Schladming resort guide - a general overview
We think Schladming is a hidden gem of a resort. With four linked mountains providing skiing for all levels and an impressive 167km of piste. A bus ride away opens up the wider Schladming Dachstein region which also encompasses a number of smaller areas, including the Dachstein Glacier.
In 2013 Schladming hosted the World Ski Championships investing heavily in new ski lifts. This investment has been well worth it - queues are kept short and speedy lifts give you more time on the slopes.
With a high proportion of runs rated red, Schladming is an intermediates heaven. Much of the skiing is also tree-lined and offers good opportunities for some great off-piste powder to play in.
The large, bustling town of Schladming dates back to medieval times. It's got a nice mix of the old and new throughout. The pretty church, the old town gate and Hotel Kirchenwirt dating back well over 300 years are charming. In contrast, stylish buildings have popped up in recent years across town - such as the congress centre, lift stations and many hotels. The pedestrianised centre of town is a great place to do a bit of shopping and grab a coffee or hot chocolate from one of many cafés, or maybe something a bit stronger from a number of the après ski bars.
Schladming's après ski is impressive and on a par with the likes of St Anton. Hohenhaus Tenne, next to the Planai base station, is possibly the largest après ski bar in the Alps and later in the evening transforms into a bustling nightclub. There's a lot more choice in town too, ranging from a relaxed drink in your hotel bar, to the underground Cult Club.
Resort stats
167km
745m - 2,015m
Level of skiing
- Beginners
- Intermediates
- Experts
- Snow sure
- Off-piste
- Ski area
Qualities
- Charm factor
- Non-skiers
- Nightlife
- Resort layout
- Fine dining
- Short transfer
- Resort value
Airports
- Salzburg
- 1hr 15mins
- Munich
- 2hrs 15mins
6 hotels in Schladming, Austria View All
Schladming, Austria
Hotel Erzherzog Johann
Schladming, Austria
Hotel Brunner
Schladming, Austria
Hotel Planai
Pros and Cons
Pros
- Great for intermediate skiers with the four interlinked ski areas
- Tree-lined runs, grooming and extensive snowmaking mean great piste conditions
- Great choice of mountain restaurants
- A traditional town with more to offer than just skiing
- Fun après ski scene
Cons
- Nursery slopes are not very convenient to get to from the main town centre
- The pistes leading down to the valley level are not easy
Restaurants
Schladming Resort Restaurants
The old narrow streets of Schladming are lined with a large variety of restaurants. There is nearly too much choice! Landstuberl Friesacher (aka The Pink House) has been named the finest steak house in Schladming. With personal service from the owners and melt in the mouth locally sourced steak if you're a meat lover it is not to be missed! Or, The Winter Garden, part of the Kleiner Steirhof Hotel is another local gem. This restaurant offers a rich menu consisting of fabulous fish and meat dishes along with various pizzas and pastas all served beautifully. For more typically Austrian delicacies, head to the Talbachschenke. This old converted wine cellar serves the very best traditional menu of regional dishes but in particular, the delicious grilled meat dishes are the ones to go for.
Schladming Mountain Restaurants
There is no shortage of mountain restaurants dotted around the mountains surrounding Schladming. There is a very conveniently placed and very popular restaurant located at the top of the main gondola called the Schladminger Hutte which is always bustling at lunch time. Onkel Willy's is another very popular eatery. This sun trap has a large terrace and often has live bands playing which fills this venue up fast! For something a bit quieter and more traditional, head to Marchenwiese Hutte (a little but further down the mountain than Onkel Willy's) which specialises in beautiful home cooked delicacies and has a very cosy and inviting atmosphere.
Schladming Apres Ski
Schladming has a lively après ski scene which starts in many of the mountain huts where live bands start playing in the afternoon. Often people are dancing on the tables by 4pm. In town, the action gets going at the huge Hohenhaus Tenne by the Planai gondola station, the largest après ski bar in the Alps. If you like some classic Euro trash this is the place. Reopens after dinner when things get going until the wee hours. Platshirsch Alm opposite also gets busy. In the main square, the Post Hotel's upmarket bar, Cabalou, is lively.
Schladming Nightlife
Cult and Angel are two of the nightclubs in the resort.
Funicular
Cable Car
Gondola
Chair lift
Drag lift
Property
