Planneralm, Alpine ski resort in Irdning-Donnersbachtal, Austria.
Planneralm is a ski resort in the Styrian Alps, located between 1,600 ft (around 1,600 m) and 7,200 ft (around 2,200 m) above sea level, with about 16 kilometers of marked runs. The slopes cover a range of difficulty levels and are served by a network of chairlifts and drag lifts spread across the mountain.
The Planneralm was originally used as alpine pasture by farmers from the surrounding valleys before ski lifts were installed during the 20th century. The arrival of lift infrastructure gradually turned it into a winter sports destination for the wider region.
The mountain huts on the slopes serve traditional Styrian food, and stopping at one of them for lunch is a common habit among local skiers. Dishes like cheese noodles and cured meats from the region are easy to find across the mountain.
The resort is reached by a mountain road that can be icy in winter, so snow tires or chains are worth having before heading up. Lifts generally run from November through April, but snow conditions can vary a lot depending on the time of year.
Once a year, women who ski wearing a traditional dirndl dress get a reduced lift ticket price on a dedicated event day. The combination of folk dress and ski boots makes for an unusual sight on the mountain.
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