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Stunning views
Off-slope activities
Traditional charm
Hidden gem
Off-piste skiingStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingStunning viewsOff-slope activitiesTraditional charmHidden gemOff-piste skiingSet in a dramatic gorge in Austria's Salzburger Land, Bad Gastein is a historic spa town that combines belle époque grandeur with serious skiing. The resort sits between 1,079m and 2,300m, connected to Bad Hofgastein via the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area, forming part of the wider Ski Amadé region. Here, grand hotels perch on steep hillsides, thermal waters steam beneath snow-covered terraces, and the waterfall at the heart of town freezes into spectacular ice formations each winter. It's a place with genuine character - elegant yet unpretentious, historic yet thoroughly equipped for modern skiing.
Skiing at Bad Gastein covers around 86km of pistes across varied terrain, with the combined Bad Gastein-Bad Hofgastein area offering everything from gentle nursery slopes to challenging steeps off the Stubnerkogel. A network of gondolas and high-speed lifts connects the mountain efficiently, while the separate Graukogel area provides a quieter, more traditional ski experience with its own 14km of runs. The season typically runs from late November through early April, with good snow reliability thanks to the altitude and north-facing slopes.
Beyond the pistes, Bad Gastein's thermal spa heritage sets it apart - the town has drawn visitors to its healing waters since the 19th century. Today, that wellness tradition continues in its elegant spa hotels and the modern Felsentherme thermal baths carved into the mountainside. The resort's café culture, independent boutiques, and remarkable architecture give it an atmosphere that's closer to a mountain city than a purpose-built ski village.
Check out Bad Gastein ski deals to start planning your trip.
Set in a dramatic gorge in Austria's Salzburger Land, Bad Gastein is a historic spa town that combines belle époque grandeur with serious skiing. The resort sits between 1,079m and 2,300m, connected to Bad Hofgastein via the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area, forming part of the wider Ski Amadé region. Here, grand hotels perch on steep hillsides, thermal waters steam beneath snow-covered terraces, and the waterfall at the heart of town freezes into spectacular ice formations each winter. It's a place with genuine character - elegant yet unpretentious, historic yet thoroughly equipped for modern skiing.
Skiing at Bad Gastein covers around 86km of pistes across varied terrain, with the combined Bad Gastein-Bad Hofgastein area offering everything from gentle nursery slopes to challenging steeps off the Stubnerkogel. A network of gondolas and high-speed lifts connects the mountain efficiently, while the separate Graukogel area provides a quieter, more traditional ski experience with its own 14km of runs. The season typically runs from late November through early April, with good snow reliability thanks to the altitude and north-facing slopes.
Beyond the pistes, Bad Gastein's thermal spa heritage sets it apart - the town has drawn visitors to its healing waters since the 19th century. Today, that wellness tradition continues in its elegant spa hotels and the modern Felsentherme thermal baths carved into the mountainside. The resort's café culture, independent boutiques, and remarkable architecture give it an atmosphere that's closer to a mountain city than a purpose-built ski village.
Check out Bad Gastein ski deals to start planning your trip.
Skiing in Bad Gastein delivers a sense of exploration especially rewarding to those who like variety over sheer scale. The main Schlossalm-Stubnerkogel area feels spacious, with wide cruising pistes that sweep across alpine bowls and more technical terrain tucked into the valleys. From the top of the Stubnerkogel at 2,246m, views stretch across the Hohe Tauern peaks, and the descents back to the valley offer satisfying vertical drops.
The Graukogel sector provides a completely different character, where a smaller, tree-lined mountain feels worlds away from the main circuit. Both areas suit confident intermediates particularly well, though beginners and advanced skiers will find plenty to enjoy.
Beginners at Bad Gastein have several options, with terrain well-suited for your first moments on the slopes. Between Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, the terrain features wide, gentle runs, with dedicated practice areas and magic carpet lifts.
Once your confidence builds, the blues from Schlossalm provide mellow cruising with beautiful mountain scenery. These are the kind of runs that make you feel like a skier rather than someone still learning.
WeSki insider tip: Book lessons for the morning when the slopes are quieter and the snow is at its best. By mid-afternoon, beginners can practise independently on the runs they've learned.
Intermediates will find Bad Gastein's terrain particularly rewarding, with long, sweeping reds that combine altitude, gradient, and enough variety to keep things interesting. The run from the top of Stubnerkogel down through Angertal is a favourite - covering over 1,400 metres of vertical, with proper skiing that earns your lunch.
Connecting over to Bad Hofgastein opens up additional terrain without repetition, and confident intermediates can try the quieter blacks here without feeling out of their depth. Graukogel's tree runs offer something different entirely - narrower, more technical, and wonderfully peaceful when the main area gets busy.
WeSki insider tip: Head to Graukogel on sunny afternoons. The trees provide shelter, the crowds stay on the main circuit, and the mountain café at the top serves excellent Kaiserschmarrn.
Black runs off Stubnerkogel and Graukogel provide advanced skiers and snowboarders genuine challenge, with sustained pitches and sections that hold bumps through the day. The Graukogel's north-facing blacks are particularly satisfying - properly steep, often ungroomed, and delightfully quiet.
When conditions allow, the off-piste potential around Sportgastein delivers serious backcountry terrain at altitude.
WeSki insider tip: The Hohe Scharte Nord route from Sportgastein offers some of the best lift-accessed off-piste in the region. If you choose this, be sure to hire a guide. The terrain demands respect and local knowledge pays dividends.
Bad Gastein works well for snowboarders. Wide, open bowls around Schlossalm provide natural playground terrain, and the resort's lift system is predominantly gondolas and chairlifts to help minimise drag-lift frustrations. A terrain park in the Angertal sector caters to freestylers, while freeriders can explore the natural features across the mountain.
Over the years, the Gastein valley has developed a reputation among freeriders, particularly around the Sportgastein sector. Its high altitude (up to 2,650m) and north-facing aspects mean powder can hold for days after a storm. Local guides operate throughout the season, offering access to couloirs, bowls, and touring routes making it a satisfying off-piste destination.
Several ski schools operate across the Gastein valley, offering group and private lessons for all ages and abilities. English-speaking instruction is widely available. The main schools have meeting points in Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and at the Angertal base area, so it's easy to coordinate lessons wherever you're staying.
The Gastein valley maintains a terrain park in the Angertal sector with jumps, rails, and boxes suited to various ability levels. The park is regularly shaped and offers progression from smaller features through to more challenging lines. A dedicated boardercross course adds even more variety, for those who prefer racing to tricks.
Bad Gastein suits families who want more from a ski holiday than just slopes. The Angertal area provides gentle terrain, making it an excellent base for all ages of learners. Ski kindergartens and childcare facilities for young children are accessible too, giving parents freedom to explore the wider mountain.
Older children can progress onto the blues and reds connecting through to Bad Hofgastein, building confidence on varied terrain without the intimidation of busier resorts. For teenagers, the terrain park and longer descents provide genuine challenge, while the town itself offers more independence than a typical ski village. They can grab hot chocolate in a grand café, or explore the shops along the main street.
Off the pistes, activities like the Felsentherme thermal baths are a highlight for the whole family (an afternoon in the pools and saunas truly makes a perfect rest day!). The swimming complex with its mountain views, toboggan runs, and winter walking paths give family members plenty to do on non-skiing days. Restaurants here cater well to families, with many offering children's menus and relaxed early dining.
Thermal spa heritage, dramatic scenery, and genuine town atmosphere make rest days at Bad Gastein a natural part of the holiday. Whether you're recovering from a day on the slopes, prefer a gentler pace, or want to wander through the village's Belle Époque architecture, there's plenty to fill your time off the mountain.
Beyond skiing and snowboarding, Bad Gastein offers plenty of ways to enjoy the winter landscape:
Bad Gastein's heritage and town character provide plenty of substance to days off the mountain. The thermal waters, historic architecture, and café culture combine to create something more like a small city break than a typical ski resort rest day.
Bad Gastein's dining scene reflects its character as a proper town. You'll find traditional Austrian cooking done properly alongside more contemporary options, and the grand hotel restaurants add a layer of sophistication unusual for a ski destination. Mountain restaurants on Stubnerkogel and Graukogel serve hearty lunches with views.
WeSki insider tip: Try Kasnock'n - Austrian cheese spaetzle with crispy onions - at one of the traditional restaurants. It's pure mountain comfort food, best followed by an Apfelstrudel and a schnapps.
Bad Gastein's après-ski scene is relatively relaxed. That said, the resort has developed a reputation for an interesting, slightly alternative nightlife that draws a younger, design-conscious crowd alongside traditional ski holidaymakers.
The bar scene kicks off from around 4pm, and the town's bars and clubs warm up as the evening progresses. Several venues host DJs and live music, and the annual Snowbombing-style events have cemented Bad Gastein's reputation as somewhere with a nightlife experience beyond the usual après-ski formula.
Après-ski spots to know:
Bad Gastein's accommodation ranges from grand belle époque hotels to modern apartments and cosy guesthouses. The historic hotels clustered around the waterfall and main promenade offer the most atmospheric stays, though they're a short ski bus ride from the Stubnerkogel gondola.
Properties near the Stubnerkogel base station provide quicker slope access but less of the town atmosphere. The resort is compact enough that most accommodation is within 10-15 minutes of lifts and restaurants by foot or bus.
The Gastein valley operates on the Ski Amadé lift pass system, which covers not just Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein but extends to over 760km of pistes across 25 resorts. For those focused on the local area, a Gastein valley pass covers the immediate ski region. The flexibility is useful - a morning in Gastein followed by an afternoon exploring Sportgastein or even a day trip to neighbouring valleys keeps things fresh.
Check for family and multi-day pass options when booking your Bad Gastein ski holiday through WeSki to find the best fit for your trip.
Equipment hire shops are located throughout Bad Gastein, with the main concentration around the Stubnerkogel gondola station and in the town centre. Most shops stock modern equipment across all price ranges, from basic packages for beginners to premium gear for experienced skiers. Pre-booking online often secures better rates and means your equipment is ready when you arrive.
WeSki partners with SkiSet shops in Bad Gastein, letting you add equipment to your package and collect on arrival. Browse Bad Gastein ski deals to build your perfect trip.
A ski bus connects all points in the Gastein valley throughout the day, running regular circuits between Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and the main lift stations. The service runs frequently during peak hours and continues into the evening, making dinner in town accessible from most accommodation.
Stubnerkogelbahn and Graukogel lifts are the main access points from Bad Gastein. The town itself is walkable, though the steep hillside means some journeys involve stairs or inclines. Taxis are available for late-night returns or reaching more remote properties.
Salzburg Airport sits approximately 100km from Bad Gastein, making it the most convenient gateway for UK travellers. Munich Airport offers more flight options and sits around 250km away. Both airports have good road connections through scenic Austrian valleys. Bad Gastein also has its own train station with direct connections from Salzburg, making rail travel a genuine option.
WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Bad Gastein. Add them to your Bad Gastein ski holiday package for seamless door-to-door travel.
Yes, though it's not the most obvious beginner destination. The Angertal area between Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein has excellent nursery slopes and progression terrain, with ski schools operating dedicated beginner programmes. Once the basics are mastered, there's plenty of gentle blue terrain to explore. The resort works particularly well for mixed-ability groups where beginners want to learn, while more experienced skiers enjoy challenging terrain.
Bad Gastein has a distinctly different character from the typical Austrian ski village. It's a real town with history, architecture, and culture - more like St Anton in that respect, though quieter and more relaxed. The skiing suits intermediates particularly well, and the thermal spa heritage adds a wellness dimension you won't find in most resorts. It's less of a party destination than Ischgl or St Anton, and less family-focused than the Skiwelt villages.
Bad Gastein sits in the mid-range for Austrian resorts. It's less expensive than premium destinations like Lech or Kitzbühel, while offering more character than budget-focused options. The Ski Amadé pass represents good value given the terrain it covers, and the town's café culture means you can enjoy the atmosphere without necessarily spending heavily.
The combination of serious skiing with genuine thermal spa heritage and remarkable belle époque architecture sets Bad Gastein apart. The waterfall cascading through the centre of town, the grand hotels perched on the hillside, and the historic healing gallery create an atmosphere unlike any other ski resort. It's a place that rewards exploration beyond the pistes.
The season typically runs from late November through early April, with the best snow conditions generally found from January through March. The resort's altitude and north-facing slopes help maintain good cover throughout the season. Sportgastein's high-altitude terrain (up to 2,650m) often holds snow well into spring when lower areas start to soften.
Bad Gastein is one of the best Austrian resorts for non-skiers. The Felsentherme thermal baths alone justify a visit, and the town's architecture, cafés, shops, and cultural offerings provide genuine interest. Winter hiking trails, the healing gallery, and the proximity to Salzburg for day trips mean non-skiing days feel like part of the holiday rather than time to fill.
Mayrhofen - Niederau - St. Anton - Saalbach - Sölden - Kitzbühel - Kaprun - Kaltenbach - Ischgl - Serfaus - Tux - Wagrain - Zell am Ziller - St Johann im Pongau - Lech Zürs - See - Grossarl - Maria Alm - Gerlos - Flachau - Galtür - Ellmau - Scheffau - Söll - Going am Wilden Kaiser - Bad Hofgastein - Filzmoos - Obergurgl-Hochgurgl - Zell am See - St Johann in Tirol - Westendorf - Seefeld - Obertauern - Kappl - Alpbach
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