Bad Gastein

About Bad Gastein

Renowned as a health and wellness destination since the 13th Century, Austria’s Bad Gastein is the perfect respite for skiers and snowboarders looking for a ski vacation with a focus on relaxation. The ski area features many slopes suitable for all skill levels spread across the interconnected ski areas of Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein, and the resort accounts for modern lift systems, well-groomed pistes, and excellent off-piste opportunities, making it a favorite among ski fans. Additionally, the region offers night skiing and various winter sports activities like snowshoeing and ice climbing​​​​.

As a popular destination for centuries, often to Europe’s elite, visitors will be guaranteed a sophisticated off-mountain experience in Bad Gastein’s village, where they can find a theater, concert venues, a public library and a ballroom dancing facility. Additionally, the dining is exceptional, with a large assortment of restaurants, bars and nightlife hotspots, such as the Casino Bad Gastein. Families can enjoy activities such as tobogganing, horse-drawn sleigh rides, and visiting the nearby Felsentherme spa​​​​. Bad Gastein’s hot springs enjoy equal notoriety with the resort’s 125 miles of world-class skiing terrain.

The closest major city is Salzburg, from where you can take a train or drive to the resort. Taking the train provides for some beautiful scenery, taking you through the beautiful Austrian Alps. Additionally, there are shuttle services and buses that connect the resort to various nearby cities and airports. Once in Bad Gastein, the resort's comprehensive public transport system and shuttle services make it easy to get around and explore the different ski areas and attractions​​​​.

How to get to Bad Gastein

So, you've decided on a Bad Gastein ski vacation? Getting there is simple through the Salzburg Airport (SZG), the closest airport, located about 59 miles away with a quick commute of approximately an hour and 30 minutes. Shuttle services like "Holiday Shuttle" operate from Salzburg to Bad Gastein, with prices starting around €52 EUR ($58 USD) per person. Other airport options include Munich Airport (MUC) and Innsbruck Airport (INN), both approximately 145 miles away from Bad Gastein with shuttle services of their own. Alternatively, car rentals and bus services are available at all airports for added convenience and flexibility.

Getting around Bad Gastein is streamlined via its advanced system of public buses for stress-free transportation, in addition to free shuttle services offered by some resorts.

Skiing in Bad Gastein

Skiing in Bad Gastein offers a diverse and exciting experience, set amidst the stunning scenery of the Hohe Tauern mountains. The area boasts a wide range of slopes, catering to all skill levels, from gentle beginner runs to challenging black pistes.

Notably, Sportgastein provides high-altitude skiing with excellent snow conditions and great off-piste opportunities, making it a favorite among advanced skiers and snowboarders. The well-maintained pistes, modern lift infrastructure, and long ski runs, including a descent of up to six miles, ensure an incredible ski vacation to Austria.

Beginner Skiing in Bad Gastein, Austria
For beginners eager to embrace the sport of skiing, Bad Gastein stands out as the ideal location. It features facilities like the Gasti Snow Park, which offers gentle slopes and engaging learning activities, and the Dorfgastein-Großarltal Ski Circuit, renowned for its abundance of blue slopes that are ideal for novices. Those ready to challenge themselves a bit more can explore the welcoming slopes of the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel Ski Area.

Family vacations in Bad Gastein

Visit Bad Gastein as a family for the plethora of activities that will guarantee an enjoyable and memorable vacation for you and the whole family. Enjoy snowy family activities like skiing across over 120 miles of slopes, including beginner-friendly areas like Gasti Snow Park, where children can learn skiing through playful methods under the guidance of experienced instructors from world-renowned ski schools. For more experienced skiers, there are advanced slopes and snowboarding opportunities.

When you and the family put the skis away, Gastein provides diverse recreational options. Families can indulge in the thermal baths, like those at Felsentherme, and adventure pools for children. Off the slopes, activities such as tobogganing, ice skating and horse-drawn sleigh rides add to the winter magic. In warmer months, hiking trails like themed paths with Gastein's mascot, Gasti, are perfect for exploring the scenic beauty. Indoor and outdoor pools, climbing, archery and gold panning ensure entertainment year-round. With its blend of sports, relaxation, and cultural events, Bad Gastein is an ideal destination for family vacations.