Ski areas of Planai and Hochwurzen are considered the gateway to the "Schladming’s 4 Mountain Swing". This simply means that four mountains are connected and skiers and snowboarders can "swing" or go from one resort to the other under the same ski pass, opening up a range of 860 km of reachable skiable ski runs. The maximum altitude for Planai Hochwurzen is 1900 meters, with 27 ski runs careening for just under 50 km. The longest slope in the area is just short of 8 km, losing an ear-popping 1155 meters. The kilometer variation for the ski slopes are roughly 9 km for blues, 34 km for reds and 1,3 km for blacks. Cross-country skiers will have a hey-day in Planai Hochwurzen with the 60 km of classic country-routed paths. Some other highlights of skiing in Planai Hochwurzen are the 52 funiculars, floodlit paths for night skiing, a 7 km toboggan run, snapshot tracks and racecourse. Throughout the winter, there are all kinds of festivals that keep Planai Hochwurzen lively for those wishing to marry skiing and après skiing activities. The strongest man competition occurs in December, while ladies get a six-day ski pass from their respective hotels at the end of April to the beginning of May. Additionally, the summer brings other outdoor pursuits and cultural festivities. The vacation slate is never empty in Planai Hochwurzen.
Planai Hochwurzen Accommodation:
More than the size of a pocketbook will help determine where to stay in Planai Hochwurzen, as many are geared to sport, spa or relaxation. The hotels have marvelous doorstep skiing access, with places to eat and drink (and be merry, of course) not far off either. Other places, such as apartments, lodges, chalets and cottages are found close by as well. Prices tend to hover around the same price year round when all the festivities are taking place, though some nice deals can be found at the end of the ski season.
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