Ski Resort Information, Ski Holidays to Bad Gastein
Bad GasteinBad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein are both part of the new Skiverbund Amade ski pass, which incorporates 800km of slopes on one lift pass and is Austria’s largest ski pass by far. If you are staying in the Gastein valley you may not need the other resorts, seeing as you can ski over 200km up to an elevation of 2700m right where you are in the local Gasteinertal ski area.
Further down the valley and replete with some good nursery slopes, Bad Hofgastein is the best place for beginners. There are also some long blues to progress to for the more confident. Intermediates are spoilt from choice in the Gastein valley- everything is represented- from long, wide cruising reds to narrow winding runs through the trees. Experts will have the whole Skiverbund Amade at their feet. Some of the best black pistes in Austria are on the Skiverbund Amade ski pass (including the local, aptly named, Kamikaze racing run) and every kind of off piste is available.
For snowboarders there is a board park and a half-pipe as well as plenty of deep powder to keep you safe when you fall over. Beginner snowboarders may find the choice of pistes a bit limiting but for the intermediate and expert- this is paradise.
Both these towns are traditional spa towns and have traditional Austrian alpine charm. The aches and pains of a ‘first lift out-last lift in’ day can be soothed away with a dip in the thermal springs- long known for their curative powers. Bad Gastein has the most lively nightlife with plenty of clubs, bars, restaurants and even a casino to keep the skier amused off the slopes. Hofgastein is a bit quieter but still has plenty to offer off the slopes. The mountain restaurants are plentiful and the food is generally very good.
