Backstreet Boys beim Ski Opening 2025 in Schladming
Schladming-Dachstein looks back on a historic concert weekend: three sold-out shows by the Backstreet Boys transformed the Planai Stadium into an international music arena from December 5 to 7. A total of 50,000 visitors from 61 countries came to the region over the three days – clear proof of the extraordinary appeal of the ski opening.
Great atmosphere & fans from all over the world
It was clear from the very first evening that this concert series would set new standards. The Backstreet Boys performed their greatest hits and were in high spirits. They became more accessible with each passing day and played all of their fans' favorite songs. From “I Want It That Way” to “Everybody,” the stadium became a giant choir, carried by tens of thousands of fans from all over the world. The guests came from a total of 61 countries, 81% were female, and the average age was 37.1.
Added value & boost for the start of the season
With 250 accredited media representatives from Austria and abroad, the Ski Opening once again achieved an extraordinary media impact. Since the two concerts by Robbie Williams (2023) and the Grand Festival with Bryan Adams, Sting, and Simply Red (2024), the Schladming-Dachstein region has positioned itself as a top region for major events. According to United Synergies, the advertising value was already well over €3 million in 2023 – this year, that mark was clearly surpassed by the three days of international coverage.
Added value & boost for the start of the season
With 250 accredited media representatives from Austria and abroad, the Ski Opening once again achieved an extraordinary media impact. Since the two concerts by Robbie Williams (2023) and the Grand Festival with Bryan Adams, Sting, and Simply Red (2024), the Schladming-Dachstein region has positioned itself as a top region for major events. According to United Synergies, the advertising value was already well over €3 million in 2023 – this year, that mark was clearly surpassed by the three days of international coverage.
Celebrity lineup
The Backstreet Boys also caused a stir at the ski opening. Stars such as Oliver Pocher, Nino Ochsenknecht, Paul Pizzera, Melissa Naschenweng, and Chris Steger gathered at the Planai Stadium. On Friday, DJ Ötzi delighted cheering fans with a surprise appearance! Prominent politicians were also among the guests, including State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner, Governor Mario Kunasek, and Governor Caroline Edtstadler. The (winter) sports scene was also well represented: Thomas Muster, Nicole Trimmel, Michaela Dorfmeister, Andreas Goldberger, Reinfried Herbst, Thomas Morgenstern, and ÖSV President Roswitha Stadlober were guests at the ski opening.
Celebrity lineup
The Backstreet Boys also caused a stir at the ski opening. Stars such as Oliver Pocher, Nino Ochsenknecht, Paul Pizzera, Melissa Naschenweng, and Chris Steger gathered at the Planai Stadium. On Friday, DJ Ötzi delighted cheering fans with a surprise appearance! Prominent politicians were also among the guests, including State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner, Governor Mario Kunasek, and Governor Caroline Edtstadler. The (winter) sports scene was also well represented: Thomas Muster, Nicole Trimmel, Michaela Dorfmeister, Andreas Goldberger, Reinfried Herbst, Thomas Morgenstern, and ÖSV President Roswitha Stadlober were guests at the ski opening.
Heading into summer with momentum
It's only the beginning of the winter season, but organizer Klaus Leutgeb is already kicking off the next series of events with the Schladming-Dachstein region and the 4-mountain ski area Schladming (Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, and Reiteralm). Tickets go are sale for the Schladming-Dachstein Summer Opening with Scooter (June 3), Sarah Connor (June 4), Roland Kaiser (June 5), Rainhard Fendrich (June 6), and Plácido Domingo (June 7).
