Bad Gastein

The ski resort of Bad Gastein is located in the heart of the province of Salzburg, in the Gastein valley. It is known for its impressive Belle Époque architecture, which gives it a distinctive air compared to other ski resorts. Its location, at an altitude of about 1,000 metres, allows for spectacular panoramic views and an authentic mountain atmosphere.

One of Bad Gastein’s greatest attractions is its combination of sporting activities and wellness. It is famous for its thermal springs and spas, which have made it a health destination for centuries. The Felsentherme is one of the most renowned spas in the region, where visitors can relax after a day of skiing or hiking.

In terms of winter sports, Bad Gastein is part of the large Gasteinertal ski area, with access to more than 200 km of slopes. The area offers varied terrain for both beginners and expert skiers, as well as dedicated freeride areas and snowparks for the more adventurous.

Located in one of the most charming ski areas in Austria, Gastein Valley has four ski areas: Dorfgastein-Großarl, Stubnerkogel, Angerltal-Schlossalm and Graukogel Sportgastein. The resort is also known for its incredible wellness areas. It is famous for its thermal springs and spas, which have made it a health destination for centuries. The Felsentherme is one of the most renowned spas in the region, where visitors can relax after a day of skiing or hiking.

The ski resort Bad Gastein

The Bad Gastein ski resort is located in a spa town in the state of Salzburg, north of the Hohe Tauern National Park, at an altitude of about 1,000 metres. Its fame began in 1905 with the arrival of the Tauern Railway. It extends through the municipalities of Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein. Its thermal waters have made it the perfect place to relax after a hard day’s skiing.

In addition, its high quality snow makes the slopes attractive to all skiers. More than 200 kilometres with 25 slopes make this a dream resort. Bad Gastein also regularly hosts the Boardercross World Cup and snowboard championships.

The ski slopes

The Bad Gastein ski resort with its 198 km of slopes (including 21 km of ski trails) and 48 ski lifts is considered to be the largest and most beautiful ski resort in the state of Salzburg. Due to its altitude (up to 2,686 m) and its numerous canyons, it enjoys excellent snow conditions until spring.

With a great natural snowfall, due to its privileged position in the Austrian Alps, the Bad Gastein ski resort offers a dream domain in which excellent customer care and quality service make the difference.

Ski resort activities

The Bad Gastein ski resort offers many winter attractions, apart from skiing and snoboarding, right next to the slopes. From wonderful ski touring trails to fast toboggan runs to the adventurous Gastein Ski Demon.

Explore the diversity of the Gastein valley on a snowshoe tour. From Bad Gastein you can enjoy varied ski routes to the Graukogel or Stubnerkogel. Another popular starting point for a ski tour is Dorfgastein.

On the other hand, after the ascent to the Bellevue Alm via ski lifts, you can go down the toboggan run, with long straight stretches, sharp turns and through snowy forests. The private chairlift will take you to the top of the track so you won’t waste any time going up. The tobogganing is great fun, especially on the floodlit piste after dark.

The Bad Gastein ski resort also offers pleasant walking tours through the mountains. Especially the Rock Trail, a good possibility to discover the mountain, as it is designed as a walking tour starting and ending near the cable cars of the Stubnerkogel (2217 m). The short hiking route leads through steep rocks to a nice observation platform, the so-called ‘Glocknerblick’. It is about 100 metres long and is a footbridge hanging directly from the rock. The breathtaking views towards the Gastein cliffs will leave you speechless.

Sustainable development of the ski resort Bad Gastein

What is a ‘sustainable holiday’? Using resources and enjoying nature in such a way that the next generations can also experience the Austrian quality of life.

Land of mountains, land of lakes, land of hospitality. Both nature and Austria must be conscious and careful when it comes to clean water, clean air and the use of resources.

The Austrian resorts, among them Bad Gastein, as valuable natural paradises, advocate that, in order to conserve it, it is necessary to have a sense of responsibility, to implement numerous measures and to take care of the environment.

a sense of responsibility, the implementation of numerous concrete measures and the courage to make changes for the benefit of the environment.

The longing for clean water, forests, natural and cultural landscapes, and species-rich flora and fauna is great. In Austria, they will fulfil their desire to experience an unspoilt environment. The effort to maintain and constantly improve this high quality is immense. Sustainable products and services as well as technological, social and cultural aspects play an important role in this process.

The goal: to make Austria a fully sustainable holiday destination for its inhabitants, visitors and hosts. Everything revolves around the following three visions:

Unforgettable experiences in Bad Gastein.

If you come to the Bad Gastein ski resort, you can enjoy the 140-metre long suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel. Stubnerkogel is known as the panoramic mountain of Gastein. You will be speechless with the 360° panoramic view of the snowy winter landscape of the Hohe Tauern. It is the highest suspension bridge in Europe and is located on the Stubnerkogelbahn in Bad Gastein. The bridge guides visitors from the terrace of the Stubnerkogel restaurant to the transmitter station and guarantees breathtaking views of the Hohe Tauern.

This attraction takes you to the next attraction, the scenic platform ‘Glocknerblick’, another attraction on the Stubnerkogel in Bad Gastein. Those visitors who have already reached the top should not miss the breathtaking view of the Großglockner mountain (3,798 metres), which is one of the most famous sights in Austria.

Bad Gastein mountain resort in summer

In Bad Gastein, you can enjoy 6 via ferratas (climbing trails) of all levels. From beginners to experts, it’s all here. Climbing enthusiasts can climb or improve their climbing technique. The whole range of climbing experiences is located near the ‘old’ mountain station Kleine Scharte. You can reach the climbing routes from Angertal via the Kaserebenbahn and enjoy intense sensations.

You can also try out ‘Rock Creatures’. The mountain invites you to take part in a very special journey of exploration. Keep your eyes open when hiking, if you look closely, you will see silhouettes hidden in nature, for example a ram or a cow. In these idyllic places, you will see fabulous rocky creatures. A moment to enjoy with your family or friends.

In summer you can also enjoy the scenic platform ‘Glocknerblick’ or the suspension bridge on the Stubnerkogel. The scenery is seasonally different, but no less attractive – not to be missed!

Hotels in Bad Gastein

CESTA GRAND Aktivhotel & Spa ****

This 4-star hotel enjoys a quiet location in the Gastein valley, only a few metres from the Bad Gastein ski resort. Surrounded by the Hohe Tauern Mountains, the hotel offers a spa area, gourmet cuisine, and free WiFi. The spa area includes an indoor pool with thermal water, a sauna area, an infrared cabin, and fitness rooms. The rooms are spacious and elegant. The restaurant serves Austrian and international cuisine. Various activities such as tennis, hiking and mountain biking are organised to make the most of your stay.

Alpine Spa Hotel Haus Hirt ****

Located just 700 metres from the centre of Bad Gastein, Alpine Spa Hotel Haus Hirt features a panoramic swimming pool and a spa area. It features a gourmet restaurant. The spa features thermal waters, a sauna and a steam bath. Yoga classes are offered daily. The Hohe Tauen National Park is close by and offers various hiking and mountain biking trails. The Bad Gastein ski area starts right in front of the Alpine Spa Hotel Haus Hirt.

MONDI Hotel Bellevue Gastein ****

The Mondi Holiday Bellevue is located in the centre of Bad Gastein, only a few steps away from the cable cars of the Bad Gastein ski area. All accommodation units feature a balcony and a kitchenette. The spa area includes an indoor pool, hot tub, sauna, steam bath and children’s pool with waterslide. The solarium offers panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern Mountains. There is also a fitness room and a bicycle rental service. For children, there is a children’s playground and a playroom offering free professional child care with a varied entertainment programme.

Skiing in Bad Gastein: the resort’s strengths

• The Bad Gastein ski resort has several ski lifts that avoid long waits.
• A wide range of family-friendly services at all times of the year.
• A wide range of accommodation close to the resort and of very high quality (4 stars).
• The resort is ideal for freestyle enthusiasts, with freeride circuits outside the marked areas.