SKI AUSTRIA - Schladming

The Resort

Home to one of the most difficult downhill events in the World Cup calendar, yet there is more to Schladming than this hair-raising run. A charming medieval walled town with a traffic free centre Schladming offers the perfect respite from a hectic days skiing on the extensive 160km of prepared piste. All abilities are catered for, and with some of the most modern snowmaking and piste preparation mechanisation in Austria, combined with the snow sure Dachstein glacier, good skiing conditions are guaranteed whenever you come to ski. Schladming/Sportwelt Amade and Bad Gastein are all on one ski pass at no extra cost.

The Skiing

An intermediates paradise, why else would the lift pass be called the Ski Paradies. High mileage skiing is guaranteed on the wide variety of slopes and with the Dachstein glacier on the same ski pass skiing is guaranteed. The new connections between Hauser Kaibling, Planai - Hochwurzen and Reiteralm have created one of the best interlinked ski areas in Austria, the range and variety will keep all levels of skier in a rapturous state for the duration of their stay.Beginners will use the ample nursery areas on the lower slopes on each of the mountains to build confidence before progressing further a field to explore the full area on a wide range of interconnecting blue and red runs. Early intermediates will find the blue runs at Rohrmoos and on Reiteralm particularly pleasing. More progressive skiers will also find that the Rieteralm and Hauser Kaibling offer a number of challenging red and black runs. For the more adventurous the World Cup downhill on the Plania mountain is not to be missed, the exhilarating steep final straight is a never to be forgotten experience.

Accommodation

A well-run clean and basic pension offering simple accommodation and a great doorstep skiing location. The Gasthof Wiesenheim enjoys a commanding location overlooking Schladming and just 50m from the nearest uplift from where you can join the main Schladming ski areas. Snow conditions and ski ability permitting you can ski back to the Gasthof from the Hochwurzen. With the lively "Rohrmoser Erlebniswelt" entertainment complex on your doorstep keeping the pupils entertained in the evening will not be a problem. Other apres ski possibilities include tobogganing, bowling, swimming, ice skating, sleigh rides and karaoke in the popular "Hangl Bar". A packed breakfast is included in this package.Centrally located in the area of Rohrmoos on a sunny plateau overlooking Schladming and 50 metres from the nearest lift, connecting to either Planai or Hochwurzen ski areas.

Bedrooms: 2 x 2 beds sh/wc; 2 x 3 beds sh/wc; 2 x 4 sh/wc; 2 x 6 beds sh/wc; 4 x 4 beds standard; 1 x 3 beds standard (sharing 2 showers and 2 toilets). Groups retains full use of all room on day of departure.

Features: 2 dining/recreation rooms. Television and video, pizzeria, ski storage. Groups to bring their own towels. The "Rohrmoser Erlenbiswelt" is opposite the Weisenheim and houses a bowling alley, pub, cafe and restaurant.

Apres Ski

Schladming has a unique atmosphere in alpine terms as the walled town has a life outside the ski season. The traffic free centre, fine architectural features and friendly inhabitants give the town a lively, charming atmosphere all year round. A wide range of shops, bars cafes and discos can be found throughout the valley, and value for money is surprisingly good in alpine terms. The usual apres ski activities of swimming, skating, bowling and curling can be found, but the highlight of the week is surely the thrilling 7km floodlit toboggan run at Rohrmoss.