The Schladming-Dachstein tourism region is kicking off the 2025/26 winter season with a bang and some big stars: Three new mountain lifts will provide even more comfort and quality this year, and the Backstreet Boys will make pop history at the ski opening in early December. In addition, there will be new culinary experiences in rustic mountain huts, special family offers, and plenty of activities – from downhill skiing to cross-country skiing.
When the lights go on at the Planai Stadium on December 5, 2025, Schladming-Dachstein will kick off the winter season with a real bang: The legendary Backstreet Boys will perform three consecutive shows from December 5 to 7, 2025, marking their only European appearance this season. They'll be bringing their new album "Millennium 2.0," celebrating the 25th anniversary of their mega-hit album. A perfect start to a winter full of highlights.
Even faster and more comfortable access to the slopes: Three new lifts for more comfort
Starting this winter season, three new, modern mountain lifts in the Schladming-Dachstein region offer even greater comfort. On the Planai, the new 8-seater chairlift "Mitterhausalm I" provides a comfortable connection to the ski area. This modern lift, equipped with heated seats and weather protection hoods, can transport up to 3,000 people per hour and reduces the travel time to approximately three minutes. At Hauser Kaibling, the new 10-person gondola lift "Senderbahn" replaces the previous 4-seater chairlift and reduces the connection to the Planai to under five minutes. Also new is the 8-seater gondola lift on the Fageralm in Forstau, which replaces two existing double chairlifts and elevates the popular family ski area to a new level of comfort. The Fageralm lift has 55 gondola cabins and transports up to 1,160 people per hour. Particularly noteworthy is the sustainable concept behind the project: The system was built using resource-efficient methods – many components were salvaged from the former Großarl cable car and professionally refurbished. Stations, gondolas, pylons, and roller assemblies were reused and supplemented with new key components such as the control system, motor, gearbox, and additional gondolas. This makes the Fageralm cable car a true showcase project in upcycling.
Family-friendly: Free skiing for children up to 6 years old
A strong signal to families: Starting this winter season, all children up to six years old (born in 2020 and later) ski for free – on all the mountains of the 4-mountain Schladming ski area (Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm) as well as on the smaller ski mountains Galsterberg, Fageralm and Rittisberg, including free rides on the Dachstein Glacier. This makes winter sports even more attractive for families – with over 160 kilometers of slopes, modern facilities and special children's areas.
Galsterberg and Rittisberg in Ramsau am Dachstein are also ideal ski mountains for the whole family. At Riesneralm in Donnersbachwald, young winter sports enthusiasts can expect a particularly spacious children's area this winter – the children's ski area has been significantly expanded and complemented by a new ski school center. Planneralm, the highest ski village in the region, focuses on unspoiled nature, excellent snow quality, and especially child-friendly lift facilities.
Cross-country skiing, culinary delights and experiences off the slopes
Away from the ski slopes, the region reveals its tranquil yet active side, offering numerous ways to explore the snow-covered landscape. Enjoy cross-country skiing on 220 kilometers of trails in the cross-country skiing paradise of Ramsau am Dachstein, 300 kilometers of winter and snowshoe hikes, horse-drawn sleigh rides, fat biking, tobogganing, or ski touring.
The Dachstein Run in Ramsau am Dachstein (January 9-11, 2026) will once again be all about cross-country skiing. This long-standing event is one of Austria's largest cross-country skiing events and attracts both professionals and amateur athletes every year. Participants can choose from various races ranging from 10 to 40 kilometers, as well as the popular fun run with culinary stations along the course, the Kids Race, and the new Business Run for teams.
And for those who prefer a more leisurely experience, 16 mountain huts offer winter cuisine called "Alpine Culinary Art by Richard Rauch"—creative dishes with a regional focus, developed in collaboration with the hut owners of the region. Further information is available at [website address]. www.schladming-dachstein.at.