Hiking · Nature · Action
Planai Panoramic Circular Trail – Schladming's Home Mountain in Autumn Colours
2–4 hours · easy · from 1 person, also suitable for large groups · from 0 €600 m
Schladming's home mountain is right on your doorstep: the Planai cable car sets off from the heart of town and glides up to over 1,800 metres in just a few minutes. At the top, the panoramic circular trail awaits — a leisurely high-altitude path with views of the Dachstein glacier and the Schladminger Tauern, easily manageable even without mountain experience. While the children romp around Hopsiland between water features and climbing stations, you can soak up the views over a coffee on the sun terrace. And if you fancy something faster, race back down to the valley by bike or mountain go-kart. In autumn, when the slopes glow in gold and red, the Planai is perhaps at its most beautiful.
Prices & operating times
Return ticket to the Planai summit is €32 for adults and €17 for children; single ride €24 / €13.50 (as of September 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Card (included from one night in a partner accommodation) one return trip per day is included. Planai main gondola hours summer 2026: May 14–17 (Thu–Sun) 9:00–17:00; May 20–September 20 daily 9:00–17:00; September 24–October 4 Thu–Sun 9:00–17:00; October 8–November 1 daily 9:00–17:00. See planai.at for live updates.
Insider tips
Use the late afternoon: the light is soft, cabins are less busy and the Dachstein glows beautifully. In autumn the slopes turn golden and red — do check the operating hours in advance as the gondola only runs Thu–Sun in late September. Dogs are allowed in the cabins (dog ticket €8 return, as of September 2026). For adrenaline fans: take the Mountain GoKart from the mid-station back to the valley.
- Cable car straight from the centre of Schladming
- Panoramic circular trail with Dachstein views
- Hopsiland — a play world for children on the mountain
- Bike park and mountain go-karts for adrenaline fans
Tip: Check the autumn operating times online in advance — and make the most of the late afternoon: that's when soft autumn light settles over the Ennstal valley and the gondolas are pleasantly quiet.
Getting there: Planai valley station in the centre of Schladming, approx. 10–15 minutes' walk from the hotel.
Price: Cable car return trip: adults €32, children €17 (as of July 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard, which you automatically receive from one overnight stay at a partner establishment, one return trip per day is free of charge.
Last updated: September 25, 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 Planai cable car cost in summer?
Return trip to the summit: Adults €32, Children €17 (as of September 2026). With the Schladming-Dachstein Card, which overnight guests at partner accommodations receive automatically, one return trip per day is free.
Are dogs allowed on the Planai?
Yes, dogs may ride the gondola. A dog ticket for a return trip costs €8 (as of September 2026). Leashes are mandatory on the mountain.
Do I need to reserve the cable car in advance?
No reservation needed. Buy tickets at the valley station or online at planai.at — with the Schladming-Dachstein Card you can head straight to the gondola.
When does the Planai gondola run in summer and autumn?
Summer 2026: May 14–17 (Thu–Sun) 9:00–17:00; May 20–September 20 daily 9:00–17:00; September 24–October 4 Thu–Sun 9:00–17:00; October 8–November 1 daily 9:00–17:00. In poor weather, check the webcams — the panoramic loop is all about clear views.
