The Skiers' Guide to Bad Gastein

Had an amazing week here, busy but not super busy, once up on the mountains wasn't too overwhelmed... good snow conditions but think we lucked out for the week

Fantastic ski area. Will definitely go back.
Great ski bus to get around the area with a bus app that is really useful

Very typical Austrian resort, access from the lower valley with gondolas. All super new and efficient. Slopes are mainly blue/red and well maintained. Generally really quiet for early March, with almost deserted slopes and no lift queues. Enough variety fo a week, with bus access to other areas in the valley.

Bad Hofgastein is a great resort for intermediates and will provide a good variety of slopes for beginners. However, advanced skiers might struggle to find enough challenging runs. The construction of the Schlossalmbahn gondola has greatly improved access. There is now well over 80km of pistes above the village. Additionally, there is a further 90km plus of runs in the remainder of the valley‘s three ski areas. Local bus services between areas are good. Bad Hofgastein lacks the feel of a traditional ski resort but its impressive spa facilities are a great draw.

As expected, very busy over new year period. The Sportgastein area was the quietest and had the best snow although only 3 runs open there all week. Free shuttle buses are regular to all areas in Gastein. Some Austrian blues are more like French reds, with quite a few icy runs, but the hire shops know that and provide super sharp edges on hire skis!

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).

Great runs, unlucky at new year with the snow. Bad Hofgastein is a lovely pretty town. Bad gastein is a bit run down

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.