Two decades of lived inclusion in Schladming-Dachstein

For two decades, the Freizeit-PSO association has been opening the doors to the alpine mountain world for people with disabilities in the Austrian tourism region of Schladming-Dachstein – on the ski slopes in winter, and on hiking trails and through a variety of outdoor activities in summer. What association founder Sabine Zach started 20 years ago after a stay abroad where she had her first experiences in disability sports has developed into an established initiative with an impact far beyond the region – for participants, their families, and for tourism in Schladming-Dachstein.

• The Freizeit-PSO club is already celebrating its 20th anniversary.

• Adaptive ski training, including hiking weeks and outdoor experiences for people with disabilities

• Reliable partnerships as the foundation of an initiative with tourism appeal

For many participants, the programs offered by Freizeit-PSO (which stands for "Para-Special Outdoorsports") mean far more than just a holiday in the mountains. In winter, the focus is on adaptive ski training – on sit-skis or standing, individually guided and tailored to specific needs. In summer, specially designed hiking weeks and accessible outdoor activities such as water sports, zip-lining, or a meditative sound bowl experience open up further avenues to the mountain world. The focus is always on self-determination and community. The overarching goal remains the same: to enable people with a wide range of disabilities to truly participate in sports, nature, and social interaction.

Growing importance for tourism in the region

Leisure-time PSO has long been a measurable factor for tourism in the Schladming-Dachstein region. Numerous families travel specifically for the offerings, often returning for many years and bringing other guests with them. This cycle sustainably strengthens the connection to the destination. For Schladming-Dachstein, the association thus represents both social and tourism-related added value.

“Inclusion is a concrete requirement for our destination.”

“Freizeit-PSO embodies what we as a region strive to represent: an open and accessible holiday experience for everyone. We are proud to have partnered with this project for many years and offer our warmest congratulations on its anniversary,” says Mathias Schattleitner, Managing Director of the Schladming-Dachstein Tourism Region. Chairman Andreas Keinprecht adds: “For us, inclusion is not just a buzzword, but a concrete commitment to our destination. For 20 years, Freizeit-PSO has impressively demonstrated how barrier-free mountain sports can be achieved – enriching our region in ways that extend far beyond tourism.”

Reliable partners as the foundation of success

An offering of this scope would not be possible without long-standing and reliable partnerships. Association founder and managing director Sabine Zach emphasizes: “In addition to the tourism board, the following deserve special mention: the municipality of Schladming, the Schwaigerhof, Ski Lenz, the Hopl ski school, and the Planai-Hochwurzen cable cars. They have been supporting Freizeit-PSO for many years with infrastructure, equipment, and on-site cooperation. These partnerships form the foundation upon which barrier-free mountain sports in this form are possible.”

Broad financial support for Freizeit-PSO helps to secure existing programs and equipment in the long term and to open up new opportunities. All information on support and donation options is available online at www.freizeit-pso.at.