Mad Dog Ski: Ski Resort guidebooks for Austria, Bulgaria, Canada, France, Italy and Switzerland

Where to stay - Schladming - Austria

The Schladming area has a good range of hotels and self-catering apartments as well as 'pensions' - comfortable guesthouses that offer good value half-board packages. It can be tricky to find accommodation that takes weekend bookings but there are so many different areas in and around Schladming that checking with the tourist office the week before you travel should give you plenty of options.

Best for


Mid-range:
Try Haus Alexander, which is close to the centre and just minutes' walk from the main Planai gondola.

Charm:
The 4-star Alte Poste in the centre of Schladming has local charm.

Luxury:
The Sport Royal Hotel has a good restaurant and spa attached.

Value for money:
In neighbouring Ramsau (1200m), although more remote, the Pension Hoffelner offers excellent value, as well as running a shuttle to the slopes.

Ski in, ski out:
Haus Central offers clean and comfortable slope-side accommodation, though it is a little way from the nightlife of Schladming.

Accommodation

Chalets

For many, the beauty of catered chalet holidays is the food - breakfast, afternoon tea and a three course evening meal with free wine - and someone to cook it and wash up afterwards. You have the freedom of your own space rather than the more formal environment of a hotel which can be great if you are with a group of friends and can take over the whole chalet.

Hotels

Hotels tend to be the more luxurious option, often with welcome facilities such as steam rooms, swimming pools and on-site bars (although check out the luxury chalet operators too). They are often the best option for short breaks but at peak times even they may demand a minimum stay of one week.

Apartments

If you prefer to be your own boss then you should think about self-catered accommodation. You have to be fairly organised to shop and cook after a full day on the slopes and eating out every night can add up, although take-aways are an option, and you have the chance to check out some of the local restaurants too.