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 

Tucked away in Austria's Gastein Valley, Bad Hofgastein blends traditional charm with modern skiing. This scenic spa town, known for its Belle Epoque architecture and rich history, offers a unique winter getaway. Whether you're after thrilling ski runs or a relaxing retreat in a quaint Alpine village, Bad Hofgastein has something for everyone.

Bad Hofgastein is part of the Gastein Valley ski area, which also includes Bad Gastein and Dorfgastein. Thanks to great bus connections, getting to other resorts in the Gastein Valley is easy so even if you don’t ski you can still explore the Gastein Valley.

The resort is famous for its thermal springs and long-standing spa culture. After skiing, you can relax in the thermal baths or treat yourself to a spa session. The town’s pedestrianised centre is filled with shops and restaurants, perfect for unwinding after a day on the slopes. Take a look at our activities & events guide to find out more about what’s on offer in Bad Hofgastein.

While the après-ski scene is quieter compared to other Austrian resorts, spots like Gastein Alm offer a cozy atmosphere to end the day with a cold beer. For more après ski options, take a look at our handy après guide.

Located just south of Salzburg, Bad Hofgastein is around a 1-hour 20-minute drive from Salzburg airport, making it ideal for a quick ski break. The train ride is equally scenic—take a short bus or taxi to Salzburg station, then enjoy a 1.5-hour journey to the Gastein Valley, followed by a quick taxi ride to the resort.

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

Ski Area Overview

You’ll find 86km of skiable terrain in Bad Hofgastein and 197km throughout the Gastein Valley. The access to the 86km of local runs, has been improved by the new Schlossalmbahn gondola, a massive €85 million project. Beyond the local slopes, skiers can explore the two other resorts in the Gastein Valley; Bad Gastein and Dorfgastein. All connected by an efficient bus service. With such a wide range of terrain, even the most enthusiastic skiers will find plenty to keep them entertained for a week.

The skiing in Bad Hofgastein is made up of 5 primary sectors, with a top elevation of 2686m. The main Schlossalm area above the resort features a mix of wide blue and red runs above the tree line, which wind down through scenic forests. This area links to Stubnerkogel via Angertal, right above Bad Gastein. Further up the valley, the snow-sure Sportgastein sector provides reliable conditions, while down the valley near Dorfgastein, there’s another 63km of connected slopes on both sides of Fulseck mountain.

For beginners, the best spot is Angertal, just a short bus ride from the town centre. It's a smooth progression area, and intermediates will appreciate the well-maintained slopes spread across the valley. Advanced skiers might find the black runs less challenging, but on powder days, the terrain gets a lot more exciting for experienced riders.

Ski holidays to Bad Hofgastein await!