Tucked away in the heart of Austria in the Styrian Alps, Schladming promises perfectly groomed pistes, a lively après scene and postcard-perfect scenery. Add cosy mountain huts and plenty for non-skiers to enjoy, and it’s easy to see why this spot is one of the country’s up-and-coming resorts. Ski holidays here start with Jet2 flights to nearby Salzburg Airport. And with the option to add up to 22kg ski carriage and hold luggage*, everything’s taken care of!
The resort
Unlike purpose-built ski resorts, Schladming’s cobbled lanes, timber-fronted buildings and pedestrianised centre are as charming as it gets. The streets are lined with cafés, sports shops and bakeries. When it comes to getting out on the mountain, the main Planai gondola leaves from the town centre – how handy is that? Accommodation ranges from luxury spa hotels to family-run B&Bs, making it suitable for all tastes and budgets. For families, Schladming scores highly thanks to its fab English-speaking ski schools and relaxed atmosphere. There are a couple of kids’ parks on the mountain too!
The slopes
Schladming sits within the expansive Ski Amadé region, so you’ll have hundreds of kilometres of interconnected slopes at your ski tips. The ski area’s spread across four mountains, Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm, all connected by lifts. You can even ski under the stars Monday to Saturday in Hochwurzen, with one of the slopes open until 11pm. There are two nursery areas for beginners, perfect for practising those first turns in peace. Once you’ve built up your confidence, you can show off your new skills on the lower slopes of Rohrmoos. Intermediate skiers and boarders will arguably be the most at home here, thanks to the network of long red runs. Head across to Reiteralm and you can ski from top to bottom, without taking a single lift! And for the pros, you can’t leave without trying out the famous Planai World Cup run. Freestyle fan? You’ll be in your element at the Planai Super park, home to rails, kickers and boxes for all levels. You can also ski up on the Dachstein glacier, at the lofty height of 2,700m! It’s here you’ll find the Sky Walk, the Stairway to Nothingness and the Suspension Bridge.
The après
When the lifts stop for the day, there’s still plenty of fun to be found around these parts. For classic Austrian après, make your way to Hohenhaus Tenne at the base of the Planai lift. This legendary spot comes alive in the late afternoon, with DJs and live music. Beer lovers should drop by Stadtbräu, a popular brewery-style restaurant in the centre of town, serving Austrian craft beers alongside hearty local dishes. For foodies, there are also around 40 restaurants to choose from!
*Charges apply.
Posted: 21st May 2026. Updated: 21st May 2026.