Environmentally conscious vacation
Harmony with nature, cultivated areas, resources and people has top priority, contributing significantly to the preservation of economic, ecological and social value. We believe that the qualitative development of tourism is a sustainable economic factor that enables the interaction of agriculture, the tourism industry, the leisure industry and social life.
The UN World Tourism Organization (UNWTO) has developed a clear definition for this: "Tourism that takes full account of current and future economic, socio-cultural and environmental impacts, while respecting the needs of visitors, the tourism industry, the environment and the local population."
Sustainability pervades many aspects of our region and is gaining increasing attention. The following content is intended to help you make conscious and mindful decisions to create a vacation that preserves the natural habitat.
In addition to our 17 eco-label certified accommodations, the Schladming-Dachstein "Genusspartner" as well as the numerous "green projects" and energy-saving measures implemented by our local providers also contribute to ensuring that you can enjoy a relaxing and environmentally conscious stay. As a holiday destination, we not only offer comfort and quality, but also a special commitment to protecting our environment.
Car-free arrival
On the rails
Start your vacation without traffic jams and stress. ÖBB Eurocity and Intercity trains run every two hours from various directions through the Ennstal valley. There is even a direct connection from many Austrian cities. All our bus routes are also included in the KlimaTicket Styria or Austria.
Whether with the ÖBB in under 4 hours from Vienna, by train from Sweden, Germany or Prague via Budweis to the region, the offer is constantly being expanded.
Traveling by train is up to 15 times more climate-friendly than by car. And because we care about protecting our environment, everyone who travels by train in an eco-conscious way will receive extra bonus points in the FürDich Club and the chance to win a summer vacation.
Mobility on site
Rethink, get on board!
Take the ski bus to the best slopes without any stress: In the Schladming-Dachstein region, the ski bus (free of charge with a valid ski pass) takes you directly to your favorite ski area. This way, you can reach the mountains in a relaxed and uncomplicated way - ideal for an unforgettable day of skiing!
There is also a special offer for winter hikers : the winter hiking ticket allows you to discover the impressive mountain landscape without any sports equipment. With this unique ticket, you can use both buses and cable cars to explore the region in a comfortable and environmentally friendly way. A great product for anyone who wants to enjoy nature at their own pace!
Pay attention to the information on public transportation, which is listed directly on the winter routes, depending on the option.
E-Mobility
Your journey by electric car is now supported in the Schladming-Dachstein region by the provision of over 50 charging stations for electric vehicles with over 125 charging points.
And the trend is rising sharply. The further expansion of the charging infrastructure is a high priority for us as a tourism association and is always in focus thanks to our cooperation with Energie Steiermark.
E-filling stations in the region
certified companies
Acting responsibly for nature
Those who travel sustainable, strive to have as little impact as possible on nature and the environment at their vacation destination. At present, 17 hotel facilities (including one campsite and three restaurants) with awards already support our commitment to protecting nature. These businesses, certified with the Austrian Ecolabel, have undergone a strict audit and are committed to preserving the basis of life, looking after the well-being of guests and saving on operating costs at the same time. Organic food from regional suppliers is just as much a matter of course as the responsible use of water and energy.
Organic, regional, safe - this is the motto of the 15 certified organic accommodation providers that have undergone the strict inspection of Bio Ernte Austria. Organic partner businesses such as organic stores, direct marketers, an organic golf course or the Ramsauer Bioniere (bionics) expand the sustainable and ecological offer of our region. Real nature-oriented experiences await you at over 100 "Holidays on the farm" country houses, cabins and farms. Local produce, authenticity and living tradition are the order of the day here.
Regional cuisine
Schladming-Dachstein Genusspartner & Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch
When it comes to sustainability, it is of course also about culinary delights, or more precisely about regional products and food. And our region has plenty to offer. We want to promote this diversity and quality with the "Schladming-Dachstein Genusspartner" project and encourage the networking of agriculture and direct marketers with local accommodation and catering establishments.
With the Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch project and the cooperation with Wein Steiermark, the focus is shifting towards sustainable gastronomy and regionality. The concept emphasizes first-class Styrian gourmet cuisine with authentic creativity. At selected alpine pastures and huts, all of which are within easy walking distance, 4-toque chef Richard Rauch has been interpreting a special alpine menu with Styrian wine accompaniment together with our hut hosts throughout the summer and winter since 2019.
This innovative combination brings the highest level of regional cuisine to the heart of the mountains and is the perfect occasion for a "culinary feast" in the region.
The tourism association has been setting very specific priorities in the area of employee retention for some time now. In addition to individual projects together with schools, WIFI or AMS, Schladming-Dachstein 2022 has created its own professional "employer brand" in order to improve the image of tourism professions, increase appreciation and make employment in the region attractive for everyone.
The Schladming-Dachstein Region thus offers exciting prospects for employees. A family atmosphere, diverse leisure experiences and events such as the Community Days or the major team event "Heroes of the Season" further enhance the working environment.
- Benefitcard Summer & Benefitcard Winter - Attractiveness of the region as a workplace, creation of benefits, appreciation, getting to know tourist offers in the region.
- Employee events - Heroes of the Season, Grill & Chill Clubbing, Community Days - serve to network employees, show appreciation and increase well-being and satisfaction.
- Further training - courses, webinars and information meetings.
- Marketing - Sub-website on the topic of working and living in the region. Employees can find all information on benefits, training, events and vacancies here.
Small contribution, big impact
Separating waste for a clean future.
In the Schladming-Dachstein region, we value the protection of our beautiful nature. A simple but important measure is, for example, the correct separation of waste - so that each of us can make a meaningful contribution. Every correct waste separation saves valuable resources, protects our drinking water and helps to preserve the nature you are enjoying here also for future generations. In this way, we protect resources and contribute to climate protection. A standardized and clear information sheet is intended to help hosts and guests of the region to ensure a clean living and recreational environment by correctly separating residual waste, plastics, glass, paper and organic waste.
Bag with history
Our new upcycling project
Trendy bags were made from old advertising banners. Because: waste is not an option for us.
We upcycled all the material from our outdoor advertising campaign instead of throwing it away. In total, we reused around 580 m² of material that would normally have been disposed of. The result? 100% recycling and 100% waste avoidance.
Protecting the night sky in the Sölktäler Nature Park
On the way to an international star park
The Sölktäler Nature Park is aiming for certification as an “international star park” with DarkSky International in order to protect the night sky above the Sölktäler from increasing light pollution. As part of this project, measures such as sustainable outdoor lighting and education to reduce artificial light are being implemented. This commitment not only promotes the protection of natural darkness, but also the health of humans and animals.
Find out more about the nature park's sustainable steps and the importance of protecting our starry skies.
"Green" fun on the slopes
Riesneralm - 100% green power from in-house generation
The Riesneralm ski resort in Donnersbachwald - the only ski resort in Austria where the snowmaking system is directly connected to a hydroelectric power plant - is making a particularly positive "ecological mark". This five-million-euro investment generates around 6 million kWh of electricity, twice as much as the entire ski resort needs for lift operation, catering and snowmaking. The surplus green electricity is enough for over 850 households and is fed into the public energy grid. The Riesneralm was presented with the "Sustainable Certified Energy Management" award for this project.
Ski resorts under (solar) power
Photovoltaic systems: Planai - Hochwurzen - Dachstein - Galsterberg
All areas that can be used for photovoltaics have been identified and suitable photovoltaic systems have been planned. The projects are implemented year after year in order to continuously increase in-house power generation. The goal of Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen is to use all areas suitable for solar power generation by 2030. In 2022, 36,000 kWh of electricity was generated from solar energy. In 2023 it was already 181,000 kWh. For comparison: a 2-person household consumes an average of 3,095 kWh per year.
- Planai lift mountain station: 22,6 kWp – since 2019
- Lärchkogellift mountain station PV wind wall: 8,8 kWp – since 2020
- Planet Planai: 158 kWp – since 2022
- Galsterbergalmbahn valley station main- & cash office building: 54 kWp – since 2023
- Hochwurzen mountain station: 42 kWp – since 2023
- Rohrmoos 1 mountain station – since 2024
- Dachstein cable car mountain station (125 kWp) – since 2024
Organic fuel
Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen switches to fossil-free diesel fuel "HVO100"
In January 2024, all 25 snow groomers on the Planai, Hochwurzen and Galsterberg for a total slope area of 300 ha, a large part of the Planai bus fleet and the entire company fleet of 36 vehicles were converted to HVO fuel.
HVO100 is a hydrogenated oil. It consists of vegetable and animal fat waste. The fuel is produced synthetically and produces a high-quality fuel from renewable raw materials. The structure is identical to fossil diesel. Only palm oil-free HVO fuel is used on the Planai-Hochwurzen lifts. This saves around 2600 tons of CO² per year.
What are the ecological aspects of using HVO100?
- Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions by around 90 (incl. all indirect and direct emissions)
- Less consumption of HVO100 than diesel for the same performance
- Reduction in AdBlue consumption of 8 - 10 %
Unlimited skiing withPSOactive
Adaptive holidays for people with disabilities
With specially trained ski instructors, individually adapted equipment and inclusive training, the non-profit association PSOactive has been creating an inclusive environment for over 20 years in which people with various mental and/or physical disabilities can experience skiing or holidays in general without barriers - with family, friends and at reasonable prices. True to the motto: “Can't do - doesn't exist”!
Best Tourism Village by UNWTO
Schladming
Schladming was awarded the title of "Best Tourism Village 2023" by the UNWTO, underlining the sustainable design of its offerings. The award recognizes villages that are leading the way in caring for rural areas and preserving landscapes, cultural diversity, local values and culinary traditions.
Among the many innovative projects, the implementation of events under the "Green Events" label, the circular economy project "Less waste for a better life" (which is now practiced in all areas of the municipality) or the dense network of public transport services and resource-saving lifts were decisive for the award and thus enable environmentally friendly tourism.