Bad Hofgastein & Bad Gastein
The extensive Gasteinertal ski area, one of the largest in Austria, is a “well kept secret”. The attractive towns of Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein have bustling centres and excellent amenities, not to mention the famous spas (see 'Ski & Spa') and 'Casino Bad Gastein'. Bad Hofgastein is the quieter of the two resorts, perfectly suited for families, while Bad Gastein attracts those looking for a great nightlife - beginning with 'Après Ski' and continuing into the early hours! With a total of 250kms of piste, the skiing and boarding is superb - you need almost never take the same piste twice in a week, and if you head off-piste with a guide the area almost doubles again!
Beginners
The gentle nursery slopes at Angertal provide an ideal introduction for beginners, who will quickly progress onto the easy blues of the Schlossalm area. In Bad Gastein the nursery slopes are next to the main gondola and beginners will then progress on to the Stubnerkogel.
Intermediates
This is ski-your-heart-out country! The Gastein valley region features 5 extensive ski areas: Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, Dorfgastein, Sportgastein and Grau Kogel - offering 250kms of challenging and well groomed pistes.
Advanced
The fearsome long black from the Jungeralm and the local Kamikaze racing run from Graukogel to Bad Gastein are undoubted favourites. There are also some testing runs on the Stubnerkogel. The off-piste can be fantastic too - why not hire a guide and head to the spectacular, scenic, off-piste route from Kreuzkogel to Heilstollen, or one of the many other routes in the area.
Snowboarding
These two resorts form part of one of Austria's largest rideable areas with over 100 miles of piste. For freestylers there is a well maintained half-pipe and snowboard park to keep you happy and plenty of natural hits around.
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Approx Transfer Time
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Salzburg - Bad Hofgastein 1 hr 45 mins; Bad Gastein 2 hrs
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Village Height
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Bad Hofgastein: 859m (2,818ft); Bad Gastein: 1,000m (3,281ft)
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Highest Lift
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2,686m (8,812ft)
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Apres Ski
Bad Hofgastein: Friendly, yet still a great atmosphere with a variety of bars, cafés and discos. Bad Gastein: Good choice of lively and cosmopolitan nightspots with an impressive casino for those wishing to have a flutter.
Activities
Eating Out
A superb choice of over 35 restaurants in each resort, catering for all tastes and pockets • 3-course dinner from €15-20.
Other Amenities