PlanaiAbout Planai
Planai is a mountain and ski area in Styria, Austria, located immediately above the town of Schladming and forming part of the Schladming-Dachstein alpine region. Its summit rises to just under 1,900 metres and it is a principal local ski venue.
Ski slopes and lift-served terrain occupy the upper flanks, with runs suited to a mix of abilities and concentrated infrastructure at the Schladming base area. In winter the area functions as a full-service ski resort with lifts, rental shops and pistes groomed for alpine skiing.
In summer the mountain provides marked hiking trails, alpine meadows and mountain-biking routes served by the same lift network. The summit and upper ridges give panoramic views over the Dachstein range and the Enns valley.
The peak and its slopes were developed for organised winter sport during the 20th century and have since been integrated into the wider Schladming-Dachstein tourist network. The venue has hosted international alpine ski competitions, which shaped infrastructure and year-round visitor services.
The mountain rises immediately above the market town of Schladming in central Styria; the town serves as the primary access point for the lifts and accommodation serving Planai.
- Elevation: Altitude reaches just under 1,900 metres, so conditions are alpine and changeable; dress in layers and check lift operation in shoulder seasons.
- Major ski events: Regularly hosts high-profile alpine ski events, including World Cup races, so traffic and accommodation fill quickly during race weeks.
What to See#
- Planai summit: A summit area reached by ski lifts and trails, offering alpine slopes in winter and hiking routes in summer; the top sits just under 1,900 metres above sea level.
- Schladming base area: Base and resort area immediately adjacent to the town of Schladming, with lift stations, parking and visitor facilities that provide access to the mountain.
Best Time to Visit Planai
Planai is busiest in winter for alpine sports and in summer for hiking and cycling; book accommodation early during events like the FIS World Cup weekends.
Weather & Climate near Planai
Planai's climate is classified as Subarctic - Subarctic climate with cool summers (peaking in August) and freezing winters (coldest in February). Temperatures range from -9°C to 14°C. Abundant rainfall (1654 mm/year), wettest in July.
| Month | Comfort | Temp | Feels | Rain | Sky | Humidity | Wind | UV | Daylight |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| January | Poor | -8° - -2° | -11° | 91 mm | overcast | 93% | 4.3 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.8h |
| February | Poor | -9° - -2° | -11° | 85 mm | overcast | 92% | 4.3 m/s | 0.3 low | 10.1h |
| March | Poor | -7° - 0° | -8° | 120 mm | overcast | 87% | 4.3 m/s | 0.6 moderate | 11.8h |
| April | Poor | -4° - 3° | -5° | 130 mm | overcast | 81% | 3.9 m/s | 0.9 moderate | 13.5h |
| May | Poor | 1° - 9° | 2° | 140 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.5 m/s | 1.2 high | 14.9h |
| June | Poor | 4° - 12° | 6° | 188 mm | overcast | 80% | 3.3 m/s | 1.5 very high | 15.7h |
| July | Acceptable | 6° - 14° | 10° | 206 mm | partly cloudy | 80% | 3.3 m/s | 1.6 very high | 15.3h |
| August | Acceptable | 7° - 14° | 10° | 176 mm | partly cloudy | 81% | 3.1 m/s | 1.3 high | 14.1h |
| September | Acceptable | 4° - 11° | 5° | 147 mm | partly cloudy | 85% | 3.5 m/s | 0.8 moderate | 12.4h |
| October | Poor | 0° - 7° | 1° | 121 mm | partly cloudy | 86% | 3.8 m/s | 0.5 low | 10.7h |
| November | Poor | -4° - 2° | -6° | 129 mm | overcast | 90% | 4.1 m/s | 0.2 low | 9.2h |
| December | Poor | -7° - -1° | -9° | 121 mm | overcast | 91% | 4.4 m/s | 0.1 low | 8.3h |
How to Get to Planai
Planai is reached from Schladming town. From Schladming train station it’s a short local bus or taxi ride to the Planai cable car base; roads from Graz and Salzburg connect to the region for drivers.
Tips for Visiting Planai
- For winter skiing check the official Planai lifts and pistes site for current snow reports and piste maps.
- Take the Planai gondola for panoramic views even outside ski season - the mountain is also popular for summer hiking.