Everything you need for your Bad Gastein ski holiday.
24th April, 2025
5 min read time
As part of the Ski Amadé region, Bad Gastein is not only celebrated for its snow-sure slopes but also for its breathtaking Alpine scenery and historic thermal springs. As one of the most scenic ski resorts in Austria, Bad Gastein offers a unique combination of wellness and adventure.
We've created this guide to make planning your Bad Gastein ski holiday a breeze. You'll learn everything you need to know, from its location to its ski areas, snow history, and the best places to grab a bite, enjoy a drink, or relax with family and friends after a full day on the slopes. At the end, you'll also find the resort map, along with some handy contact numbers and links.
Bad Gastein is located in the High Tauern mountains, within the Gastein Valley.
Nearest airport
Salzburg: 97 km (60 mi)
Transfer time
Salzburg: 1hr 19
Bad Gastein the resort
Resort altitude: 1,002 m (3,287 ft)
Resort permanent residents: ~3961
Bad Gastein uniquely blends history, luxury, and alpine adventure. Renowned as a former spa town, it captivates visitors with its striking Viennese-style architecture, lending a grand and elegant atmosphere. The town, dramatically split by a deep gorge, is brimming with distinctive charm. When in Bad Gastein, you'll find a vibrant ambiance, with an array of social venues to explore, from stylish cocktail bars and traditional Tyrolean taverns to the thrilling local casino. The accommodations, primarily upscale hotels, offer spacious and sophisticated lodging, a refined alternative to the usual ski chalet experience.
Pros
Cons
Excellent snow reliability
Lack of easy long runs for ski progression
Rich historical heritage
Slopes are divided into five distinct zones, and are not connected by lifts
Top-quality spa
Missing the traditional Austrian ski resort vibes
Here is how Bad Gastein looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Bad Gastein has to offer.
Bad Gastein is a vital component of Ski Amadé, which includes Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein, cumulatively offering over 200 km (124 mi) of ski runs. Bad Gastein itself boasts about 18 km of skiable terrain, featuring a selection of pistes suitable for various skill levels, all spread across three primary sectors:
Stubnerkogel: linked to Bad Hofgastein, this sector offers everything from easy blues to more challenging reds and blacks. It's also famous for its panoramic suspension bridge and viewing platform, offering breathtaking views and adding a unique element to the skiing experience.
Graukogel: renowned for its ancient pine trees, this sector challenges advanced skiers with its predominantly red and black pistes.
Kreuzkogel: popular for its varied terrain, it provides beginner-friendly areas and challenging runs.
Skiing in Bad Gastein
Beginners
Beginners in Bad Gastein have access to a convenient nursery slope adjacent to the gondola valley station. Yet, many opt for the broader beginner area in Angertal, which can be reached by a free bus service. This area not only offers a more extensive terrain but also an array of mountain runs like the gentle blue route meandering through the trees.
Intermediates
Intermediates will be thrilled with the plethora of long, sweeping slopes that Bad Gastein boasts. Start with the scenic blue runs overlooking the village before venturing to challenges like the tree-lined descent from the Graukogel peak. A variety of smoothly flowing runs, such as the one from the nearby Kreuzkogel mountain, further enhance the experience.
Advanced
For those seeking challenges, the Stubnerkogel area promises invigorating runs, and the Graukogel is home to a few adrenaline-pumping blacks. Beyond the conventional tracks, the powder runs on the Sportgastein glacier beckon – a delight included in the lift pass, easily accessible with the complimentary ski bus.
Off-piste
Advanced skiers with an inclination towards untamed terrains will find solace in Kreuzkogel's off-piste runs. Alongside the World Cup downhill, this area is sure to get the heart racing.
Snowboarding
Snowboarders can unleash their freestyle spirits in the quaint snow park on the Stubnerkogel mountain. After a fresh snowfall, the Kreuzkogel peak becomes an ideal haven for boarding enthusiasts, offering pristine snowfields near its zenith.
Bad Gastein ski season dates
The ski season in Bad Gastein for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 29 November to 6 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Bad Gastein ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Bad Gastein snow history
Bad Gastein offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 20 cm (7.8 in) and 22 cm (8.6 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 21 cm (8.2 in) but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.8 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Bad Gastein, with an impressive 33 cm (12.9 in) of snow over 4.5 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days, when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 12 cm (4.7 in) of snow over 2.3 days, perfect for softer snow under brighter skies.
Mondi Bellevue Alm Gastein: with a backdrop of picturesque mountain vistas, this restaurant not only serves delectable alpine cuisine but also offers a serene ambiance that resonates with the majesty of the surrounding peaks.
Alpen Restaurant Valeriehaus: here, you can savour classic mountain dishes, prepared with locally-sourced ingredients, all while enjoying panoramic views of the Gastein Valley.
Mountain restaurant Kleine Scharte: the cozy interiors and a menu filled with traditional mountain favorites make it a popular stopover for many.
Ginger & Gin: as the name suggests, this restaurant and bar specializes in innovative gin cocktails paired with Asian-inspired dishes.
The Drop Inn: offering an eclectic menu ranging from local Austrian fare to international delights, it's a vibrant hub for both locals and visitors.
The Corner: Located at a prime spot in the resort, its menu boasts a range of Austrian classics, reimagined with a modern touch.
Things to do in Bad Gastein
Bowling
Casino
Curling
Horse-drawn carriage rides
Hot springs
Local interest museum
Ice climbing
Ice skating
Sleigh riding
Snowshoe walking
Spa away-day
Ziplining
Bad Gastein après-ski and nightlife
Bellevue Alm: this iconic après-ski spot is renowned for its lively atmosphere and traditional alpine charm.
Haggblom's Bar: the bar boasts an extensive drink menu, ranging from local brews to signature cocktails.
Lederhosenbar: as the name suggests, the bar celebrates local traditions, from its authentic Austrian interiors to its toe-tapping folk music.
Le Chazelay: from local brews to live performances, there’s always something happening here making it a favorite après-ski venue among both locals and visitors.
Silver Bullet Bar: with an upbeat ambiance, this club often hosts DJs that set the perfect tone for a night of dancing and revelry.
