City-Mountain vibes, wide slopes & plenty of family time on Planai
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Planai is very much the heart of Schladming. Anyone who skis here quickly understands why this mountain plays such a special role for families. Everything is close by, well organised and surprisingly versatile. Planai works just as well with young children as it does with older kids and teenagers.
Four mountains, endless possibilities
What many people don’t realise: from Planai, you can ski directly onto three additional mountains. The Four-Mountain Ski Link connects Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling and Reiteralm. Lifts and slopes make it easy to move from one mountain to the next – and Planai is the perfect starting point for exploring it all.
From the town straight onto the slopes
Planai’s gondola station starts right in the centre of Schladming. Put on your ski boots, take a few steps, and you’re on your way – no car needed. By the way, with around 6,500 residents, Schladming is officially classified as a town and is beautifully set between the Dachstein, the Schladming Tauern and the Grimming.
Room to ski – without the stress
Up on the mountain, wide and immaculately groomed slopes await – a real advantage for families. There’s plenty of space, great visibility and relaxed runs for all skill levels. Children can ski at their own pace, parents can keep an eye on everything, and no one ever feels rushed.
Planai highlights for kids
For younger skiers, Hopsiland is a real highlight. Playful elements, child-friendly runs and a relaxed atmosphere make skiing genuinely fun here. By the way, Hopsiland isn’t just worth a visit in winter – in summer it also turns into a lovely family hiking trail with marble runs and more, perfect for kindergarten and primary school children.
Older kids and teenagers will sooner or later be drawn to the Superpark Planai. Over the past few years, it has developed into a true freestyle playground. Accessible via the Märchenwiese chairlift, it offers different lines and features for a range of skill levels.
Even if jumps and kickers aren’t your thing, it’s well worth stopping to watch. The freestylers, with their jumps and backflips, never fail to impress – and watching is just as much part of the experience as skiing here.
The music slope – a truly special experience
One of Planai’s most unique features is the Music Slope. Considered a world first, it’s located on slope number one near the mountain station. Over a distance of more than 650 metres, skiers are accompanied by changing musical soundscapes as they make their way down the piste.
Thanks to modern sound technology, this creates a completely new skiing sensation. At the so-called Wurlitzer Station, skiers can even choose their favourite track from a library of more than 10,000 songs. Wide slopes and music turn this run into an experience children are happy to ski again and again.
Where to stop for a bite on Planai
At some point, it’s time for a break. On Planai, many families end up at the almost legendary Onkel Willi’s Hütte. The hut is known for good food, a large sun terrace and a relaxed, welcoming atmosphere.
Tip: Early-bird bonus when booking online! The Schladming-Dachstein ski area is part of Ski amadé. Booking your tickets online in advance can save you a noticeable amount. Especially practical for families: for weekend trips, a multi-day ski pass is often well worth it.
