Schladming, Austria

Essential Advice for the Perfect Trip

Schladming is a fine medieval town with an industrial and cultural life of its own rather than a village that has expanded into a ski resort. It has two beautiful Romanesque and Gothic churches and a magnificent 18th-century town square. In earlier times the whole town was enclosed by heavily buttressed walls. But, apart from one gateway, these were removed during bitter social unrest in 1525, which culminated in a peasants’ revolt.

The town makes a charming base from which to explore not just the slightly banal skiing immediately around the town, but also other areas such as Flachau/Wagrain and the Gasteinertal. All are included in the regional lift pass and are situated just a short drive away.

Be warned: this is a resort much loved by the Austrians, and the slopes can be very crowded during the national school holidays in February. For a bit of peace and quiet (as well as lower prices), try staying in one of the surrounding villages of Haus, Pichl, Rohrmoos, or Ramsau.

One of Schladming’s claims to fame is the mountain eating. The area has good choice of friendly little huts – over 40 of them – scattered across the mountainside.

We Love	We Hate
The impressive intermediate ski area. The choice of delightful mountain huts at lunchtime. The good facilities for families. The nearby Dachstein Glacier. The accessibility: there’s a railway station in the resort – and Salzburg airport is just 60 minutes’ drive.	The peak-season crowds. The fact that this is a large, busy town.

1. 

   
   Guide to the Mountain
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   Where to Stay
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   Where to Eat
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   Where to Learn
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   Where to Party