Summer Mountain Lifts in Schladming-Dachstein

In Summer, Hikers and Families Take Over the Ski Mountains
Once the snow has disappeared from the pistes, visitors are greeted by a lush, colorful alpine landscape in the Schladming-Dachstein region. With 1,000 kilometers of hiking paths, 1,000 kilometers of mountain biking trails, and 33 via ferratas, the natural beauty of Styria beckons. Additionally, 90 staffed mountain huts ensure that visitors are always refreshed and well-fed. Hikers can choose from trails of all difficulty levels, always set against a stunning backdrop: whether the limestone walls of the glaciated Dachstein, the countless peaks, or one of the many mountain lakes in the Schladming Tauern range. Ramsau am Dachstein and Schladming are both proud members of Austria’s “Wanderdörfer” (hiking villages) and have been awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality. Those who prefer hiking in a group can join a guided tour. Experienced guides lead the way on classic hikes, via ferratas, mine tours, or even llama trekking adventures. By the way, holders of the Schladming-Dachstein Sommercard can enjoy one free round-trip ride per day on any of the region’s seven cableways as just one of the many included benefits. The Sommercard also includes numerous other free or discounted vacation experiences.

Planai: Hopsiland – The Highest Playground in Styria
The Schladming Planai, with its state-of-the-art 10-person gondola, leaves no summer wishes unfulfilled – whether that be hiking, mountain biking, exploring Hopsiland with the kids, relaxing, or simply indulging in mouthwatering culinary delights. High up on the Planai is the home of the beloved mascot Hopsi: aptly known as Hopsiland. Right next to the mountain station of the Planai gondola, a 1.5 km, stroller-friendly trail loop begins and ends. The entire route is jam-packed with variety and excitement, featuring swings, slides, climbing elements, a three-section ball track, and its own “water world” with a pond and channels. In the middle of Hopsiland you will find the Bike Area, where kids can practice their first maneuvers on a mountain bike – with bike rentals available on-site. Particularly impressive is the eight-meters-tall play area known as the “North Pole,” where children can climb, slide, and play at an innovative ball track to their hearts’ content.

Hochwurzen: Bankerlweg and Mountain Go-Karts
In the summer, mountain go-karts replace the beloved toboggans of wintertime on the Hochwurzen. A roughly seven-kilometer course drops from the summit down to the valley station. Thanks to wide tires and disc brakes, a mountain go-kart ensures a safe yet absolutely thrilling ride along the gravel path. Families, in particular, love hiking along the Bankerlweg. This circular trail, with minimal elevation changes, is located near the summit and features 25 uniquely themed rest benches, each dedicated to a different topic.  

Hauser Kaibling: Wolli’s Kids Park Promises Exciting Adventures
This summer, visitors have the opportunity to reach the Hauser Kaibling aboard the new 8-seater Kaiblinggrat chairlift: the highest-capacity chairlift in Styria. Replacing the old 4-seater “Quattralpina” lift (installed back in 1992) just this past winter, it can transport up to 3,600 passengers per hour, carrying you in total comfort to the transmitter plateau at 1,870 meters above sea level in barely 4.5 minutes.

Hauser Kaibling: Themed Hiking Path, Water Zorbing, and Many “Sheepish” Experiences
The summer offerings on the Hauser Kaibling have been steadily expanded in recent years. This includes a themed hiking path which follows in the footsteps of the pioneers. Between the mountain stations, this trail tells the more than 100-year-old history of the Hauser Kaibling as a destination for skiing and hiking. Walk on water without getting wet? Well, now that’s possible thanks to water zorbing – in giant transparent plastic balls – as of this summer at the Kaiblingalm reservoir. Even more attractions await close to the mountain station of the 8-seater gondola: an e-trials park, a disc golf course, and a petting zoo with sheep, lambs, ponies, goats, rabbits, and miniature pigs. Meanwhile, next to the reservoir, there is a whole area dedicated to “sheepish” experiences, including a hoof path, a sheep climbing wall, and sheep jumping. An interactive children’s path leads from the mountain station to the Kaiblingalm, with lots of different puzzle stations and skills challenges in store for the youngsters.  

Reiteralm: A Vast Children’s Adventure World and Via Ferrata
During the summer months, the area around the mountain station of the Preunegg Jet is transformed into a massive world of adventures for kids, featuring exciting attractions like the Reiteralm XL Jump (the biggest bouncy cushion in the region), the stroller-friendly loop path “Windel-Wagerl-Weg,” a play gondola, a summer snowcat, a large playground, and the themed hiking trail for families known as “Silent Waters.” Austria’s biggest bike playground is also located in this same area. On the Reiteralm Junior Trails, the youngest mountain bikers can zoom down two trails of varying difficulty levels right next to the Reiteralm Hut. The classic hiking highlight on the Reiteralm is, of course, the walk out to Mirror Lake, upon the surface of which the Dachstein is reflected beautifully on windless days. Along this hiking trail, you will also find the entrance to the beginners’ via ferrata known as the “Goas Steigl.” It is an excellent complement to the variety-packed “Franzi” via ferrata and, since it is difficulty-rated A and B (and one section C), it is suitable for beginners as well as children.

Rittisberg: State-of-the-Art Gondola, New Fairytale Trail, and a Breadth of Exciting Activities
The Rittisberg in Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the most adventure-packed mountains in Styria. It is easily accessible via a combination of a 10-person gondola and a 6-seater chairlift, with a ride time of just three minutes. The wide range of summer highlights on the Rittisberg include the Flyline, a forest high ropes course, an archery range, laser biathlon, a swimming lake, a barefoot trail, and the all-weather Rittisberg Coaster (summer Alpine slide). Right next to the top station of the cableway, a scenic mountain playground promises fun and games for the whole family. The three-meters-high wooden letters spelling out “I LOVE RITTISBERG” are integrated with swings, climbing nets, and climbing frames. Next to the Rittisbergbahn, a new fairytale trail, featuring interactive and acoustic stations, has also been created.

Riesneralm: A World of Adventure from Valley to Summit
In summer, Riesneralm family ski mountain in Donnersbachwald turns into a magnificent place of adventure. Not far from the valley station of the Riesnerbahn, the E-Enduro Bikepark gives you an opportunity to ride over rough terrain using green energy. Near the mid-station, those who love playing games will really enjoy the new “KEGELståd’l,” a bowling alley that guarantees entertainment with a nostalgic flavor for young and old. Occasionally, the “KEGELståd’l” also transforms into a location for open-air events. Also at the mid-station you will find the “bergKINO” cinema, a wild-bee farm, and a herb trail. On the way to the summit, the “KRISPINI Children’s Treasure Hunt” poses several riddles. Around the mountain station, an adventurous day on the Riesneralm continues with such attractions as the “tierHOLZpark,” “Summit Barefoot Trail,” “JAGAsteig,” “Avalanche [GALLERY],” “HochSEEsitz” with a raft, “Fishing for Wooden Trout,” and “Kraxlfelsen.” The crowning finale might well be a refreshing dip in the “Summit Pool of Yesteryear.”

Planneralm: Pure Nature and an Archery Paradise
Unlike the aforementioned mountain attractions, the Planneralm doesn’t operate a cable car in the summer months. However, that’s far from being a drawback in Styria’s highest alpine village – quite to the contrary. Your journey there takes you via a 12-kilometer, toll-free mountain road. The Plannerkessel is the starting point for many rewarding hikes, with the ridge hike high above the Planneralm particularly spectacular. This is a tour for avid summiteers and nature lovers. Robin Hood Land, on the other hand, is an archer’s paradise. A roughly 3.5-kilometer course wends its way through a largely untouched alpine landscape.