Winter 2018/19 press information summary

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2 Winter 2018/19 press information summary Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link: 123 kilometres of slopes - no stopping The Schladming region 4-Mountain ski link in Ski amadé connects the well-known ski mountains of Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm, creating a one-of-akind opportunity in Austria: 123 kilometres of uninterrupted slopes with 44 modern cable cars and ski lifts. In 2019 and 2020, the "Ski Link" in the Schladming-Dachstein region will become even more attractive with major investments being made on Planai and Hochwurzen. Schladming-Dachstein family ski region A range of programmes tailored to the needs of children makes learning to ski even easier. In the Schladming-Dachstein region, families can enjoy numerous children's attractions and slopes on the mountains. They can also make use of the collective expertise of 15 ski schools. Austria's Nordic Eldorado - for connoisseurs and top athletes A first-class 435-kilometre-long network of cross-country skate ski trails provides pure enjoyment in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the most popular cross-country skiing destinations in the Alps. NEW: The 2.3-kilometrelong Kulmberg circuit in Ramsau am Dachstein provides great snow conditions as well as fabulous views. Stop in for a special treat The culinary options on the ski mountains of the Schladming-Dachstein region showcase the best the Alps have to offer. In the winter of 2018/19, this will be expanded in several exciting new directions. Highlight: The 4-Mountain gourmet tour offers culinary delights among the most beautiful slopes of the 4-Mountain ski link. The Ski amadé Ladies Week is back After missing two winter seasons, the Ski amadé Ladies Week made a comeback last year. From the 23rd to the 30th of March 2019, the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region will provide double the skiing fun with an official opening concert, the smago! Award, the 4-Mountain ladies' tour and an attractive support programme. Die Toten Hosen kick off the 2018/19 ski season On the 1st of December, 2018, Die Toten Hosen will join thousands of snowsports and music enthusiasts in celebrating the start of winter at the Planai World Cup Park. Ski season opening celebrations in Schladming will enter a new dimension with a unique stage and an attractive line-up.

3 Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link: 123 kilometres of slopes - no stopping The Schladming region 4-Mountain ski link in Ski amadé connects the well-known ski mountains of Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm, creating a one-of-a-kind opportunity in Austria: 123 kilometres of uninterrupted slopes with 44 modern cable cars and ski lifts. In 2019 and 2020, the "Ski Link" in the Schladming-Dachstein region will become even more attractive with major investments being made on Planai and Hochwurzen. Two new 10-seater cable cars Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen will invest a total of around 34.5 million Euros over the next two years in the construction of two new cable cars. In 2019, the Planai cable car - which began operating in will be renovated and converted from a 6-seater lift to 10-seater cars. One year later, the construction of a 10-seater cable car is expected to replace the Rohrmoos I 2-seater chair lift. Both cable cars are located in the heartland of Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link, and they will significantly enhance the value of the entire region in the future. Georg Bliem, managing director of Planai-Hochwurzen-Bahnen, also emphasized the year-round value of the investment: "The spacious new-generation 10-seater cable cars don't just guarantee plenty of space for skiers. They will also make the mountains more accessible and, in summer, provide enough space for up to two mountain bikes in each car." Hauser Kaibling: the loveliest slopes Hauser Kaibling is the easternmost skiing mountain of Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link. The mountain's guaranteed parking makes it the ideal entry point. "The loveliest slopes" are not just an advertising gimmick for Hauser Kaibling, but literal truth. A dedicated team with ultra-modern equipment and facilities are responsible for making sure the slopes of this mountain are among the best-prepared in Austria. In addition, the ski guests can expect the brand new XXL Funslope, which guarantees fun and action for all ages on an incredible 1,460 meters in total length.

4 Planai: on the trail of world champions To ski on Planai is to follow in the footsteps of world champions. After hosting two alpine skiing World Cups (in 2013 and 1982), Planai is known as the "World Cup Mountain" of the international sporting scene. Guests continue to enjoy the associated infrastructure including broad slopes, highly efficient snow equipment, a modern valley station building (Planet Planai) with a one-stop-shop and one of the most up-to-date parking garages in Europe. Hochwurzen: action night and day An ultra-modern 10-seater gondola lift can transport up to 2,500 people per hour to the top of Hochwurzen. The diverse slopes of this ski mountain are suitable for skiing, snowboarding and tobogganing - by day and by night. With the Hopsi slope, Funslope and slopes with varying degrees of difficulty, Hochwurzen has made a name for itself over the years as a family skiing mountain. Reiteralm: training and ski cross mountain Reiteralm is located on the western edge of Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link. In previous years, it has been acknowledged as the training mountain for the elite of the skiing world. It is the only skiing region in Europe to receive the "Triple Gold" award of excellence in international ski area assessments. With the newly-constructed "Reiteralm Crosspark", the mountain adds an innovative new attraction suitable for parcours beginners as well as professionals. Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link in brief: 123 kilometres of slopes (blue: 47 km, red: 69 km, black: 9 km) 44 cable cars 56 ski lodges for perfect stopovers Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link is 100 % snow-guaranteed

5 Schladming-Dachstein family ski region A range of programmes tailored to the needs of children makes learning to ski even easier. In the Schladming-Dachstein region, families can enjoy numerous children's attractions and slopes on the mountains. They can also make use of the collective expertise of 15 ski schools. New in winter 2018/19: the Hopsi Express Planai is now permanently connected to the Hopsi area by a 211-metre-long inclined lift via the Märchenwiesenhütte [fairy-tale meadow lodge] and the Planai cable car mountain station. The new Hopsi Express can transport up to 320 people per hour. Families with children can use this lift to enjoy a fast, safe and relaxed trip to the ideal area for a first experience of the snow. Any number of children's experiences Children can enjoy a fun introduction to skiing on eight spaciously-designed "Kalis adventure slopes" in Ramsau am Dachstein. In Pruggern, on Galsterberg, they can visit the Gaulish ski village and meet Galsterix, Bottelix, Gauls, Romans or wild boar. The Stoderzinken children's snowscape boasts a sunny location, great supervision and guaranteed natural snow. Fageralm contains three children's ski routes (the Viking Slope, Animals of the Fagerwald and the Indian Trail) as well as "Eskimo Land" near the valley station with its large snow igloos, crawl tunnel and hand-crafted Eskimo figures. In February 2019, Reiteralm will host the KinderSchatzSuche treasure hunt. This involves finding and excavating numerous small treasure chests with exciting prizes which are hidden in the snowfields near the Silver Jet mountain station. The first children's ski link and the longest flat conveyor in Austria, the 176- metre-long Krispini Express, gladdens the hearts of children and parents alike on the Riesneralm. The Planneralm inspires its youngest visitors with 100 % natural snow as well as an exciting and magical witches' forest.

6 Professionals ensure quick learning There are many ways to learn to ski. The most reliable of these is to attend a ski school. In the Schladming-Dachstein region, visitors can enjoy the services of 15 ski schools. It is important, especially for children, to learn the correct techniques right from the start. Professional ski instructors teach this in a child-friendly, fun way through lots of experience. Michael Tritscher, head of the ski schools, knows: "Ski instructors spend more holiday time together with visitors than any other tourism service provider. Accordingly, it is the chief goal of a ski school to ensure that all visitors, whether children, young people or adults, enjoy safety, fun and especially successful experiences during this shared time." Family Ski Festival, Styria On the 16th of December, 2018, the third annual Family Ski Festival will take place across Styria. This includes the ski mountains of Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen, Reiteralm and Riesneralm in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Along with the Kids Trophy, après ski party for children and additional activities, participants will also be able to enjoy great discounts: - 50 % off ski/cross country passes for children up to 15 years of age - 50 % off ski hire for children up to 15 years of age (for slopes or cross-country) - 50 % off skiing or cross-country skiing lessons for children up to 15 years of age (from 9am to 12pm)

7 Austria's Nordic Eldorado for connoisseurs and top athletes A first-class 435-kilometre-long network of cross-country skate ski trails provides pure enjoyment in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Ramsau am Dachstein is one of the most popular cross-country skiing destinations in the Alps. NEW: The 2.3-kilometre-long Kulmberg circuit in Ramsau am Dachstein provides great snow conditions as well as fabulous views. Out of bed and onto your skis Skating and classic cross-country are booming like never before. The elegant glide through a winter landscape enchants the senses and evokes feelings of well-being and balance like no other winter sport. The Schladming-Dachstein holiday region boasts a first-class network of cross-country skate ski trails, suitable for people who ski for fun as well as elite athletes. The region offers a total of 435 kilometres of sheer cross-country enjoyment including classic and skating trails. For a truly special winter experience, the beautiful landscapes and clearly-marked skate trails at the foot of the Dachstein are hard to beat. In Ramsau am Dachstein, the Nordic Eldorado of Austria, they say "out of bed and onto your skis, means the world". The 220-kilometre-long network of cross-country skate ski trails traverses all areas, and many lodgings open directly onto the trails. Your cross-country ski experience can start right outside your door. At altitudes between 1,100 and 2,700 metres, visitors will find the ideal conditions for an enjoyable sporting holiday. The international elite of the Nordic ski sport also fight it out every year at the venue of the Nordic Ski World Cup Elite athletes enjoy the perfect training conditions all year round.

8 Range of great Nordic opportunities Along with the expansive network of cross-country skate ski trails, Ramsau am Dachstein is also uniquely suited to cross-country skiing. Preparations begin each spring, when some 35,000 cubic metres of snow are stored in a depot. The precious white stuff "summers over" and forms the basis for the cross-country skate trails in the central area at the start of winter. Five ultra-modern snow cannons work through each night to prepare the best possible trails ready for visitors to enjoy first thing in the morning. Children will enjoy the children's cross-country park, and biathlon fans can try out this fascinating sport with high-tech, non-dangerous laser weapons. Ramsau am Dachstein even offers a special opportunity for night owls: illuminated skate trails within the cross-country ski stadium. New features for 2018/19: Kulmberg skate circuit and "Best of Nordic" In addition to investments in quality and snow guarantees (e.g. new signage, two new snow machines and two new snow cannons), Ramsau am Dachstein will also feature an additional cross-country skate trail and exciting cooperation. The new section, linking directly to Kulmberg, is 2.3 kilometres long and 10 metres wide. The Kulmberg skate circuit with its elevated location combines great snow conditions with excellent views of the Dachstein and Tauern landscapes. Ramsau am Dachstein and Seefeld, the leading tourist destinations for Nordic sports in Austria, are united under the motto "Best of Nordic". Anyone purchasing a season ticket to one of the two locations can enjoy access to the cross-country ski facilities of both. This service will soon be expanded to include additional areas.

9 Stop in for a special treat The culinary options on the ski mountains of the Schladming-Dachstein region showcase the best the Alps have to offer. In the winter of 2018/19, this will be expanded in several exciting new directions. Highlight: The 4-Mountain gourmet tour offers culinary delights among the most beautiful slopes of the 4-Mountain ski link. New to Hauser Kaimling: TOMiziel and Du & i Alm From the winter season of 2018/19, the TOMiziel (formerly Scharfetter Schirmbar) will open its doors in the middle of the breathtaking mountain landscape. At 1,870 metres above sea level, the Alpine lifestyle is combined with a refreshing breath of modernity and impressive 360-degree views near the peak of Hauser Kaibling. The culinary offering ranges from hearty mountain breakfasts to après-ski options from 2pm onwards. Outstanding quality characterizes the renovation of the Du & i Alm, which includes, among other features, a new Schirmbar (covered ski-in bar), 25 additional seats and a highquality interior. The Schladming 4-Mountain ski link's first online booking system further improves the quality of the service. A range of culinary delights on the ski slopes "From the pot, into the heart" is the motto of the landlords of the total of 100 ski lodges on the ski mountains of the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region. A diverse range of culinary options offer delicacies to suit any taste. Holidaymakers these days can find more than just Wiener schnitzels or sausages and chips on the mountain. The lodge kitchens of the Schladming-Dachstein region prepare authentic menus with traditional recipes - from hearty bowls of soup to fritters with genuine Styrian cheeses and fresh, home-made strudels. In the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region, the Styrian way of life with its warmth and personal touch holds sway. This is clear to see in the service at a total of 96 ski lodges.

10 4-Mountain gourmet tour 4 mountains - 4 lodges - 4 delights: these are all combined in one exclusive day of enjoyment on Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link - the 4-Mountain gourmet tour. In the company of a ski instructor, guests enjoy the culinary and sporting highlights of the region. The day begins with a generous breakfast at the Schnepf'n Alm. "Liquid refreshments" are served during a visit to the Hochwurzenalm. For lunch at the Schafalm, the brothers Heinz and Reinhard Schuetter serve Enns valley lamb with matching wines. An impressive day's end is guaranteed with a visit to the new Alm-Arena at the foot of Hauser Kaibling. These four stops are connected by the most beautiful ski routes of Schladming's 4- Mountain ski link. Three culinary highlights From the 16th to the 23rd of March, 2019, the highest farmer's market in the Alps will open its doors in Ski amadé. Local farmers will set up their market stalls on the ski mountains for the whole week. They will be selling high-quality regional produce - in ski lodges as well as the Gletscher restaurant on Dachstein at an altitude of almost 2,700 metres. During "Snow & Beef" in March, participating eateries will be expanding their menus to include dishes of AMA-certified quality beef. Austria's third great winter barbecue party, with celebrity chef Johann Lafer, will take place on the stage at Planai in March In the unique mountain setting, Johann Lafer and barbecue masters from the Weber barbecue academy will be offering valuable tips for the perfect winter barbecue experience.

11 The Ski amadé Ladies Week is back After missing two winter seasons, the Ski amadé Ladies Week made a comeback last year. From the 23rd to the 30th of March 2019, the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region will provide double the skiing fun with an official opening concert, the smago! Award, the 4- Mountain ladies' tour and an attractive support programme free - for ladies and gents For two winter seasons, the popular Ladies Week has been absent from the programme at Ski amadé. The Austrian Equal Opportunities Commission had forbidden it due to discrimination against men. Now a solution has been found to allow this holiday week to continue. In its new conception, Ladies Week has been arranged for both ladies and gents. Whether male or female, between the 23rd and the 30th of March 2019 everyone who books a week's stay in a double room will receive a free 6-day ski pass. This promises double the skiing fun in Austria's greatest ski delight. Attractive programme with numerous highlights Along with a free second ski pass, the Schladming-Dachstein holiday region offers a colourful programme of events for the women of the party during Ladies Week. The week of festivities kicks off officially with a concert on the 23rd of March in the World Cup Park Planai. On the 26th of March, the region will host the second smago! Awards. With this summit meeting of the hit song and folk music scenes, stars from Austria, Germany, South Tyrol and Switzerland guarantee some entertaining hours in the Hohenhaus Tenne. Expanding on these two major music experiences are parties, ski tests, guided ski tours, lodge nights, torchlit hikes, special spa offerings in the hotels and several other events on the programme for Ladies Week.

12 4-Mountain ladies' tour The 4-Mountain ladies' tour is an exclusive skiing experience offered only during Ladies Week. All four mountains of the Schladming 4-Mountain ski link are included in this one-day experience. This day begins with a champagne breakfast on Reiteralm. After enjoying a hearty breakfast buffet, the ladies continue to Hochwurzen for some ski yoga. Lunch is served by the Schuetter brothers in the Schafalm on Planai, and accompanied by a small glass of Ski amadé wine. The day is finished in style in the spacious wellness area of the 4-star nature and wellness hotel Höflehner, at the foot of Hauser Kaibling.

13 Die Toten Hosen kick off the 2018/19 ski season On the 1st of December, 2018, Die Toten Hosen will join thousands of snowsports and music enthusiasts in celebrating the start of winter at the Planai World Cup Park. Ski season opening celebrations in Schladming will enter a new dimension with a unique stage and an attractive line-up. A top-class line-up The Dusseldorf punk rock group Die Toten Hosen, founded in 1982, is one of the most successful music groups in Germany, with 20 million records sold. The musicians, together with front man and singer Campino, regularly sell out large venues with their concerts, both nationally and internationally. The band's particular strengths include stage performance, musical competence and a distinctive sound. On the 1st of December this year, Die Toten Hosen will be giving their only Austrian concert at the skiseason kick-off festivities in Schladming. The other acts scheduled to appear at this open-air event also promise a rocking-great night of first-class entertainment: Donots, Schmutzki and Last Band Standing; all immensely popular performers across the German-speaking rock world. Unique: the Planai-Alm Stage A special highlight of this year's opening celebration will be the stage. The Planai-Alm Stage measures an impressive 50 by 20 metres, with a design reminiscent of a traditional mountain hut. Equipped with the latest in sound and lighting technology, it will allow for a unique audio and visual experience. Hundreds of square metres of artfully constructed LED walls, as well as a multitude of spotlights and lasers, will provide a backdrop for the performances. A precisely choreographed pyrotechnic and laser show will supply additional surprise effects.

14 Top Events in Schladming-Dachstein Date November 2018 Top Events Winter 2018/19 Event & Location Mountain Christmas, Schladming Krampus Parade, Schladming December Ski Opening Festival, Schladming Krampus Play, Öblarn Cross-Country-Skiing Opening, Ramsau am Dachstein Ski-Opening with Top-Packages, Hauser Kaibling FamilySkiFest FIS World Cup in Nordic Combined, Ramsau am Dachstein Torchlight skiing for kids on New Year s Eve January Planai Classic, Schladming New Year s Concert, Aigen im Ennstal Tour de Ramsau, Ramsau am Dachstein th Edlseer-Fan-Ski Weekend, Riesneralm The Nightrace, Schladming February Ramsauer Full-Moon Race, Ramsau am Dachstein & Children s treasure hunt, Reiteralm March The highest farmers market in the alps DJ Ötzi Summit Tour, Hauser Kaibling Opening Concert Ladies Week March 2019 March 2019 April 2019 Winter barbecue party with Johann Lafer, Planai Snow & Beef, Hauser Kaibling Folk Musicians Ski World Championships, Schladming Easter fun & games for families Big Easter Egg Hunt, Hauser Kaibling All Events at

15 Schladming-Dachstein facts and figures Ski link and member of: "Ski amadé" - largest ski link in Austria with 760 kilometres of slopes and 270 lift facilities Snow-covered region with Planneralm (100 % natural snow) and Riesneralm Total number of lift facilities: 88 (31 chair lifts, 11 cable cars, 46 T-bar lifts and rope tows) Total length of slopes: 234 km (blue: 98 km, red: 119 km, black: 17 km) Heart of the ski region: Schladming's 4-Mountain ski link with 4 skiing areas and 123 kilometres Natural snow areas: Night skiing: Year-round skiing: Glacier crossing: Freeriding: Permanent tracks: Free ski shuttle bus: Accessible ski lessons: Ski schools: Ski lodges: Fun slopes and snow parks: WiFi: Winter hiking trails: Tobogganing: Cross-country ski trails: of slopes. Hauser Kaibling, Planai, Hochwurzen and Reiteralm. The 4-Mountain ski link has 100% guaranteed snow. 100 % natural snow on Stoderzinken and Planneralm Hochwurzen 3 km slope with floodlights Dachstein glacier at almost 3,000 metres 25 km across the Dachstein glacier to Obertraun (Upper Austria) 18-km-long Edelgriess slope from Dachstein Reiteralm, Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, Galsterberg, Fageralm, Stoderzinken, Riesneralm With valid ski pass or winter hiking ticket Freizeit PSO - Austria's number 1 ski school for the disabled Range of children's and family options with a total of 15 children's ski schools, some with all-day care options 100 outstanding ski lodges, 96 of these with service 6 fun slopes (2x Planai, Hochwurzen, Hauser Kaibling, 2x Galsterberg), 1 snow park on Planai and 1 cross park on Reiteralm 300 access points across the region 282 km 7 toboggan slopes, 28.5 kilometres 435 km (344 km classic, 170 km skating) Valley trails: Schladming, Haus-Aich-Gössenberg, Gröbmingerland, Sölktäler Nature Park, High-altitude trails: Öblarn-Niederöblarn, Grimming-Donnersbachtal Dachstein glacier