Start of the 2026/27 Winter Season in Schladming-Dachstein
Winter is approaching—and with it, the first runs on the slopes and the first kilometers on the cross-country trails. In Schladming-Dachstein, the 2026/27 winter season kicks off as early as the beginning of November with cross-country skiing in Ramsau am Dachstein. Starting in late November, the ski resorts will gradually open, before the Ski Opening and evening skiing on the Hochwurzen provide further winter highlights in December.
Here you’ll find the most important dates for your winter kickoff in Schladming-Dachstein.
When will the ski resorts kick off the 2026–27 season?
Depending on snow conditions, the ski season begins as early as November on some mountains. At many ski resorts, the season kicks off in late November or early December:
- Hauser Kaibling: starting November 28, 2026
- Riesneralm: starting November 28, 2026
- Planai: as soon as snow conditions permit
- Reiteralm: as soon as snow conditions permit
- Hochwurzen: starting December 4, 2026
- Galsterberg: starting December 4, 2026
- Ramsau am Dachstein / Rittisberg Ski Region: starting December 4, 2026
- Planneralm: starting December 4, 2026
- Fageralm: starting December 18, 2026
The dates listed are subject to change depending on snow and weather conditions.
The tobogganing season also begins in December: In addition to the well-known natural toboggan run on the Hochwurzen, there are other tobogganing options in Schladming-Dachstein, such as on the Galsterberg, Rittisberg, at the Planneralm, on the Stoderzinken, and at the Mörsbachalm. When the individual toboggan runs open depends in part on snow and weather conditions.
Cross-country skiing season kicks off as early as November 6
Cross-country skiing enthusiasts can get an especially early start to the winter season: In Ramsau am Dachstein, the cross-country skiing season begins on November 6, 2026. To kick things off, a cross-country trail will be groomed in the stadium area. This early start is made possible, in part, by snow farming and artificial snowmaking.
Depending on snow and weather conditions, the cross-country skiing season on the Dachstein may even begin earlier. If conditions are right, skiers can cover their first kilometers on the trails in Ramsau even before the official start of the season.
As snow accumulation increases, the range of trails expands step by step. Under good conditions, the Ramsau high plateau will ultimately offer more than 100 kilometers of classic-style trails and over 70 kilometers of skating trails. In addition, there are other valley and high-altitude trails throughout the Schladming-Dachstein region.
Starting December 25
Night skiing on the Hochwurzen
Anyone who still hasn’t had enough of skiing even after sunset can head back to Hochwurzen starting on Christmas. Evening operations begin on December 25, 2026. The Hochwurzen summit lift will be open from 7:00 p.m. to 9:30 p.m., and the illuminated Run No. 33 will be open until 11:00 p.m. A separate evening ticket is required for night skiing.
Evening operations are scheduled for the 2026/27 winter season during the following periods:
- December 25, 2026, through January 9, 2027: Monday through Saturday
- January 12 through March 13, 2027: Tuesday through Saturday
- March 17–27, 2027: Wednesday through Saturday
The toboggan run on the Hochwurzen will also be illuminated on these evenings, provided snow conditions are good.
