips that will enhance your experience and save you money:
- Motorhome Visitors: If you’re coming with a motorhome, there’s an almost ski-in ski-out caravan park located next to the Reiteralm gondola. It offers all the necessary amenities, and you can add a breakfast buffet or dinner at the owner’s hotel nearby for convenience.
- Extend Your Ski Area: If you’re driving to Schladming and have a Ski Amadé ski pass, consider taking a 30-minute drive to Flachau. There, you can access 200 kilometres of recently connected slopes within the Snow Space ski area and visit the fantastic Absolut Snowpark, one of the best snow parks in Europe.
If you want to learn more about Flachau and the snow space you must read our great review on Flachau here
🚆 Getting to Schladming: Easy Access by Train, Bus, and Car
One of the great advantages of Schladming ski resort is its accessibility. The town is well-connected by train, bus, and road, making it easy to reach from major Austrian cities and neighbouring countries. This convenience is a big plus for families and groups who want a hassle-free journey.
Salzburg Airport is the handiest gateway, 90km from Schladming or a straightforward 1h10min drive along the A10 motorway. Other options are Graz (185km, 2h5min) and Klagenfurt (153km, 2h), while Munich sits 235km away – still a relaxed 2h45min journey on fast Bavarian autobahns. Regular ÖBB trains link Schladming to Salzburg and Vienna, and the Dachstein-Tauern “Ennstal” bus network ties in with most long-distance coaches.
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🌟 Final Thoughts on Schladming Ski Resort Review
In conclusion, Schladming is a superb ski resort that offers a fantastic blend of modern facilities, varied terrain, and lively après-ski culture. Its extensive network of slopes across the four mountains—Planai, Hauser Kaibling, Hochwurzen, and Reiteralm—caters to all levels, making it an ideal destination for families, beginners, intermediates, and advanced skiers alike.
While it may not have the highest altitude or the most challenging off-piste options, Schladming’s ultra-modern lift system and efficient ski infrastructure ensure you spend more time skiing and less time waiting. The après-ski scene, especially at the legendary Hohenhaus Tenne, adds a unique flavour to your ski holiday that’s hard to beat.
Whether you want to race down World Cup runs, enjoy gentle blue slopes with charming alpine scenery, or party into the early hours, Schladming delivers on all fronts. We hope this Schladming ski resort review has given you a detailed insight into what this Austrian gem has to offer. Now it’s time to pack your skis and experience the magic for yourself!
