Taking responsibility, shaping the future.

Sustainability

We live in a region that is characterized by nature, community and a genuine quality of life - and that is exactly what we want to preserve. For us, tourism means creating with responsibility: for the people who live here and the guests who experience our region.

Environmentally conscious vacation

A region worth living in for locals and guests - that is our goal.

For us, tourism is not just about creating economic value, but also about a conscious interplay between nature, culture, agriculture and social life.

As part of our Next Level strategic initiative and the Roadmap 2035 strategy for responsible tourism development, we are actively shaping the future of the region. Together with our partners, we are developing guidelines and measures that combine ecological, social and economic responsibility and strengthen our positioning as a high-quality year-round destination.

This awareness is already evident in many areas - from mobility initiatives and regional cuisine to energy-efficient businesses and sustainable offers.

Experience Schladming-Dachstein

Enjoyment, sustainability and work

Our region combines comfort, quality and responsibility. The Schladming-Dachstein pleasure partners and projects such as Almkulinarik by Richard Rauch show how regional cuisine can be experienced in an authentic and sustainable way. Certified businesses - including 17 eco-label accommodations, organic farms and other sustainable hosts - enable stays that combine enjoyment with environmental awareness. At the same time, together with service providers, partner communities and companies, we as a region are focusing on innovative approaches in the area of work: employer branding, benefit cards and senior talents create attractive prospects and secure the future of our region. In this way, Schladming-Dachstein combines recreation, culinary highlights and career opportunities - always with a clear commitment to sustainability and quality.

Sustainability that we live by.

As a tourism association, we implement concrete projects - from the Sunnseitn Trails to upcycling bags. Together with partners, we bring environmental awareness to life and create added value for guests and locals.

Responsibly produced

No pressure on nature

As a tourism region, we want to take responsibility not only for the content, but also for the production of our advertising materials.

That's why we work with our partner print shops to find solutions that protect the environment and conserve resources.

Our basic principles

Environmentally friendly materials, regional partners and, preferably, certified and climate-friendly print shops - with a consciously adjusted print run to avoid overproduction. In this way, we focus on responsible production that keeps both nature and the region in mind.

Our partner print shops

  • Wallig printing company (Gröbming) - The first print shop in Styria (since 2010) with the Austrian Ecolabel and our reliable partner for over 10 years.
  • Druckhaus Rettenbacher (Schladming) - Pioneer in environmentally conscious print production, offers climate-neutral print products and relies on resource-saving technologies.
  • Samson Druck (Salzburger Land) - Sustainability and environmental protection are deeply rooted in its DNA (e.g. Cradle to Cradle).

Our upcycling project

Bag with a history

Old advertising banners were turned into trendy bags. Because: waste is not an option for us.

We upcycled all the material from our outdoor advertising campaign instead of disposing of it. In total, around 580 m² of material that would normally have been disposed of was reused. The result? 100% recycling and 100% waste avoidance.

Separating waste for a cleaner future.

Small contribution, big impact

In the Schladming-Dachstein region, we attach great importance to protecting our beautiful nature.

One simple but important measure, for example, is the correct separation of waste - every one of us can make a valuable contribution. Every correct waste separation saves valuable resources, protects our groundwater and helps to preserve the nature you enjoy here for future generations. In this way, we conserve resources and contribute to climate protection. A standardized and clear information sheet is intended to help hosts and guests of the region to contribute to a clean living and recreational area by correctly separating residual waste, plastic, glass, paper and organic waste .

Networked, versatile and with respect for nature.

New Sonnseitn Trails

With the newly planned Sonnseitn Trails (construction start in fall 2025), Schladming-Dachstein is expanding its bike offering with high-quality single trails for all age groups and riding levels - from families to sporty bikers.

The trails are directly linked to the Bikepark Schladming, the Reiteralm Trails and the Enns Cycle Path, thus strengthening the region as a comprehensive biking destination.

Construction is being carried out in three phases by experienced teams and in accordance with international standards. The focus is on environmental compatibility, minimal impact on the landscape and innovative water management in the event of extreme weather conditions.

The result is an attractive, responsible biking experience that combines nature and recreational fun.

Singeltrack_Radfahren | © TVB Schladming-Dachstein
© Netzwerk Kulinarik/wildbild.at

Regional food - from and for the region

Excellent initiative

The Schladming-Dachstein Region is part of the current publication "Sustainability in Austria", which presents 48 outstanding projects in the field of sustainable tourism. Our contribution: "Regional food - from and for the Schladming-Dachstein Region".

What we are particularly pleased about is that the collection not only presents successes, but also deliberately addresses challenges, setbacks and the lessons learned. After all, sustainable tourism is not a finished product, but a continuous learning process - characterized by responsibility, innovation and an open approach to mistakes.

Our participation shows how much we care about the conscious handling of food, short supply chains and regional value creation. Producers, direct marketers, restaurants and tourism professionals pull together with us - for more quality, authenticity and climate protection.

The publication is an inspiration for all those who want to actively shape sustainable tourism. And we are delighted to be part of this movement - for a future fit for grandchildren and a strong, vibrant region.

Schladming

Best Tourism Village by UNWTO

Schladming was awarded the title of "Best Tourism Village 2023" by the UNWTO, underlining the sustainable design of the offers.

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 organization 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 cable cars were decisive for the award and thus enable environmentally friendly tourism.

Green projects

From the region, for the region.

Not only we as a team in the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Association, but also our service providers, partner communities and accommodation providers are constantly contributing innovative ideas that protect nature, strengthen social responsibility and sustainably secure the future of our region.

On the way to becoming an international star park

Protecting the night sky in the Sölktäler Nature Park

The Sölktäler Nature Park is seeking certification as an "international star park" from 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.

Outdoor experiences for people with disabilities

Carefree vacation with "leisure PSO"

Whether hiking, swimming, horse riding or cycling - the non-profit association Freizeit-PSO has been enabling people with physical and/or mental disabilities to enjoy an active leisure vacation in the midst of nature for over 20 years.

With barrier-free offers, individually adapted equipment and a lot of heart, an inclusive environment is created for vacations together with family or friends - true to the motto: "Can't be done - doesn't exist"!

© Lisa-Marie Reiter

Innovation with responsibility

Planai-Hochwurzen lifts

With 10 photovoltaic systems that supply over 320,000 kWh of electricity annually, 100% green electricity and ISO 9001 & 14001 certifications, the Planai-Hochwurzen lifts are among the most innovative mountain railroads in Europe and set standards for a holistic approach to sustainability.

Since 2023, snow groomers and buses have been running on HVO, reducing CO₂ emissions by 2,300 tons per year. Guests benefit from environmentally friendly mobility, state-of-the-art infrastructure and regional partnerships that ensure local value creation.

Discover Schladming-Dachstein stress-free and environmentally friendly

We show you how to plan your vacation in a relaxed way and how to get around. Whether it's public mobility, bus timetables or guided public transport tours - you'll find all the information you need for a comfortable and sustainable stay here.