Bad Hofgastein

Bad Hofgastein Ski Resort

Sitting in the middle of the three resorts within the Gastein Valley, Bad Hofgastein makes for a perfect base from which to explore the extensive ski slopes of the Ski Amadé region.

The pretty spa town has long attracted holidaymakers looking for that combination of great skiing and an array of off slope activities. With the latter, the main draw is the spas, which draw mineral-rich thermal waters from the mountains – perfect for easing those aching muscles after a long day on the slopes.

Access to the 86km of local pistes above the village has been transformed for 2018/19 following the construction of the new Schlossalmbahn gondola, a mammoth project costing €85 million. Add in a further 93km of runs in the rest of the valley‘s three ski areas – all of which are connected by a good bus service – and the variety will keep all but the keenest skiers busy for a week.

By far the best way to explore this beautiful valley and the impressive slopes is on one of the five Ski Club Freshtracks Holidays heading out to the resort this winter. All are aimed specifically at over-55s and don’t worry – spa trips play a major role in the itinerary!

Our Bad Hofgastein Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Après ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆

Bad Hofgastein Skiing and Snowboarding

The main Schlossalm sector above the resort has a network of open blues and reds above the tree-line, which then drop into pretty forests. This is then linked to Stubnerkogel – via the Angertal – directly above Badgastein. Further up the valley lies the snowsure Sportgstein sector and above Dorfgastein down the valley, another 63km of linked pistes can be found, either side of the Fulseck mountain.

For beginners the best area is located at Angertal, a short bus hop away from the centre of town. From here progression is generally good across the valley and intermediates have access to a great network of well-groomed slopes. The only things really lacking are real challenges for advanced and expert skiers or boarders – you’ll need to wait for a powder day as most of the blacks are relatively mellow.

• Total Pistes: 86km (179km in Gastein Valley)
• Blue: 36%
• Red: 61%
• Black: 3%
• Additional Ski Routes: 1.3km
• Lifts: 19 (42 in Gastein valley)
• Altitude: 860m – 2300m (Sportgastein rises to 2650m)

Bad Hofgastein Piste Map

The local area map can be downloaded here.

Bad Hofgastein Resort

Set in sunny, spacious surroundings, the resort of Bad Hofgastein is a quiet spa town set in the heart of the Gastein Valley. The pedestrianised centre has plenty of shops and restaurants and the resort is pleasant to wander around post skiing. It also has excellent bus links to gain access to the other resorts in the valley.

The main attractions away from the slopes are the spas, fuelled by thermal water filtered through the local mountains. As a result, by Austrian standards the après ski is muted, but the Gastein Alm at the end of the day is a good spot from which to grab a cold beer.

How to get to Bad Hofgastein

Salzburg is by far the closest airport and in a good run you’ll be in resort after an hour of driving or in just under two hours via public transport. Innsbruck and Munich offer alternatives, but the drive will take around three or four hours respectively.

• Salzburg airport: 1 hour (driving) or 2 hours (by public transport)
• Innsbruck airport: 3 hours (driving)
• Munich airport: 4 hours (driving)
• Calais: approximately 14 hours driving (735 miles)

Bad Hofgastein Contact Details

• Website: www.gastein.com
• Email: info@skigastein.com
• Telephone: +43 06 43 26 455
• Facebook: @gasteinerbergbahnen