Schladming Spectacular rocky peaks over four separate
mountains provide the setting for the large but gentle wooded
ski area, boasting 170kms of runs at Schladming / Dachstein. The
resort, located in Styria, is an hour from Salzburg and situated
in the heart of the enormous Dachstein region, the farthest east
of Austrias main ski resorts. The Dachstein Tauern region
consists of seven fine ski villages, of which Schladming is well
known for its annual World Cup night race in January.
Stone buildings and a medieval town gate set the tone at Schladming, which sits at 749m above sea level and dates back to 1322. An old town as well as a ski resort, Schladming features a pedestrian area of wooden chalets with painted shutters, exclusive boutiques, cosy little cafés, restaurants and hotels in the main street of the resort’s compact centre. Beginners should look to Rohrmoos, which provides the best ski options, although beginner runs can be found in all sections of this area – considered an intermediate skiers’ paradise. The Dachstein region offers 170kms of prepared slopes in various areas, with a longest run of 7.7kms and good off-piste possibilities. Around 97,100 skiers per hour are transported by 84 lifts, consisting of seven gondolas, 23 chairlifts, and 54 T-bars. There are a total of 3,500 beds (25,000 beds in the region) at Schladming, in accommodation ranging from pensions and apartments, to hotels and guesthouses and two- to four-star hotels. There are also great après-ski and nightlife options, including bars, discos and folklore evenings; while daytime away from the slopes can be spent checking out the several shopping malls, sports shops, grocery stores and gift shops. Some of the most interesting cross-country skiing in Austria can be found on the long plateau which accommodates the nearby Ramsau. The Enns River Valley and the entire Tauern region mountain range can be viewed from the top of the Ramsau cable car. Perhaps the most picturesque of the main villages in the region is Haus im Ennstal, which is a short drive along the valley from Schladming. It anchors the Hauser Kaibling ski area and remains a traditional village. The resort has a long ski season from November to April, with January and March/April offering special bargain rates. From June to November, the Dachstein Glacier also offers the chance to ski during summer. The most convenient and the quickest way to get to the resort is to fly to Salzburg and transfer to the main train station by shuttle, before boarding a train to Schladming (1 hour, 30 minutes). Schladming is a pleasant place in the
evening, especially since the large main
square was pedestrianised making it
possible to completely relax as you
stroll around shops and cafés in the
early evening. One of the best of these
is the Niederl in the middle of the
square, which serves mouth-watering
cakes. The Siglu, Beisl and Hanglbar are
often busy and are among several which
stay open late. Maria's Mexican tends to
attract younger skiers and 'boarders but
there are several sophisticated quiet
places such as Beisl. The two
discothèques are generally lively,
especially the Sonderbar.
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FacilitiesSchladming offers visitors a mixed package of leisure facilities when not skiing or 'boarding . A new swimming complex opened for the millennium. The facility includes a slide fountain and wave machine as well as an all year round heated outdoor pool. The impressive indoor sports centre at the Sport Royer hotel includes a large pool, bowling alley, table tennis, indoor tennis, squash, shooting range, sauna, solarium, massage and a beauty parlour. There's also a fitness center. On the snow the 8km (five mile) toboggan run down from the top of the Hochwurzen gondola is wonderful fun and is open in the evenings for night toboganning and night skiing, snow shoeing rather more exhausting. Sleigh rides are probably the most leisurely, invariably combined with a restaurant visit. Cleared winter walking trails are marked for 30km/19 miles and there's also a parascending school. Day trip excursions to Salzburg are popular. | |||
