The Skiers' Guide to Bad Gastein

Relatively quiet ski area, based on former spa towns with authentic Austrian character and an interesting history. Lots of off piste possibilities when snow conditions permit (very limited in January 2026). Great area for strong intermediate skiers, with satisfying red runs with long descents from mountain top to the valley. Excellent scenery and views as you descend.

The downside for some people is that there are 4 areas connected by free buses - 2 main areas and 2 smaller ones, but this adds variety as each area has a different style and charm. It's also possible to use the train to get to Alpendorf in the huge Salzburger Sportwelt area in 45 minutes - which is included on the multi-day lift pass.

Many excellent mountain restaurants - mainly traditional plus some stylish modern places. Accommodation prices compare favourably with better known resorts and there's a wide range of hotels and guest houses in both Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein. Many hotels are walking distance from Bad Gastein station, from where you can get trains to Salzburg (90 minutes) or Munich airport (3 hours).

Quiet runs in January, great long red runs with nice places to eat on the slopes. Ski lifts are in a good location too

We had a wonderful family Christmas in bad Gastein, the natural snow was poor until Christmas Eve but the snow making was incredible. The ski bus was very efficient for getting to nearby resorts.

The town is unique and really charming due to the era the buildings were built. Access to 4 mountains (usually 3 due to conditions). All of the off piste areas are incredible due to easy access to lifts (sport Gastein is fantastic). Chalets to eat all over the mountains. Never busy while I was there.

I visited here multiple times as a kid and we loved it! Stayed in a private chalet and it was beautiful. Excellent skiing and plenty to do for non skiers

Amazing ski resort, lots of ski area! Great town for our family and plenty to do in the evening! Young family so not huge drinkers but really love walking and sightseeing which we did plenty of here in the evenings.

Not a bad resort, but wanted more runs. Everyone was super friendly. Town was pretty. The snow was decent for the time of year.

Great transport to different nearby ski areas. Free with a lift past. Lots of Grand Victorian hotels and spas, as it was originally a spa town. Great transport connections with the Bad Gastein- Mobility Card (you can get to Salzburg for free!). Only disappoint was there hadn't been any snow for weeks but the resort worked hard to make snow for the week. Lovely wide red runs at the resort. Good for boarders.

I have skied here since I was 2 years old very good beginner skiing and experience skiers will also have plenty to do I recommend this resort highly

Part of bigger area so plenty of slopes but will need to use relatively efficient bus system. Lift system OK. Good variety of runs. A lower resort, so best not to go in season shoulders. On mountain food OK. Prices good. Choose your accommodation location carefully as some far from base lifts.

The resort but mainly skiing was very good overall with only a few minor wrong directions from the piste map which is normal I guess. Very friendly, great accommodation (access to hotel spa and huge town spa with heated underground tunnels) great food and very friendly and reasonably priced piste based restaurants.

I really enjoyed skiing here. There were great options for hiring skis. I recommend the spa for relaxing after a long day of skiing, or a lovely swim in the pool in the town. You should definitely go at New Years for the amazing party they put on with live music and mulled wine. Best skiing trip for sure!

The beginners area at Angertel is very good. I feel the beginners area is not very good in Bad Gadstien is not so good there are 2 small slopes and then the jump from there is too steep for beginners and could be quite terrifying.

Great ski resort overall. Well operated and maintained. Good mix of restaurants and bars for Apres.Lots of hire options available. No green runs, only blue red black.

Been here a few times for long weekends, great snow when the weather is not too nasty. Fantastic spa in the centre of the village, love Blu fusion dining, and a couple of great Austrian gastropub type ones. Angertal is where you want to start the day, going all the way up to Schlossalm. Easy to drive / train + taxi from Salzburg / Munich. Will visit soon again for relaxed skiing with magical spa evenings.

We have enjoyed our trip to Austria and the collective slopes near our accommodation in Bad Gastein. The slopes are not busy and the lifts are amazing. Food at the restaurants at the lift areas and next to the slopes are great - we always try the Kaiserschmarrn to gauge how good the place is and none have disappointed! The powder is great and even at 15:00 the slopes are not carved up. Everyone is super friendly here and everything is easy to get to the connection slopes via the buses which is free for skiers/snowboarders. We will definitely come back here.

Nice area with great infrastructure. The ski school is excellent, our instructor Lucus was brilliant. Good learning area and magnificent views from the top of the mountain.When moving from green to blue slopes these could be narrow and off putting.

We really enjoyed this area. We had a beginner with us and it was great for offering good options of advancement for them and some epic blacks for us. Apre was so fun. So many options around the lifts and up the mountains. You can easily get to Zell at See (different resort) by ski also which is cool.

I have been to Gastein many name times and absolutely love it - such a beautiful place with natural hot springs - would really recommend !

Newly installed Gondolas at 2 maybe 3 locations with new lift stations including ski lockers. Some great red runs with wide and constant gradient. Found some really nice mountain restaurants for lunch not too expensive as we had good food and drink for less than 20euros each. Good and simple bus service to get you between the different ski areas. The swimming pool heated by thermal springs is worth visiting and very relaxingPlanning to go back again this year