Bad Hofgastein

Bad Hofgastein SKI HOLIDAYS

Set in sunny, spacious surroundings, Bad Hofgastein is a serene spa town nestled in the heart of the Gastein Valley. Known for its tranquil atmosphere, a ski holiday in Bad Hofgastein offers a perfect retreat for those looking to combine skiing with relaxation.

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, the main attractions are the luxurious spas, renowned for their thermal waters that are naturally filtered through the local mountains. These spas provide a rejuvenating experience, ideal for unwinding and relaxing.

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!