The region around Ramsau am Dachstein delights visitors all year round not only with its fantastic panoramic views, a wide range of summer and winter activities, and places to relax in nature, but also with numerous events.
You’re sure to find the perfect entertainment programme for your holiday in the Styrian Alps.
The festive sound of the alphorn players has a long tradition in the Dachstein region and symbolises the vibrant Alpine culture. Throughout the year, the Schladming-Dachstein region offers a wide range of events to make your holiday varied and special.
Every January, Schladming becomes an international hub for alpine skiing. The legendary night slalom on the Planai is one of the most famous World Cup races and captivates spectators with its unique atmosphere. Under floodlights, the world’s best slalom skiers compete in front of thousands of spectators. The combination of top-class sport, an electric atmosphere and a winter mountain backdrop makes the Night Race a fixed highlight in the region’s events calendar and an unforgettable experience for visitors and fans alike. For many visitors, attending the Night Race is an integral part of their winter holiday. Even away from the race course, the event ensures an extraordinary experience in Schladming thanks to its supporting programme and the special atmosphere in the town.
In January, Filzmoos is all about the Balloon Weeks. The protected valley location and open launch sites provide ideal conditions for hot-air ballooning in winter. A special highlight is the "Night of the Balloons," where multiple balloons are illuminated simultaneously in the evening, bathing the snowy mountain landscape in a warm glow. The impressive backdrop of the Bischofsmütze, the peaceful atmosphere of the village, and the familiar hospitality make this event an atmospheric experience for guests who wish to experience winter from its special side.
Every Monday evening in February and on selected days in late December, the Rittisberg north slope transforms into a spectacular stage. Starting at 8:00 PM, the Ramsau ski schools present an impressive program with around 100 performers at the Winter Snow Festival. The free show features torchlight runs, formation skiing, and daring jumps. With gripping music and atmospheric lighting design, it creates a special winter feeling for the whole family.
During the Easter holidays, Schladming offers a diverse program for families and gourmets. Children can look forward to Easter nest hunts and treasure hunts on the mountains and alpine pastures, while traditional events shape the local scene. The offering is complemented by Styrian customs such as "Palmbuschenbinden" (palm bush binding), Easter bonfires, egg dyeing with natural materials, and the traditional blessing of the food ("Fleischweihe"). Stories and customs surrounding Easter provide insights into regional traditions. The combination of spring atmosphere, the last days of skiing, and festive moments makes Easter in Schladming particularly varied.
From June 03 to 07, 2026, the first Summer Opening transforms the Planai Stadium in Schladming into a spectacular open-air stage. Over five evenings, international top stars like Scooter, Sarah Connor, Roland Kaiser, Rainhard Fendrich, and Plácido Domingo will provide goosebump moments. It is the perfect fusion of summer mountain adventure by day and world-class entertainment by night beneath the Dachstein.
In June, Ramsau am Dachstein becomes the setting for living customs and TV fans. The "Bergretter" (Mountain Rescue) Fan Day offers a unique opportunity to experience the stars of the TV series up close. Through spectacular rescue demonstrations and behind-the-scenes looks at the filming, the world of mountain rescuers comes to life. The ceremonial frame is provided by the traditional Spring Festival of the Horses. This globally unique parade completely avoids motors, relying instead on over 100 festively decorated horses, artistic floral figures, and traditional brass bands. A weekend that combines alpine passion and Styrian hospitality at the highest level.
In June, Schladming is dedicated to alpine running. During the Tauern Circle, various competitions lead over panoramic paths, alpine trails, and demanding climbs through the steep alpine meadows of the regional ski slopes and through the Schladming town center. The event is aimed at both ambitious trail runners and active guests who appreciate running in nature. In addition to the athletic challenge, the team event and the "Gaudi" (fun) are at the forefront. The combination of movement, views, and the alpine backdrop makes the trail running event a fixed part of the summer event calendar.
The "Sonnwendlauf" at the Ramsau Kulmberg is a staple for lovers of historic vehicles. This classic regularity race is not about top speed, but about an exact sense of time: the goal is to complete the striking course twice in a time as identical as possible. Often, thousandths of a second decide the victory. The field of participants is diverse and offers spectators a living journey through technical history:
The Austria eXtreme Triathlon is considered one of the toughest and most scenic competitions in the world. From the Mur wetlands, the demanding route leads over several mountain passes into the high mountains. After 3.8 km of swimming, 186 km of cycling, and 44 km of running, the valley station of the Dachstein cable car marks the finish of this extreme event. Set against the backdrop of the massive Dachstein south walls, personal achievement becomes an unforgettable experience.
Also in July, the Ennstal-Classic attracts numerous vintage car fans to Schladming. This international rally brings historic vehicles from several decades to the region, combining motorsport history with scenic enjoyment. Along the route and during starts and presentations in town, visitors can experience the lovingly maintained vehicles up close. The Ennstal-Classic creates a special atmosphere every year, enlivening the town with international flair, technical elegance, and living automotive culture.
In July, the Ramsau alpine region takes center stage during the popular ORF Radio Steiermark Summit Meeting. In combination with the Ramsau Almtag, visitors can expect a musical hike from hut to hut. Local music groups provide the best atmosphere at the huts around the Dachstein massif. The traditional radio "Frühschoppen" (morning pint) broadcasts Styrian joie de vivre live from the mountain.
From July to August, the sunrise breakfast on the Dachstein offers an exclusive start to the day. While the first rays of sun gild the glacier world, a regional buffet awaits at the summit. Tip: An overnight stay at Berggasthof Hunerkogel, located directly at the cable car, saves you the early journey from the valley. As places for this natural event are limited, early booking is essential.
Every Friday evening, the square in front of the Protestant church in Ramsau am Dachstein transforms into a stage for traditional sounds. The "Trachtenmusikkapelle" (traditional brass band) invites you to atmospheric promenade concerts under the open sky.
From August 27 to September 5, 2026, the balloon village of Filzmoos will host the prestigious 69th Coupe Aéronautique Gordon Bennett. At this world championship in gas ballooning, the world's best teams compete against each other. The main event, the "Summer Night of the Balloons," will take place on Friday, August 28, 2026, from 4:00 PM at the Oberhoffeld in Filzmoos, offering a unique spectacle in the evening sky with impressive launches.
In August, the Schladming Town Festival and other summer festivals in the town center invite you to linger. Music, culinary delights, and a varied entertainment program ensure a lively atmosphere during the peak season. Regional associations, artists, and restaurateurs jointly organize a festival for guests and locals alike. The summer festivals offer the opportunity to get to know Schladming's sociable side and end the vacation day in a relaxed way.
In September, the Dachstein Dialogues in Ramsau and Filzmoos invite you to an international festival for tolerance. Under the motto "What can I trust?", thinkers and artists discuss the foundations of our coexistence in farmhouse parlors, barns, and on the mountain. The program combines intellectual impulses with cultural experiences and creates an open dialogue against the impressive backdrop of the Dachstein massif. Look forward to a meeting point for inspiration and social exchange.
In September, the animals return from the alpine pastures to the valley. The "Almabtrieb" (cattle drive) at the neighboring Walcheralm is a fixed part of the farming year in the Ramsau alpine region. Decorated cows, traditional costumes, music, and regional specialties characterize the event. For guests, it offers the opportunity to experience traditions authentically and gain insights into life on the alpine pastures. The two-day festival begins at the Walcheralm with the traditional "Schottenessen" (cheese specialty) and finds its grand finale at the "Hoamfoafest," which invites everyone to celebrate together with music and entertainment.
In September, the Ramsau community celebrates the traditional Fire Brigade Festival. The volunteer fire brigade invites you to a festive weekend characterized by Styrian hospitality and a varied program. You can expect hearty live music, regional delicacies, and exciting insights into the equipment used by emergency services. Whether socializing in the festival tent or watching demonstration drills, the festival combines volunteer commitment with social tradition.
The annual "Torlauf" in Ramsau am Dachstein offers athletes an impressive backdrop along the striking south walls. From leisurely public runs to demanding marathons, all performance levels will find the right distance. Tip: An overnight stay at Berggasthof Hunerkogel, directly at the Dachstein valley station, serves as the perfect training base. With its own gym, sports-oriented nutrition, and wellness area for post-run relaxation, the Berggasthof is the ideal starting point for training and competition at the Torlauf Dachstein.
On the fourth Sunday in September, the traditional sounds of brass groups fill the mountain world during the "Weisenblasen." In the autumnal setting of the Ramsau alpine pastures, various ensembles play atmospheric tunes and folk melodies in the open air. You can enjoy this special acoustic accompaniment during your vacation in Ramsau am Dachstein with a hike from hut to hut.
The Styrian "Bauernherbst" (Farmers' Autumn) characterizes late summer and autumn in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Numerous events are dedicated to farming traditions, regional craftsmanship, and seasonal cuisine. Festivals, markets, and themed weeks invite you to discover regional specialties and experience living customs. The "Bauernherbst" accompanies the transition into the quieter season and offers guests an authentic insight into the cultural roots of Styria.
From September to October, the Dachstein cable car offers an exclusive culinary end to the day on the mountain with the Sunset Dinner. While the sun sinks behind the peaks, a multi-course menu is served in a special atmosphere. Since the valley station is only a few minutes' walk from Berggasthof Hunerkogel, the accommodation is the ideal starting point for this experience. Prior booking is absolutely necessary for this popular event.
Schladming kicks off the winter season in style every year with the Ski Opening. In late November or early December, the start of the season is celebrated with large open-air concerts and a wintry atmosphere. International and national music acts provide a special vibe, accompanied by the official start of skiing operations on the mountains. For many guests, this weekend is a fixed date to combine the first turns in the snow with a special event experience.
Shortly before Christmas, Ramsau am Dachstein becomes the center of Nordic skiing. At the FIS Nordic Combined World Cup, the world's best athletes compete in ski jumping on the HS 98 hill and in the cross-country stadium. Exciting competitions offer top-tier sports up close against the impressive backdrop of the Dachstein. The combination of technical precision and endurance creates a thrilling atmosphere that attracts fans from all over the world.
During the Advent and Christmas season, advent markets, nativity scene exhibitions, and small concerts invite you to pause and reflect. Traditional midnight masses, festive services, and regional customs characterize the holidays. In Ramsau, quiet winter hikes through the atmospheric "Mühlenadvent" (Mill Advent), horse-drawn sleigh rides, and views of the snow-covered Dachstein massif create a special mood.
Around Christmas, guests also enjoy skiing on perfectly groomed slopes, winter walks, and cozy evenings in the villages. Culinarically, classic Christmas dishes and regional specialties take center stage. Christmas in Schladming and Ramsau is characterized by peace, tradition, and a wintry mountain landscape – far from the hustle and bustle, close to nature.
On selected winter evenings, the Berggasthof Hunerkogel invites guests to special candlelit evenings. When silence descends outside and winter slows the pace of the landscape, the dining room is lit exclusively by candlelight. The warm glow sets the tone and lends the evening a peaceful, almost timeless atmosphere.
A carefully composed five-course menu is served, with a choice of classic or vegetarian options. Each course follows the next without haste, accompanied by tranquillity and attentive service. The number of guests is deliberately limited to preserve this intimate atmosphere. Early booking is recommended.
The host family will be more than happy to provide you with further tips on other highlights in the Schladming-Dachstein region. To ensure your holiday in Ramsau is simply unforgettable!
Experience the best of the Alps in Ramsau and Schladming. From World Cup races and local traditions to romantic candlelit dinners. Book your stay at the Berggasthof Hunerkogel directly online or send a no-obligation enquiry and enjoy special moments whatever the season.