Schladming, the westernmost town in Styria, is the centre of the Dachstein-Tauern region which is one of Austria's most beautiful mountain areas. Even though it is at a fairly low altitude, the snow is pretty reliable and the pistes are well looked after.

Schladming itself has 50km pistes, and the skiing is excellent for intermediates, if a bit 'samey'. Advanced skiers aren't quite as spoilt and beginners, while there is a top ski school, lose out because they have to buy the whole lift pass even if they are only using the nursery runs.

There are tree-line runs, while 45 minutes away are the Obertauern and Dachstein glaciers. Boarders should head for Schladming if they are still progressing, as it is one of the most boarder-friendly resorts in Europe (two parks, two half-pipes and a boardercross track).

Often referred to as one of the most beautiful ski-destinations in Austria, this small, compact town, measuring around 1¼ mls from E to W and with around 5,000 inhabitants! It has a long history, with first records dating back to 1322.

Schladming itself is more than just a ski resort. It is a lovely town in its own right, with a traffic-free centre. The main gondola goes from near the centre, while eateries are excellent both on and off the snow. The après-ski caters to all groups and is pretty lively. Non-skiers can also take advantage of the many facilities that the town can offer. The transfer time is another big plus, as Salzburg is only an hour away and there is a train link to the town.

Despite its prominence as a skiing centre, Schladming retains a strong flavour of its past with many historical monuments and buildings of interest, including some which are now hotels. The main shops, restaurants and bars are concentrated around Hauptplatz. Ski-schools and sports shops cluster around the Planai lift station to the E of the town.

Locality:

Schladming is located in central Austria, in the mountainous Dachstein-Tauern region. It is 59 mls SE of Salzburg and its airport, 200 mls SW of Vienna, 60 mls E of Zell am See. Schladming is nestled around a fork in the River Enns, at the foot of the Planai Mountain. It is one of several interlinked resorts strung along the Enns Valley and surrounded by the Dachstein-Tauern Mountains.

Ski Information:

Lowest lift: 745m (2444ft), Highest lift: 1900m (6233ft), Beginner: 30%, Intermediate: 60%, Expert: 10%, Total slope length: 170km, Longest slope: 7km, Number of lifts: 88, Slopes covered by snow cannons: 100%, Slope aspect: N, NW, Mountain restaurants: 47