January 8-10, 2026: Classic Car Rally in Snowy Austria
Planai-Classic 2026 - THE Winter Rally: Snow enthusiasts drive their classic car treasures through Schladming-Dachstein in Styria, Austria
The classic car kick-off event of the year from January 8-10 on the Dachstein mountain – classic cars and the magic of nature (Deutsch, English, Français, Italiano)
Planai-Classic 2026 - January is classic car season... :-)) Let's go: into the snow-covered mountains with your classic car. Experience the Alpine panorama up close while driving these rare automotive treasures along snow-covered switchbacks. The driving pleasure and excitement of both driver and co-driver will certainly increase with every kilometer... :-)) .-))) A winter rally that gives classic car enthusiasts an extra adrenaline rush. The 29th Planai Classic, taking place from January 8th to 10th, 2026, promises to be one of the year's major classic car highlights. Many participants from eight nations will travel to the event and compete in one of the most renowned winter rallies under typical snowy conditions. Among the 66 registered vehicles, several automotive gems will be on display. The oldest car is said to date back to 1924. A Bentley 3/4.5 Red Label Speed, with its time-tested technology, and its driver will demonstrate their impressive capabilities.
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| Classic car - photo: Helga Waess (archive) |
The organizer's website already lists some rare gems of automotive history – a total of 24 car brands will be represented this year.
- A Bentley 3/4.5 Red Label Speed (1924)
- A Bugatti T35 (1928)
- Another Bentley 3/4.5 Litre (1929)
- Also: Sunbeam Super Sport
- Austin Seven Ulster Special
- Frazer Nash
- Bugatti T51
- Delage D6-80
- ...
The Planai Classic kicks off
It starts on Thursday, January 8th. The classic cars will be on display in Schladming's main square until 4:00 PM.
PLANAI-CLASSIC January 9-11, 2025
Rare classic cars, some dating back to 1972, will be cruising through the winter wonderland around Schladming this year. In the Schladming-Dachstein region, these rolling garage treasures will cover approximately 200 kilometers in a short but challenging 3-day rally.
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| A real eye-catcher for classic car enthusiasts - Photo: Helga Waess (Pressefotoarchiv) |
The rally takes you through the snow-covered Schladming-Dachstein region, including a special stage at the Niederöblarn Alpine Airfield and an interesting special stage on the Planai mountain, traversing this beautiful region in Styria.
Homepage: www.ennstal-classic.at
Planai-classic 2026 Program
Thursday, January 8, 2026
CHECK-IN & DEKRA RALLY CHECK
9:00 AM – 2:00 PM Check-in at Hotel Loy - Gröbming
9:30 AM – 2:00 PM DEKRA Rally Check of Classic Cars - Stromhaus (E-Werk), Gewerbepark (Industrial Park)
DACHSTEIN PROLOGUE
- 3:00 PM Roadbook Distribution - Schladming Main Square
- 4:00 PM Starting Line-up & Start - Schladming Main Square Music & Host
- 4:30 PM Mountain Challenge Dachstein Road - Ramsau am Dachstein Toll Station
(Dachstein Road closed between 4:00 PM and 6:00 PM)
Opening Night Sporthotel Royer - Schladming
Admission is permitted with participant accreditation
Friday, January 9, 2026
SCHLADMING-DACHSTEIN PANORAMA ROUND
Saturday, January 10, 2026
PLANAI MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
Spectators are requested to take the gondola to the mid-station!
Saturday, January 10, 2026
- Niederöblarn Alpine Airfield
- Moosheim – Weissenbach – Birnberg
PLANAI MOUNTAIN CHALLENGE
- Planai Road closed from 1:00 PM to 4:30 PM
Spectators are requested to take the gondola to the mid-station!
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| Mountain hut charm - Photo: Helga Waess (Press Photo Archive) |
Grand Awards Ceremony
Hohenhaustenne Schladming
All information and the starting list can be found on the official website:
- www.ennstal-classic.at/de/2025/12/29-planai-classic-mit-rekord-starterfeld/
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| Gentle vineyard landscape in winter - Photo Archive: Helga Waess |
