It's time to celebrate without limits.
Since winter 2005/06, Freizeit PSO has stood for active inclusion, genuine encounters, and unforgettable experiences of nature in the Schladming-Dachstein region. What began as a vision is now a unique offering for accessible winter and summer vacations with outdoor sports—for children, young people, and adults with disabilities.
If you would like to give us a huge birthday present, we are collecting donations for two new sit-skis. You can find out more here.
Let’s go back to the beginning.
The idea for Freizeit PSO came about—like many good things—while traveling. During a stay in New Zealand, our managing director Sabine Zach first came into close contact with disabled sports. Once she had been exposed to it, she couldn’t let go of the topic. She continued in Scotland, where she worked for two winters and gained valuable expertise in adaptive skiing. For Sabine, there was only one question left: Why don’t we have something like this here?
And as the saying goes, what isn’t yet, can still become. The decision was made and the location was quickly found. In the winter of 2005/06, the time had finally come. From then on, Austria also had a professional, socially equitable offering in recreational skiing – on a scale that remains unique to this day.
All disabilities, impairments, or handicaps—whatever you want to call them—are irrelevant. The focus is on the person.Sabine ZachExecutive Chairwoman Freizeit-PSO
Focus on people
For us, it’s not the limitations that count, but the person. With their strengths. Their wishes. Their courage to try new things.
Whether on perfectly groomed slopes in winter or with a variety of activities in summer – we create opportunities. With special equipment such as monoskis, biskis, crutch skis, or ski links, and above all with highly trained adaptive ski instructors and, in summer, outdoor instructors who all have one thing in common: heart, competence, and genuine commitment.
Skiing means freedom. Speed. Self-confidence. And that’s exactly what everyone should be able to experience—regardless of their physical or mental abilities.
Social responsibility with a vision.
As a non-profit association, we pursue a clear goal: our services should remain affordable.
People with disabilities should not have to pay more just because they need special equipment or individual support. That is why our rates are based on regular group lessons – everything else is made possible by subsidies, partners, and donations.
This model only works thanks to strong support. Our long-standing partners include Planai-Hochwurzen Bahnen, Hotel Schwaigerhof, Ski Lenz, and Skischule Hopl. Equally important are the numerous donations from guests, locals, and supporters who make our work possible. And let’s not forget our wonderful team of dedicated adaptive ski and outdoor instructors.
Zum Geburtstag 2 Sitzski
Deine Spende zählt.
Two new sit-skis for our club – support us too!
For over 20 years, we have been pursuing our vision of making skiing accessible to everyone. True to the motto “Nothing is impossible,” we create a special skiing experience for everyone, regardless of their disability. Community and promoting quality of life are at the heart of what we do.
We are currently planning to purchase two new sit-skis (Bi-Ski Dynamique), which we can only finance with the help of financial support from donations and sponsors.
Why your support is so important to us
With your help, we can purchase two new sit-skis from Enabling Technologies (Bi-Ski model Dynamique). Our association urgently needs these adaptive sit-skis due to increased demand for sit-ski equipment for children and adults. In addition, some of our existing sit-skis are getting old and need to be replaced. With the accompanying extended seating system, skiing is also possible for people with severe impairments (poor neck stability).
The purchase represents an exceptionally high cost for our association, totaling €16,000, which we can only realize with the help of donations and sponsorships.
OUR LOYAL PARTNERS
Hotel Schwaigerhof
It all started with Susi…
The Schwaigerhof financed the very first sit-ski, called “Susi” – a piece of freedom on skis. Two decades ago, “Susi” enabled our adaptive ski instructors to take their first guests skiing on the Hochwurzen without barriers. It was the beginning of countless unforgettable moments, smiling faces, and a new sense of self-confidence for many people with disabilities.
Since then, the Schwaigerhof has been more than just a supporter. It is part of the Freizeit-PSO family, a symbol of active inclusion and warmth.
Many other anecdotes recall the early years of this enriching collaboration. For example, the first Freizeit-PSO office, which literally grew from Sabine’s pocket to a small office in a side room of the hotel and, over the last 20 years, to the association’s current office space. The association has been able to grow steadily in this special place and continuously expand its range of holidays for people with disabilities.
We are very grateful for this tremendous support and the long-standing and close partnership.
SKI Lenz
A partner for life.
For 20 years now, Ski Lenz and the non-profit association Freizeit-PSO have enjoyed a partnership that goes far beyond traditional support. What began with a shared vision of making winter sports accessible and affordable for people with disabilities is now a cornerstone of active inclusion in the snow.
As a regional sports shop and ski rental company in Rohrmoos, the company has supported the association from the very beginning with free, professionally tailored rental equipment. This reliable support remains an essential component in ensuring that the activities remain affordable for participants.
The impact of this collaboration is evident in many moving moments—such as when families experience skiing together for the first time, or when a child with a disability takes their first turns in the snow with the right rental equipment and sensitive guidance.
Ski Lenz is much more than just a sponsor. The company is a reliable partner that takes responsibility and has been actively shaping inclusion for two decades. It is a partnership that breaks down barriers – on the slopes and in our interactions with one another – and shows how sustainable commitment can strengthen an entire community.
Skischule HOPL
If it weren’t for HOPL…
…then in all likelihood, we wouldn’t be here either. The HOPL ski school was heavily involved in the founding of the association two decades ago. Armin, the head ski instructor at the time, was so enthusiastic about Sabine Zach’s idea that he jumped on board right away and became chairman. As a result, the Hopl ski school willingly provided its uniforms.
No wonder, then, that we still proudly wear the HOPL logo on our uniforms today. The collaboration with Herbert Pilz and Karl Thaler continues today with the same enthusiasm that marked the beginning of our partnership. They not only allow us to use the ski school grounds, but also provide us with advice and support. Mutual appreciation that has grown over the years and unbureaucratic cooperation are the cornerstones of our relationship.
Planai Hochwurzen
20 years of strong partnership
Since Freizeit-PSO was founded 20 years ago, Planai-Hochwurzenbahnen has been a reliable and committed partner. Whether getting on and off the lift, dealing with organizational issues in ski operations, or in challenging situations, we can always rely on the helpfulness and support of the employees and the mountain rescue team.
This active collaboration on equal terms enables our guests to enjoy safe and carefree days of skiing and makes inclusive winter sports experiences possible in the first place. Planai-Hochwurzenbahnen has been supporting our vision with complete conviction for two decades – for which we are truly grateful.
