Schladming: four connected mountains, 123 kilometres of pistes and sporting descents in Styria

Introduction

Schladming lies at approximately 745 metres above sea level in the Austrian region of Styria. This historic Alpine town is one of the main access points to the Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area, a large and fully connected ski domain within Ski amadé.

The four mountains of Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm offer approximately 123 kilometres of groomed pistes, 43 modern lifts and 56 mountain huts. The descents extend from the valley to more than 2,000 metres and include broad blue pistes, long red runs, black racing slopes, funslopes and freestyle areas.

For a convenient start to your holiday, reserve your ski hire in Schladming online in advance with SKiSET. Choose equipment suited to your ability and skiing style so that the shop can prepare your skis, boots, helmet or snowboard before your arrival.

A historic winter sports town in Styria

Schladming combines the character of an Austrian Alpine town with the infrastructure of an international winter sports destination. Hotels, apartments, restaurants, shops, cafés and bars are located throughout the historic centre and surrounding districts.

The Planai gondola departs close to the town centre. On the western side of Schladming, the Wintersportzentrum WEST provides access to both Planai and Hochwurzen and is also within walking distance of the railway station.

Ski buses connect the different neighbourhoods and surrounding villages. Visitors staying close to the centre, a lift or a bus stop can often limit their use of a car during the holiday.

The Schladming 4-Mountain Ski Area

The four mountains are connected without interruptions or bus transfers. Skiers can travel from Hauser Kaibling across Planai and Hochwurzen to Reiteralm before returning through the same lift network.

Each mountain has its own characteristics. Planai is known for its racing pistes, Hochwurzen for evening activities and long descents, Hauser Kaibling for broad slopes and family areas, and Reiteralm for sporting terrain and professional training facilities.

Visitors wishing to explore all four mountains in one day should start early and check the closing times of the connecting lifts. Routes across two or three mountains are more suitable for recreational skiers.

Planai: the sporting heart of Schladming

Planai is Schladming’s best-known ski mountain. The main gondola transports visitors directly from the town to an extensive network of blue, red and black pistes.

The mountain is internationally known for The Nightrace World Cup event. Its famous finishing piste descends steeply towards the Planai Stadium and is particularly suitable for experienced skiers.

In addition to sporting descents, Planai offers more accessible pistes, funslopes and several mountain huts. From its western side, skiers can continue directly towards Hochwurzen.

Hochwurzen: long descents and night skiing

Hochwurzen lies above Rohrmoos and is connected to Planai by pistes and lifts. The mountain mainly offers blue and red descents through open slopes and wooded sections.

One of its principal attractions is the long descent towards Rohrmoos. On selected evenings, an illuminated piste opens for night skiing, depending on the programme and snow conditions.

Hochwurzen also has a toboggan run measuring approximately seven kilometres. It may be available during the evening on certain days and is a popular activity for families and groups.

Hauser Kaibling

Hauser Kaibling forms the eastern entrance to the connected ski area. Gondolas from Haus im Ennstal transport visitors towards broad pistes and panoramic slopes.

The terrain consists mainly of blue and red pistes. The mountain is therefore particularly attractive to families, recreational skiers and intermediate visitors who appreciate long and easily understood descents.

Learning areas and playful courses are available for children and beginners. The XXL Funslope includes turns, waves and other features without the technical difficulty of a complete snowpark.

Reiteralm

Reiteralm lies on the western side of the connected ski area. The mountain is known for its sporting pistes and is regularly used by professional ski teams for training.

In addition to broad red pistes, it offers steeper sections and more challenging terrain for experienced skiers. The connection with Hochwurzen makes Reiteralm accessible without leaving the ski area.

The Crosspark, Skimovie piste and speed-check zone provide additional variety. Families will also find a children’s area and several more accessible pistes.

Schladming for beginners

Beginners will find learning lifts, easy pistes and dedicated practice areas across all four mountains. Local ski schools offer group courses and private lessons for children and adults.

Initial lessons focus on stopping, turning, balance and using the lifts safely. Participants can then progress gradually towards longer blue pistes.

Because the ski area is very large, beginners should choose their route carefully. Some blue pistes lead towards busy connections or more difficult descents. A ski instructor can help plan a suitable daily itinerary.

Families and children

The 4-Mountain Ski Area includes several children’s zones. Hopsi’s Winterkinderland on Planai combines easy pistes with colourful characters and playful activities.

Hauser Kaibling has Wollis Kids Park, while Reiteralm operates its own children’s area. Conveyor belts, short lifts and clearly laid-out learning pistes help young skiers progress safely.

Funslopes, simple racing zones and Skimovie courses provide variety for children who can already ski independently. Families should always agree on a clear meeting point.

Red and black pistes for experienced skiers

Most of the ski area consists of red pistes. Intermediate and experienced skiers can therefore complete long itineraries without repeatedly using the same descent.

Sporting highlights include the World Cup piste on Planai and several steeper descents on Reiteralm and Hauser Kaibling. These pistes can become technically demanding when the snow is hard.

Check which racing pistes are open before departure. Certain sections may close temporarily during training sessions, events or preparations for World Cup races.

Snowpark, funslopes and Skimovie

The Superpark Planai is the principal freestyle area in the resort. Depending on snow conditions, lines with kickers, rails, boxes and other features are prepared for different ability levels.

Funslopes are also available on Planai, Hochwurzen and Hauser Kaibling. These routes combine waves, tunnels, turns and small jumps and are more accessible than a traditional snowpark.

Inspect every feature before using it, maintain sufficient distance and choose a line suited to your experience. Wearing a helmet is strongly recommended.

Winter walking, cross-country skiing and tobogganing

In addition to Alpine skiing, the region offers winter walking, snowshoeing and cross-country skiing. Ramsau am Dachstein is particularly well known for its extensive network of cross-country trails.

The toboggan run on Hochwurzen is one of the most popular alternatives to a ski day. Sturdy footwear, warm clothing and gloves are essential, and helmets are recommended for children.

The availability and preparation of winter routes depend on snow and weather conditions. Always consult the latest local information.

Mountain huts, gastronomy and après-ski

The four mountains include dozens of huts and restaurants. Menus feature Austrian and Styrian specialities such as Kaiserschmarrn, schnitzel, dumplings, Käsenockerl and regional meat and cheese products.

After skiing, après-ski begins near several valley stations and in Rohrmoos. The centre of Schladming also offers restaurants, cafés and bars for visitors who prefer a quieter evening.

The SKiSET shops in Schladming

Near Planai, you can hire your equipment from Sport Tritscher III Planai (Olympic). The shop is located on Coburgstraße, close to the pistes and the main gondola.

Sport Tritscher IV beim Golden Jet is located at Planai West and provides direct access to the lifts towards Planai and Hochwurzen.

In Rohrmoos, visitors can use Sport Tritscher II Rohrmoos. The shop is situated at Rohrmoosstraße 134, close to the Hochwurzen pistes.

The shops provide skis, snowboards, boots, helmets and junior equipment for different ability levels. Their workshops offer servicing, waxing, repairs, edge sharpening and technical adjustments.

Why book online with SKiSET?

By booking online, you can select the required equipment category before departure. The chosen shop receives your information and can prepare the equipment, leaving only the final checks to complete when you arrive.

The team checks the fit of the boots and adjusts the bindings according to your height, weight, age and ability level. You can return to the shop for assistance or an adjustment if the equipment does not feel comfortable.

Other SKiSET destinations nearby

Directly above Schladming lies Rohrmoos, with access to Hochwurzen and the connected 4-Mountain Ski Area.

Ramsau am Dachstein lies on the opposite side of the valley and is particularly known for cross-country skiing, winter walking and family-friendly terrain. It is not connected to Schladming by pistes.

Conclusion

Schladming combines a lively historic town with four fully connected ski mountains. Beginners and families benefit from learning zones and funslopes, while experienced skiers can explore long red pistes, racing slopes and sporting terrain.

Reserve your ski hire in Schladming online with SKiSET, choose the Sport Tritscher shop best suited to your accommodation and prepare for a varied winter holiday in Styria.