Schladming is a small historic town located at the heart of the 4-Berge Skischaukel in the beautiful Dachstein Mountain region of the southern Austrian province of Styria

Set over 4 mountains, Schladming is one of Austria’s most well known resorts in eastern Austria which has attracted skiers of all abilities for many years. All 4 of Schladming’s skiareas are an intermediate’s paradise with red runs to challenge both early and adventurous intermediates. Basically the skiing is similar throughout the resort: fairly long, fairly steep gladed and immaculately groomed runs. Despite unremarkable heights the majority of Schladming’s slopes face north and keep their snow well ensuring conditions throughout the season remain good.

The heart of 4-Berge Skischaukel

Schladming’s four linked mountains are each served by a gondola from their respective villages. The main starting point is Planai gondola nearest to town. The town’s two home mountains, Planai (1,894) and Hochwurzen (1,850 meters), are sandwiched between Reiteralm (1,960 meters) and Hauser Kaibling (2,015 meters), with well over 120 km of slopes creating one of the most extensive inter-linked skiarea in Austria. The distance from Hauser Kaibling to Reiteralm is, as the crow flies, comparable to that of Val Thorens to Courchevel.

Schladming

With a high proportion of runs rated red, Schladming is ideally suited to intermediates. Some might consider the runs a bit monotonous though. Nearly all the skiing in Schladming on both the Planai and Hochwurzen mountains is tree-lined, helping visibility stay good, plus there’s some good opportunities, in the right conditions, to find a bit of powder to play in. Don’t expect too many off-piste opportunities, there are hardly any. In general, more adventurous individuals should aim for the red runs at the top of the Hauser Kaibling and Planai sectors. More gentle cruising slopes can be found over on Hochwurzen and Reiteralm, however getting over to Reiteralm can take some time and access to it involves coming back down to valley level and using the link at Pichl. There’s stuff to keep the more advanced skier interested too – particularly popular is the challenging downhill used annually for the men’s World Cup night slalom. For experts there are not a lot of genuine black runs elsewhere in the 4-Berge Skischaukel arena, however a couple of difficult runs can be found at the top of Hauser Kaibling and Reiteralm.

Both of Schladming’s home mountains offer some of the longest uninterrupted runs in Europe, like the 4.6-kilometer FIS run or the endless 7.7-kilometer Hochwurzen valley run that will have even the most fit skiers looking for one of the many slope-side restaurants for a quick break. But in spite of these challenges, most of the skiing here is an early intermediates’ playground – an attractive prospect for most skiers, except perhaps for beginner, for whom the layout is a little awkward and the the beginner slopes difficult to get to. The nursery slopes are situated at Hochwurzen on the western end of the village at Rohrmoos. Those who have just started to progress from the nursery slopes should stay on the blue runs close to Schladming

Schladming hosted the World Ski Championships in 2013 and seriously invested heavily in modern ski lifts. This investment has been well worth it – queues are kept short and speedy lifts give you more time for the downhills.

Hochwurzen

The resort is well serviced by about 50 huts all in the alpine tradition of a warm cosy refuge, to savour a hot chocolate, goulash soup, Tiroler Grostl or any of the other many Austrian dishes. Prices are still reasonable. Schladming has apres ski to suit all tastes, it can get pretty lively. Starting early, there are many ski lodges to entertain you on the slopes. At the Planai there is the Almrausch which has a variety of events throughout the season, there is also the Schafalm and Hohenhaus Tenne there. On top of the Hochwurzen there is the Hochwurzenalm and at the middle station there is the Seiterhütte. Other lodges to try are the Tauernalm and the Schladmingerhütte.

Ski Amade

The 4-Berge Skischaukel is part of the massive Ski Amade region with 760km of piste and 270 lifts, all covered by one lift pass, the largest ski area in Austria, which should be enough to keep even the keenest skier occupied! It is quite possible for experienced skiers to visit a different resort every day, all on the same lift pass.

Getting there

Schladming is only 90 kilometers away from Salzburg, and is easily reached by train or bus.

With a transfer time of one hour it is viable choice for people travelling via Salzburg airport. Several low-cost airlines service Salzburg Airport. Dutch airline Transavia provides frequent flights to Salzburg from Amsterdam and Rotterdam. AirBerlin operates from Berlin. EasyJet is based on London Gatwick. Ryanair is based on London Stansted, Several Scandinavian airlines (SAS, Norwegian) are tied with Salzburg. Siberian airlines is operating from Moscow.

An inexpensive transfer from Salzburg Airport to the Schladming-Dachstein region is available

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Schlick 2000 is the ski arena of Fulpmes, nestled in the stunningly beautiful Stubai Valley. Of all the skiresorts in Tyrol this is probably not the most obvious destination for wintersporter enthousiasts. Why that is? I have absolutely no idea!

Residents of nearby Innsbruck -just 20 minutes away- probably do not regret that Fulpmes has not yet been discovered by mass-tourism. Schlick 2000 provides them with a quiet getaway in their own backyard. Although Innsbruck has several attractive ski opportunities itself, Schlick 2000 – in contrast – offers wide tree-lined slopes in a dramatic setting combined with world-class hospitality and charm.

Schlick 2000 Fulpmes

Challenging in it’s own right

The slopes of Schlick 2000 are varied and suit nearly every skill-level, Schlick 2000 might not be your first choice if you are an upper-intermediate or advanced skier. Largely due to the fact that it has only one black slope and the skiarea is relatively small. But please reconsider, as there are many challenging powder runs and some tough back-country off-piste slopes. And there is usually more than enough powder as this part of the Stubaital has an excellent track-record in snowdepth. Moreover, as opposed to popular skiresorts like for example Ischgl and Sankt Anton the powder runs in Schlick 2000 are nearly your own domain.

Take into account the varied array of reds and blues, a lovely free-ride park, a speed-strecke, and more important the interchange and arrangement of the slopes and I am pretty sure the qualification ‘challenging’ is an understatement.

>Challeging free nature skiing

The compact ski area features more than 25km of well groomed runs which are just perfect for beginners, intermediates and those looking for scenic slopes. Most of the slopes are wide, forgiving and practically all cut down through forest and provide many stunning views. An ideal playground for cruising and relaxing.

The modern Kreuzjochbahn, just outside the village center, brings you straight to the incredibly scenic Kreuzjoch (2136m). A bit further up the mountain, at the Sennjoch (2240m), a wide selection of challenging red slopes is presented which all converge into a huge Autobahn to the Froneben middle station. The long wide slope is tempting for speeding, but you will probably slow down to enjoy the wonderful rugged backdrop dominated by the Marchreisen Spitze (2620m). The Kalkkögel limestone formations are known as the Dolomites of North Tyrol. The sheltered location of the Schlicker Alm ski area and the tree-lined runs lower down guarantee calm weather conditions, and excellent visibility even on days with bad weather.

Most family friendly ski area of the Alps

The compact, and comprehensible lay-out of the Schlick 2000 skiarea makes Fulpmes an excellent destination for families, especially if you have young children.

This skiresort made the extra mile to satisfy every parent and leaves nothing to be desired for. It offers all-day childcare facilities at Ronny’s Kinderland near the Froneben middle-station. It has an excellent children’s learning area and snowpark, complete with magic carpet and carousel ski lifts. Full day or half day bookings are available, with the option of spending half a day off the snow in the non-ski kindergarten if desired. The Kindergarten Fulpmes takes children aged for three to six. There is also a toddler facility run by well-trained staff.

Ronnys Kinderland

Special deals including free kindergarten may be available if parents are booked in ski school, and children up to the age of 10 get FREE access to the facilities of Schlick 2000 (or those of the Stubaital) when one of the parents buys a liftpass. How about that!

Furthermore, Fulpmes has excellent local ski schools, lessons start on the easy runs of the Froneben before moving on to the Schlicker Alm.

Opposite Fulpmes there are two more -small- family ski areas: Elfer (Neustift) and Serles (Mieders). Further down the valley there is the famous Stubaier Glacier with it’s own Kindergarten at the Gamsgarten station.

In 2012 the ADAC Skiguide awarded the Stubai Valley the title of “most family friendly ski area in the Alps” for the third time.

Relaxation in a quiet environment

Schlick 2000 has a remarkable number of authentic and cosy alpine huts and restuarants where you can relax. All of them offer a spectacular view on both the Stubai and Inn Valley, as well as the impressive Kalkkögel mountains.

Parents who like to watch their children make their first ‘steps’ in this wonderful sport can do this from the sundeck of bergrestaurant Bruggeralm just above the Kinderland. This is also one of the best Apres-ski bars.

Panorama restaurant Kreuzjoch

There are several apres-ski venues both in the Schlick 2000 area and in Fulpmes. Apres-ski starts a bit early compared to other skiresorts. If you are used to a more lively atmosphere, there are additional possibilities in nearby Neustift. For upscale nightlife Innsbruck is just a stone’s throw away.

Fulpmes is a small and traditional village, it offers several cosy restaurants where you will enjoy excellent Tyrolean dishes. Furtermore, folklore evenings, dance clubs and bars contribute to the other entertainment opportunities.

In Fulpmes you will have a lovely time no matter how long your stay; coming for a ski weekend, a snowboard break or a full ski holiday. Fulpmes is a true insider’s tip for winter sports enthusiasts and tourists who adore beautiful views and a quiet environment.

The peaceful atmosphere in the charming village will embrace you and provide you a total relaxation.

Safe choice

Fulpmes is perfect for beginners and families with young children, romantic wintersport enthousiast, and those who want to relax and unwind in a picturesque environment. It’s sheltered location guarantees in general excellent snow and makes it a safe choice from mid-November to April. The largest skiable of Austria glacier is around the corner. Fulpmes is just 20 minutes South of Innsbruck.

Getting there

The Subai Valley is accessible by the Brennerautobahn from Innsbruck.

Several low-cost airlines operate to Innsbruck. Dutch airline Transavia provides frequent flights to Innsbruck from Amsterdam, Rotterdam, Eindhoven and Groningen. AirBerlin operates from Berlin. EasyJet is based on London Gatwick.

Innsbruck’s Hauptbahnhof is a major hub for international trains. From the train station you can hop on the Stubaitalbahn to Fulpmes.

Link suggestions

For more information on Fulpmes and Schlick2000 please visit the official websites of Schlick 2000 and Stubai Valley.

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