Bad Gastein, Austria

Bad Gastein is often said to be one of the most beautiful ski resorts in the world, and maybe it is true - it really is beautiful. It is actually located in the middle of a national park, Hohe Tauern. This resort is one of the most popular European ski resorts and numerous tour operators offer ski deals and good packages to this resort and you can often find last minute ski trips.

A visit to Bad Gastein has it all - great skiing, powdersnow, sun and wonderful thermal baths.

Bad Gastein is located in the area Gastein in the eastern parts of the Alps and has a wonderful ski season that stretches from November until May. The geographic position creates the foundation of a long season with both sunshine and snow.

Party or perfect harmony?

This ski resorts has something for all and caters both for the needs of the group of friends who want to ski, after ski and have excellent night life as well as the family with children who just want to have a good ski vacation. There are all kinds of ski slopes, entertainment and accommodation to suit all.

Skiing in several beautiful areas

The skiing is concentrated to the mountains of Stubnerkogel and Graukogel. The system is not interconnected but divided into several different areas. Here you also find Bad Hofgastein, Sportagastein and Dorfgastein.

Each area has its own character and you find ski slopes to suit both adults and children, beginners and advanced skiers, above the treeline or under - the tricky part is to agree where to head each day.

At Stubnerkugel you can slide down the valley in Austria's longest piste, Issue 11, which of course is eleven kilometers long. It has the longest and softest slopes. The steeper slopes are around Graukogel. Into forest skiing? In Dorfgastein you will feel like you are in the U.S. - the slopes wind through of snow-covered trees. The slopes are long and wide and the lift queues are generally short. Dorfgastein has been voted the best ski resort in Austria for several years in a row.

Thermal spas in Bad Gastein

Exciting activities await after skiing, so save some energy. Bad Gastein's famous hot springs is of course a must. "Bad" means "spa" in German and that is exactly what the city was known for at first. It started already in the 15th century and there is a long tradition of spa treatments of all kinds. A hot tip is therefore to explore the healing warm waters where European royals have relaxed over the years. Bring your own king or queen and enjoy the hot baths. To lie in a tub in hot water surrounded by beautiful mountain peaks and sparkling snow really is a true delight.

The newly built swimming facility Felsentherme is next to Hotel Salzburger Hof and really also worth a visit. Die Alpen Therme Gastein is also something we would recommend - cool experience in the outdoor pool with a 360 degree view of the mountains. Swim and enjoy life in a swimming pool that is 30 000 square meters. Spend your remaining energy on the local nightclubs. The nightlife is known as the best in Austria!

In case you feel adventurous, you can try out ice-climbing in Bad Gastein, which really is a lot of fun and very athletic as well. Or if you feel romantic, bring your sweetheart on a romantic horse and sleigh ride.

Book your ski holiday to Bad Gastein

Badgastein is most easily reached by flying to Salzburg. You can also book a cheap flight to Munich or Innsbruck. From Salzburg there is a short transfer to the ski resort of about one hour. From Innsbruck and Munich it is about two hours. Catch a low cost airline and continue to airport transfer.