Planai Schladming Ski Resort

Host of the FIS Ski World Cup on January 28 + 29 (Men's Slalom and Giant Slalom). 

The Planai  ski area is located in the heart of Styria – a place that is now known to winter sports fans worldwide since the Ski World Cup swept through in 2013. Wide groomers, highly efficient snowmaking systems and the state-of-the-art valley station Planet Planai have been a real hit with scores of skiers since.

The runs on Planai, which belongs to the Schladming-Dachstein region, are part of the so-called “4-Berge-Skischaukel” alongside Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling and Reiteralm. 123 kilometres of runs and 45 modern lifts make the region a true paradise for Alpine sports fanatics. This unique combination is also included within Austria’s largest ski region: Ski amadé. Planai offers 50 kilometres of runs which are particularly popular with proficient skiers. 37 kilometres are designated red, offering plenty of challenging terrain for a great day on the mountain.

The Superpark Planai also perfectly caters for skiers who like to take it to the air. It has ideal features for both freestyle newcomers and dare-devil experts. While newbies can put their skills to the test on the Beginner Line, experts have the option to circumnavigate 17 kickers and a corner jump on the Medium and Pro Kicker lines. On Hochwurzen, freestyle skiers should check out the funslope with 18 different elements spread along a 500-metre course. 

There are also plenty of good options for food and drink on Planai mountain. A total of 27 mountain lodges are waiting to help hungry skiers and snowboarders refuel. It is particularly worth looking out for the “Genuss-Specht”. This seal stands for high quality and varied menus, and is an initiative set up by the operators of the various lodges in the ski area. The Schafalm is also memorable by virtue of its views over the neighbouring barn, and you can enjoy local specialities straight from the source. If you fancy trying typical Austria Kaiserschmarrn just as “Oma” makes it, the Schladminger Hütte directly next to the Planaibahn mountain lift is the place to go. Alternatively, Onkel Willy’s Hütte is a great place to catch some rays on sunny days and sample the local fare. In Hochwurzen, the Hochwurzenalm located directly next to the slopes is the first stop for people looking for good food in cosy surroundings. Next to the Gipfelbahn, the Tauernalm offers a unique atmosphere and is built entirely with local spruce.

If you have always wanted to try your hand as a pro skier, then don’t miss the legendary 4.6-kilometre world cup run from the peak down into the valley, including the famous Planai Zielhang section. There are numerous other attractions between the peak and valley, such as the “Echo Piste” – a 600-metre run in which you are accompanied through the snow by changing sounds. There are also separate sections where you can clock your speeds.

For anyone looking for a different challenge, there is plenty to discover away from the pistes on Planai and Hochwurzen. The 7-kilometre long sled run on Hochwurzen is notable as one of the longest sled runs in all of the Alps. From the 1860-metre mountain station you can cruise down into the valley, stopping for refreshments on the way. This eye-catching natural sled run is also illuminated at night. If you prefer to explore on foot, then you can take the Gipfelbahn up to Hochwurzen before walking through the winter wonderland on a well-maintained walking path back down to the base.

If you have any energy left after a day on the mountain, the legendary Hohenhaustenne, known as “Europe’s largest ski lodge” is pretty unforgettable. Here, up to 1,000 guests dance and party the night away every day over three floors. The "Ski-Lounge Finale" at the foot of the Base Station of Planai is a slightly more compact option, as is Almrausch high up at the mountain station of the 6-person lift.

If you visit the Schladming-Dachstein region, don’t leave before trying the delicious local cuisine. Specialities like Steirerkas, Nockerl or Bauernkrapfen are available at establishments like Johann or Tischlerei. Julius, meanwhile, combines Austria and Mediterranean cuisine with Italian gusto.

Travelling from the west from the Munich-Salzburg motorway, take the Tauernautobahn to the Ennstal intersection. From there, follow the B320 for approx. 25 kilometres to Schladming. From the East, take the Südautobahn and the Semmering to the St. Michael intersection. From there, follow the Pyhrnautobahn to Liezen and then the B road 320. As Schladming is well connected to public transport networks, it is also possible to travel to the ski area by train. The nearest airports are Salzburg (90 km), Linz and Graz (both approx. 184 km).