Summer Lifts and Mountain Adventures in Schladming-Dachstein

In summer, the region’s ski mountains are transformed into fascinating excursion destinations, with scenic hiking paths, exciting bike trails, and true adventure playgrounds for kids and adults alike.

Once the snow has melted from the ski mountains, visitors are met in the Schladming-Dachstein region with a lush, vibrant alpine landscape. 1,000 kilometers of hiking trails, 1,000 kilometers of mountain bike routes, and 33 via ferratas entice you out into the natural beauty of Styria. In addition, 90 staffed alpine huts cater to all your culinary needs. Hikers find tours of every difficulty level, always set against a magnificent backdrop – be that the limestone crags of the glacier-covered Dachstein, countless peaks, or one of the many alpine tarns in the Schladminger Tauern range. Ramsau am Dachstein and Schladming are proud members of the Austrian Hiking Villages and have been awarded the Austrian Hiking Seal of Quality. Those who prefer to hike in a group can always join up with a guided tour. Experienced guides lead classic hikes, via ferrata climbing adventures, fascinating mine tours, or even delightful llama treks. Holders of the Schladming-Dachstein Card can also take advantage of one free round-trip lift ride daily on any of the region’s seven cable cars, automatically included as one of the many card perks. The Schladming-Dachstein Card includes numerous other exciting holiday experiences, either discounted or completely for free.

20 Years of the Schladming-Dachstein Card

In 2026, the Schladming-Dachstein Card celebrates its 20th summer season. Members of the Sommercard association are the operators of the various attractions which are included, such as cable cars, pools and lakes, museums, transportation services, toll roads, programs for children, families and hikers, as well as natural landmarks.

Planai: Hopsiland – the Highest Playground in Styria

The Planai in Schladming, with its state-of-the-art 10-person gondola lift, leaves nothing to be desired in summer – hiking, mountain biking, exploring Hopsiland with kids, relaxing, or simply enjoying great food. High up on the Planai, you will discover the home of the beloved mascot Hopsi: aptly known as Hopsi Land. A roughly 1.5-kilometer loop trail – also stroller-friendly – begins and ends right next to the top station of the Planai cable car. The entire route is full of variety, featuring swings, slides, climbing elements, a three-section marble run, and its own “Water World” with a pond and water channels. At the heart of Hopsiland is a bike area, where kids can practice their first turns on a mountain bike – bike rentals available on location. Especially imposing: the eight-meter-tall play station known as “North Pole,” where youngsters can climb, slide, and play at the innovative marble track.

Hochwurzen: Bench Path and Mountain Go-Karts

In summer, mountain go-karts replace those beloved winter sleds on the Hochwurzen. A roughly seven-kilometer route leads from the summit down to the valley station. Thanks to wide tires and disc brakes, mountain go-karts promise a safe yet action-packed ride along the gravel lane. Hikes along the so-called Bench Path are especially popular with families. This loop trail, close to the summit with no elevation changes of note, features 25 creatively designed benches to take a break on as the mood takes you – each dedicated to a different theme.

Hauser Kaibling: Themed Hiking Trail, Water Zorbing, and Lots of “Sheepish Experiences”

Summer offerings on the Hauser Kaibling have been steadily expanded in recent years. One highlight is a themed hiking trail that follows in the footsteps of the pioneers. Running between the lift mountain stations, it recounts the more than 100-year history of the Hauser Kaibling as both a skiing and hiking destination. How about walking on water without ever getting wet?! A summer activity now made possible thanks to water zorbing – inside giant transparent plastic balls – at the Kaiblingalm reservoir. Further attractions await around the top station of the 8-person gondola: an e-trials park, a disc golf course, and a petting zoo with sheep, lambs, ponies, goats, rabbits, and miniature pigs. At the sheep-themed area by the reservoir, you will find the Hoof Trail, a sheep-themed via ferrata, “sheep jumping,” and plenty of other adventures. The interactive children’s trail from the mountain station down to the Kaiblingalm features various puzzle stations and skills challenges.

Reiteralm: Big Children’s Adventure World and Via Ferrata

In summer, the area around the top station of the Preunegg Jet becomes a big adventure world for children, with exciting attractions such as the Reiteralm XL Jump (the largest bouncy cushion in the region), a stroller-friendly loop path, play gondola and snowcat, a mega playground, and the family theme trail “Silent Waters.” Austria’s largest bike playground is also located here. On the Reiteralm Junior Trails, young mountain bikers can race down two routes varying in difficulty, right next to the Reiteralm hut. The classic hiking highlight on the Reiteralm is a walk to Mirror Lake where, on calm days, the Dachstein is beautifully reflected on its surface. Along this trail, you will also find the entry point to the via ferrata known as the “Goas Steigl,” ideal for beginners. It complements the more varied “Franzi” via ferrata and – with difficulty levels A and B, and one section rated C – is suitable for beginners and children.

Rittisberg: State-of-the-art cable car, new fairy-tale trail, and countless exciting experiences

The Rittisberg in Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the most adventure-packed mountains in Styria. It can be reached in just three minutes via a combination of 10-person gondolas and 6-person chairlifts. The wide range of summer activities on the Rittisberg includes a flyline, forest high-ropes course, archery range, laser biathlon, a swimming lake, and a barefoot path, along with the all-weather Rittisberg Coaster (a thrilling alpine slide). Right next to the top station of the lift, a scenic mountain playground promises fun for the whole family. The wooden letters spelling out “I LOVE RITTISBERG” stand three meters tall and incorporate swings, climbing nets, and other climbing structures. Next to the Rittisberg lift, a new fairy-tale trail has also been created, featuring interactive and even acoustic stations.

Riesneralm: an adventure playground from valley to summit

In summer, the Riesneralm, a family ski area in Donnersbachwald, turns into an adventure playground. Not far from the Riesnerbahn base station, the E-Enduro Bike Park takes you across roots and rocks on electric bikes powered by green energy. In the area around the mid-station, the new “KEGELståd’l” offers plenty of fun and games. The bowling alley delivers entertainment for all ages in a setting with a real nostalgic feel. From time to time, the “KEGELståd’l” also hosts open-air events. At the mid-station, you’ll also find the “bergKINO”, a small mountain cinema, a wild bee farm, and a herb discovery trail. On the way up to the summit, the “KRISPINI” children’s treasure hunt gives you a series of riddles to solve. Around the top station, your day continues with attractions such as the “tierHOLZpark”, a nature-themed wooden play park, a barefoot path at the summit, the “JAGAsteig”, a themed hiking trail, an avalanche-themed play area, the “HochSEEsitz” with raft, a scenic spot to sit with a short lake crossing, a hands-on activity where you can try your luck at catching wooden trout, and the “Kraxlfelsen”, a set of climbing rocks. To round things off, why not finish with a refreshing dip in the small, old-style summit pool.

Planneralm: pure nature and a paradise for archers

Unlike the other adventure mountains mentioned above, no lifts run on the Planneralm in summer. For the highest mountain village in Styria, however, that’s far from a drawback - quite the opposite in fact. You get there via a 12-kilometer mountain road. No toll fee. The Plannerkessel serves as the starting point for a range of rewarding hikes, with the ridge walk high above the Planneralm standing out especially. It’s a route for peak baggers and anyone looking to soak in the landscapes. Robin Hood Land is an archery hotspot, with a roughly 3.5-kilometer course that leads through largely untouched alpine terrain.

More info: www.schladming-dachstein.at/summer-mountains