Winter away from the pistes

Snowshoeing and Winter Hiking

Some 300 kilometers of well-maintained winter hiking paths and snowshoe trails winding through snowy forests or around frozen lakes reveal a very special side of this region. Especially scenic: the winter hike along the shoreline of the Steirischer Bodensee and through magical Talbach Gorge just outside Schladming. The Stoderzinken near Gröbming is ideal for snowshoeing and affords stunning views out across the Ennstal Valley and the surrounding mountains. True winter stillness awaits hikers on the Planneralm, where the trail leads past snow-blanketed mountain pines up to the remote Jochspitze. The Winter Hiking Ticket is highly recommended – providing affordable life rides to seven ski mountains in the region. Ramsau am Dachstein and Schladming are both certified Austrian Hiking Villages.

Ski Touring

Ski tourers and freeriders have over 40 different routes of all difficulty levels in the Schladming-Dachstein region to choose from – from beginner-friendly tours to serious challenges for experienced mountaineers. In addition to the ski touring areas in the Schladminger Tauern range, Sölktäler Nature Park is also well known for its diverse routes. The Planneralm and Riesneralm in Grimming-Donnersbachtal likewise offer a wide range of ski touring and freeride options. Uphill tracks exclusively for ski tourers are provided right next to the pistes on the Planai, Hochwurzen, and Galsterberg. The Riesneralm also offers weekly ski touring evenings when tourers have the pistes all to themselves. And a truly extraordinary experience – possible from February onward – is a traverse of the Dachstein Glacier, a UNESCO World Heritage site.

Ice Skating

The Schladming-Dachstein region boasts five different ice skating rinks. In Schladming, a 200-meter-long rink with an additional loop offers plenty of space to glide across the ice in long, smooth, elegant strides. Ice skating is also possible in Haus im Ennstal, Öblarn, and Mitterberg-Sankt Martin. One particular highlight is the Putterersee near Aigen im Ennstal, which, when frozen over in winter, becomes the largest natural ice-skating surface in the Styrian region. 

Horse-Drawn Sleigh Rides

In Ramsau am Dachstein alone – “the most horse-friendly community in Austria” – 25 providers offer sleigh rides that show off the region from some of its most beautiful perspectives. Snuggly wrapped up in a warm blanket, passengers can lean back in the sleigh, relax, and take in the winter scenery as the majestic mountain panorama glides quietly by like something out of a fairytale – with the coachman sharing a good yarn or two along the way.

Fatbiking

Even in winter, fans of biking don’t have to forego their favorite sport during their stay in Schladming-Dachstein. Fatbikes, with their wide balloon-like tires, make it possible. They trundle over the ground smoothly and are easy to keep control of, even on deep snow. Those wanting to give fatbiking a try will find plenty of routes in this Styrian vacation region – from ultra-laid-back tours on e-fatbikes to downhill trails with nonstop outdoor action. 

Ski Yoga

Skiing and yoga are a perfect match – especially in a glorious snow-covered landscape such as this. After a few hours of intensive physical activity out on the slopes, yoga provides the ideal opportunity to slow down and become more consciously aware of your natural surroundings. Yoga strengthens muscles and improves coordination, helps prevent injury, and promotes an overall sense of well-being during your ski holiday.

Sledding

Together with skiing, tobogganing is one of the region’s most popular winter activities. Numerous runs invite visitors to embark on high-spirited sledding adventures – both during the daytime and even in the evening. Tobogganing after dark is an extraordinary highlight – especially on the Hochwurzen, where a seven-kilometer run ranks among the longest in all of the Alps.