The Gastein Valley is one of the most popular ski regions in the Alps. And not without reason. In addition to the sensational range of winter sports on offer in four ski resorts, the diverse valley boasts three charming villages, the healing Gastein thermal water, an extensive selection of off-piste activities and much more. SnowTrex knows 10 good reasons for a skiing holiday in Gastein.
1. Skiing in 4 modern ski resorts
Winter holidaymakers can look forward to a unique and varied range of pistes in Gastein. The Ski amadé ski pass gives snow lovers access to the Graukogel and Sportgastein ski areas as well as the Dorfgastein-Großarltal and Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski areas. There are a total of 177 kilometres of pistes to explore in the ski areas. Beginners have the opportunity to try out the blue pistes with a total length of over 60 kilometres. The wide pistes above Dorfgastein or in the Angertal and on the Schlossalm are perfect for learning your first turns. Advanced winter sports enthusiasts have the opportunity to prove themselves on the numerous challenging pistes such as the Graukogel, the Stubnerkogel or in Sportgastein.
Find out what Gastein has to offer in winter here:
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The largest interconnected ski area in the Gastein Valley is the ski circuit from the Stubnerkogel to the Schlossalm. Thanks to its altitude of up to 2,300 metres, the ski area is very snow-sure and offers a diverse range of pistes as well as a multi-faceted fun park. The Sportgastein ski area is definitely recommended for adventurous skiers and snowboarders. The ski area is one of the highest in the entire Ski amadé and impresses with numerous mogul pistes, deep snow slopes and ski routes. One thing is certain: Winter sports enthusiasts of all skill levels and preferences are sure to get their money’s worth in the Gastein Valley.
2. Three charming villages on the flanks of the Hohe Tauern
In addition to the fabulous offer on the piste, the charming villages of Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein have plenty to offer. Bad Gastein is located at the end of the Gastein Valley and impresses with its unique flair. The spa and winter sports resort is situated on the wooded steep slopes of the Hohe Tauern and the numerous grand hotels and villas from the Belle Époque characterise its unmistakable townscape. The town’s landmark is the famous waterfall, which has inspired countless poets and painters with its drop of around 200 metres and attracts numerous ice climbers in winter. Bad Gastein also has plenty to offer when it comes to nightlife. Numerous restaurants, bars and clubs can be found in the steep alleyways of this very special place. After skiing, guests are drawn to the Felsentherme spa for a spa break.
The entire Gastein Valley is known for its thermal waters and excellent spa facilities, but those seeking relaxation are guaranteed to get their money’s worth in Bad Hofgastein. Centrally located in the Gastein Valley, Bad Hofgastein boasts the famous Alpentherme thermal spa in the town centre, a historic town centre with shopping opportunities and numerous traditional hotels, many of which have their own thermal water baths.
Dorfgastein is located at the northern entrance to the Gastein Valley and is the most tranquil of the three valley villages. Its traditional village character and the wide range of activities on offer for families with children guarantee a holiday experience you won’t forget in a hurry.
3. Families welcome
The Gastein Valley is perfect for families with children on their next winter holiday. The around 60 kilometres of blue pistes in the four ski areas offer ideal conditions for children to try out their first turns. There are also several ski schools offering courses for all ages and ability levels. The magic carpets in the ski areas take little racers up the piste easily and comfortably. In Dorfgastein and Angertal there are also the Gasti snow parks, where there are numerous practice elements and pistes that make it easier to learn this wonderful winter sport in a playful way. If the children already want to and can explore the pistes on their own, the Schlossalm is the perfect place. The choice of slopes here is manageable so that no one can get lost and parents can easily meet up with their children again. For swimming fun, families should definitely visit the Felsentherme.
The Gastein Valley also has plenty to offer young guests away from the piste. In the Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein, children can look forward to the Family World with various slides and swimming pools. (Night) tobogganing, dog sledding and ice skating round off an ideal family holiday in the Gastein Valley.
4. Healing Gastein thermal water
In addition to the wide range of winter sports on offer, the Gastein Valley is one of the most popular regions for those seeking wellness and relaxation. Not least because of the healing Gastein thermal water, which springs in the centre of Bad Gastein at the foot of the Graukogel and is enriched with valuable minerals.
After a varied day on the piste, numerous thermal baths invite you to dive in and enjoy. At the Felsentherme Bad Gastein, wellness lovers can look forward to indoor and outdoor pools, saunas, steam baths and a wide range of massages. The Alpentherme Bad Hofgastein is also very popular and impresses with a huge wellness area, beauty treatments and massages. There is also the Smaragd See lake with pure thermal water, a wide range of family activities in the Family World and the Ladies World – a wellness area just for ladies. Most of the numerous hotels also have their own thermal water connection and offer health-promoting therapies. One thing is certain: in addition to action on the piste, wellness and relaxation are not neglected in the Gastein Valley.
5. Thrills on the Stubnerkogel suspension bridge
The suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel is just a few metres from the restaurant at the mountain station. The bridge is only one metre wide and measures a whopping 140 metres in length. Only a wire mesh railing protects adventurous snow lovers from the 28 metre drop. A head for heights is required here, as the bridge is slightly swaying and permeable – definitely not for the faint-hearted. However, adrenaline junkies who overcome their fears and step onto the bridge will probably never forget the experience. The view is sensational and for Instagram lovers, it’s the perfect shot.
6. A wide range of activities off the piste
In Gastein, winter holidaymakers with a wide range of interests get their money’s worth. Numerous events such as the winter art exhibition“Art on Snow” or freestyle and freeride competitions as well as the unique winter sports programme attract thousands of visitors to the region year after year. As already mentioned, the region is also known for the healing Gastein thermal water and the extensive wellness programme, which promises unique relaxation. Other popular activities include dog sledding, snowshoe hikes, ice skating in Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein, (night) tobogganing, curling, horse riding and much more.
The region also has plenty to offer cross-country skiing fans. There are a total of 45 kilometres of trails to explore in the Gastein Valley. Biathlon fans in Bad Hofgastein also have the opportunity to try out the sport for themselves on the Kurparkloipe. Equipped with a laser rifle, winter holidaymakers can get a feel for whether hitting the target is actually as easy as it always looks on the screen.
7. Night owls also get their money’s worth
The Gastein Valley is mainly known for its winter sports and healing thermal waters. Nevertheless, there is also an appealing offer for après-ski and party lovers. In numerous huts on the piste and the umbrella bars in the valley, people dance, sway and sing in the Austrian style. For example, in the legendary Silver Bullet at the Stubnerkogel lift. Hip DJs provide the finest après-ski atmosphere in the Wild West-style umbrella bar. The Aeroplanstadl on the “Hohe and Kleine Scharte” slopes is also known for its exuberant atmosphere and wild parties. At the valley station in Dorfgastein, two umbrella bars are also popular places to stop for refreshments after the last descent.
There are also numerous clubs and bars in the valley, most of which can be found in Bad Gastein. In the Sky Bar, directly above the Alpentherme, you can enjoy cocktails with an impressive view, as well as in the Ice Cube cocktail bar. Party animals should also stop by the Haeggbloms bar. Here you can enjoy parties with DJs and live music in a relaxed atmosphere. If you still haven’t had enough of classic après-ski in the evening, Wührers is the place to be. Renowned DJs get the crowd going here.
8. Freeride paradise Sportgastein
The Gastein Valley is a very popular holiday destination, especially among freeriders, and not without reason. Skiers and snowboarders in search of untouched deep snow slopes and fresh powder are guaranteed to get their money’s worth on the ski routes in the ski areas.
The mountain slopes around Bad Gastein offer freeriders plenty of freedom. This clip shows what that can look like:
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Freeriders can look forward to ski routes with a total length of around 20 kilometres. Ski route 1 with a length of 4 km and a difference in altitude of approx. 1,400 m is an absolute must for adrenaline junkies. The start is at the Goldbergbahn mountain station and the route leads over the steep slope towards Knappenbäudelsee and on towards the middle station.
It is well known that skiing in open terrain is not without danger and, in addition to good technique, you should also have the necessary know-how about freeriding, avalanches, snow conditions, etc. A training facility has therefore been installed at the valley station in Sportgastein, where you can practise and improve successful search procedures free of charge in case of an emergency. This offer is an opportunity for both freeride beginners and advanced skiers to delve even deeper into the art of skiing in open terrain.
9. Experience the pros up close
Skiing down the slopes in good weather, fresh air and a breathtaking mountain panorama … For many winter sports enthusiasts, there is little better. In the Gastein Valley, winter sports fans are also lucky enough to be able to experience professionals up close at various competitions and events.
For example, the fast-paced snowboard races of the FIS Snowboard World Cup have been held on the Buchebenwiese in Bad Gastein every year since 2001. Around 80 men and women compete for a place on the winners’ podium. The event has become one of the best-known and most popular races on the World Cup tour and attracts thousands of visitors to Bad Gastein every year.
The spectacular Redbull Play Streets event also takes place every two years. The world’s best freeskiers gather in Bad Gastein for this event. And not in the ski resort, but right in the town itself. A wooden course is built in the narrow and steep alleyways for the spectacular competition, on which around 2,500 cubic metres of snow are piled. Numerous obstacles, rails, kickers and wall rides are installed on the course and the freeskiers do their best to wow the audience and the judges with stylish and spectacular tricks.
Moving images like these show that sporting events in particular inspire people in Bad Gastein:
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10. Largest art festival in the Alps – Art on Snow
in 2012, the winter art exhibition Art on Snow took place in Bad Gastein for the first time. At the largest art festival in the Alps, artists carve small and large blocks of snow or ice with hammers, chisels and chainsaws to create fascinating works of art. You can watch the professionals at work and at the ice carving competition, art lovers in Bad Hofgastein even have the chance to help decide who wins. The only pity is that these fabulous works of art can only exist for a certain amount of time and fall victim to the sun at higher temperatures.
This is what art made of ice and snow looks like in the Gastein Valley:
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