The mountains along the eastern edge of the Alps tend to be lower. That can lead to the misperception that the ski fields located there lack snow. It's a myth. Resorts like Schladming can be enjoying pristine conditions while other ski areas thousands of feet higher are not.

All four of Schladming's resorts are linked with modern lifts. The north facing mountains have tree lined runs from top to bottom. The resort's commitment to snowmaking and grooming all four mountains every day means they are most often 100 percent covered with snow.

"It takes a lot of money and effort to cover the mountain 100 percent and it is a big commitment," says Brigette Trinker of Reiteralm resort. "We are not as effected by the Foehn as other resorts are across the Alps." The Foehn is a weather condition familiar to all who ski in the Alps for bringing up the temperature and melting away precious snow in the middle of winter.

Schladming’s north facing mountains have top to bottom tree lined runs. The runs are kept in premium condition. Skiing can begin as early as October. The national World Cup ski racing teams come to Reiteralm to begin their early season training.

The combination of northern exposure, well groomed runs, and a commitment to one of the biggest snow making systems in the Alps has made for snow sure skiing and snowboarding at Schladming, global warming or not.