Bad Hofgastein

Emily - Ski Expert

"A short ski break in Bad Hofgastein offers excellent value for money an authentic Alpine experience. The off-piste terrain around the Stubnerkogel mountain offers stunning views and challenging terrain for advanced skiers."

 

Great for: Short transfer, charming traditional vllage, spa town

Bad Hofgastein SKI HOLIDAYS

Nestled in the heart of Austria's Gastein Valley, Bad Hofgastein offers a captivating blend of traditional charm and modern skiing. This picturesque spa town, boasting a rich history and elegant Belle Epoque architecture, promises a unique winter escape. Whether you crave exhilarating ski runs or a relaxing retreat in a charming Austrian Alpine village, Bad Hofgastein caters to a diverse range of skiers and holidaymakers.

The pedestrianised town centre boasts an array of shops and restaurants, making it a delightful place to explore after a day on the slopes. With excellent bus links, accessing the other resorts in the Gastein Valley is convenient and straightforward.

Off the slopes, Bad Hofgasteinis renowned for its thermal springs, with a rich spa culture dating back centuries. After a day on the slopes, soothe your aching muscles in one of the many thermal baths or indulge in pampering spa treatments. The pedestrianised village center offers a vibrant atmosphere with charming shops, inviting cafes, and traditional restaurants serving up Austrian specialties. For a touch of history, explore the historic Felsentherme thermal bath or take a scenic ride on the vintage cable car up to the Stubnerkogel mountain.

While the après-ski scene in Bad Hofgastein is a bit more subdued compared to other Austrian resorts, it still offers plenty of enjoyable spots, such as the Gastein Alm. This venue is perfect for ending your day with a cold beer in a cozy and inviting atmosphere.

Bad Hofgastein is located directly South of Salzburg, and it takes around 1 hour and 20 minutes to drive between Salzburg airport to the centre of town, making it perfect for a short break ski holiday.

Equally as impressive is the train journey to Bad Hofgastein. Simply hop on a bus or take a 15-minute taxi from the airport to Salzburg central station, and get a 1.5 hour train journey to the Gastein Valley, before hopping in a taxi the other end.

Our top hotel picks for a ski holiday in Bad Hofgastein: Hotel Germania, Hotel Das Gastein.

Ski Area Overview

The main Schlossalm sector above the resort features a network of open blues and reds above the tree-line, which then descend into picturesque forests. This area is connected to Stubnerkogel via the Angertal, directly above Bad Gastein. Further up the valley, the snowsure Sportgastein sector offers reliable conditions, and above Dorfgastein down the valley, skiers can explore another 63km of linked pistes on either side of the Fulseck mountain.

For beginners, the best area is located at Angertal, just a short bus ride from the town center. Progression from this area is generally smooth across the valley, and intermediates will find an excellent network of well-groomed slopes. The only aspect that may be lacking is real challenges for advanced and expert skiers or boarders, as most of the black runs are relatively mellow. However, a powder day can transform the terrain, offering more excitement for seasoned skiers.

Another major attraction is the access to the 86km of local pistes above the village, which has been significantly enhanced by the construction of the Schlossalmbahn gondola, a mammoth project costing €85 million.

Beyond the local slopes, skiers can explore an additional 93km of runs spread across the valley's three ski areas, all seamlessly connected by an efficient bus service. This extensive network ensures a variety of terrain that will keep even the most enthusiastic skiers engaged for an entire week.

Ski holidays to Bad Hofgastein await!