Sports · Hiking · Nature
Planai – Spring Skiing & the Start of Spring in the Mountains
Half day to full day · easy · from 1 person, also great for families and groups · from 18,5 €600 m
Schladming's home mountain has two faces in spring — and both are well worth it. Until mid-April you carve down the legendary World Championship slopes of the Planai in glorious sunshine: grippy corn snow in the morning, sun terrace at midday, and views stretching all the way to the Dachstein. From mid-May the summer season begins, and the cable car whisks you in just a few minutes from the valley station in the heart of Schladming up to 1,830 metres — to the year's first mountain hikes and panoramic trails. At the top, a magnificent view over the Ennstal valley awaits, while everything down below is already turning green. Whether on skis or in hiking boots: spring in the mountains on the Planai is an experience you shouldn't miss.
What to expect
The Planai is Schladming’s home mountain and venue of the legendary Nightrace World Cup. Spring skiing until 12 April 2026 lets you enjoy the World Championship downhill on firn snow and in the sun — more relaxed than in midwinter with quieter slopes on weekdays. From 14 May 2026 the 10-seater gondola starts summer operation and takes you up to 1,830 m. At the top you’ll find panoramic trails, the first hikes of the season, the free Hopsiland kids area and wide views over the Enns valley to the Dachstein massif.
Prices & operating times
Summer 2026: The Planai cable car runs 14–17 May (Thu–Sun) and from 20 May to 20 September daily 9:00–17:00, then in autumn operation until 1 November. Return trip to the summit costs €32 for adults and €17 for children; to the mid-station €18.50/€10.50 (as of July 2026). The 2025/26 winter season ran until 12 April; day tickets use dynamic pricing and start at about €64.50 (shoulder season; counter price €81.50) — book early online to pay less. Find all current rates at planai.at.
- Ski operation until 12 April 2026 (spring skiing)
- Summer cable car operation from 14 May 2026
- World Championship downhill run and panoramic trails at the summit
- Valley station right in the centre of Schladming
Tip: Between mid-April and mid-May the cable car is closed for maintenance – check the operating times on planai.at before your trip. For spring skiing, an early start pays off: by midday the corn snow turns soft.
Getting there: Planai valley station (Coburgstraße), approx. 10 minutes' walk from the centre of Schladming.
Price: Summer gondola return ticket €32 adults / €17 children; to the mid-station €18.50 / €10.50. Winter day ticket from about €64.50 (shoulder season, online early-bird), counter price €81.50; dynamic pricing—book early online to save. As of July 2026
Last updated: July 31, 2026
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route.
600 mas the crow flies from winter.gartenTour on bergfex ↗Google Maps ↗
frequently asked questions.
How much does the gondola ride up the Planai cost?
A return trip to the summit costs €32 for adults and €17 for children, or €18.50 and €10.50 to the middle station (as of July 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, one trip per day is included.
Until when can you ski on the Planai in spring?
The 2025/26 winter season ran until 12 April 2026. Spring skiing on corn snow in the sunshine is typically possible until around mid-April.
When does the Planai cable car run in summer?
Summer operation 2026 started on 14 May (initially Thu–Sun); from 20 May to 20 September the cable car runs daily from 9 am to 5 pm. Between mid-April and mid-May the cable car is closed for maintenance.
Is the Planai suitable for children?
Yes, very much so. At the top you'll find Hopsiland, a free adventure and play area at 1,830 metres with pushchair-friendly paths — ideal for families.
Are dogs allowed in the gondola?
Yes, dogs are welcome on board. A dog ticket costs €8 for a return trip, and muzzles are compulsory in the gondola (as of July 2026).
Do I need to reserve tickets in advance?
No reservation is needed. You can get tickets at the valley station or online in the Ski amadé shop — for the winter ski pass, booking online early saves you money thanks to dynamic pricing.
