Local Area Information
Ski Season
With 200km of piste the Gastein valley offers a fantastic ski experience. It’s a great resort for all levels: 60km easy, 117 intermediate and 24km difficult.
The pistes are uncrowded, particularly at high season. Safety is a priority.
The type of tourists attracted to Gastein seem to be often experienced skiers arriving in family groups.
Gastein skiers do appear to be very considerate and there are very few if any reckless groups racing around in an uncontrolled manner.
The ski schools are fantastic and we highly recommend. The same instructors seem to return season after season because its such a good place to be. We have found the Holleis ski school at Dorfgastein to be exceptional for both young children and adults.
Sportsgastein pistes are snow sure at 2800m - the highest resort in all of Ski Amade region. Whilst other ski resorts struggle for good snow - you will always find 'powder' in Gastein.
Some of the world's best off piste skiing - particularly off the back of Sportgastein and the Graukogel.
But please take a local guide for your safety.
Bad Gastein is the annual host of the FIS Snowboard World Cup and between 8th -10th of January snowboarders from around the world make their annual pilgrimage to the Gastein mountains.
Over 35 million euros has recently been invested to keep Bad Gastein ahead of the competition with fantastic new lift systems linking the areas. It is literally impossible to ski the whole resort in a week the pistes are so extensive!
Another 135 million euros is being spent on further development this coming season.
Take a look at www.skigastein.com which is full of information about the local ski-scene.
Ski lifts are in operation from the first week of December through Easter to the last week of April in snowsure Sportsgastein with runs reaching 2686m on the Kreuzkogel. Spring skiing comes highly recommended! There are 5 extensive ski areas - more than enough to keep you entertained for a fortnight!
The Gastein valley has a long 5 month season compared to many other Austrian resorts. It lies at the Eastern side of the alps which are colder and have a much better snow record compared to those further west. The resort is higher than nearby Kitzbuhel has more extensive runs and is much less crowded! The Gastein valley is an integral part of the vast Ski Amade alliance with more than 854km of slopes in over 30 resorts on the same ticket including Schladming and Flachau. Other nearby resorts include Kitzbuhel, Saalbach - Hinterglemm and Zell am See are within one hours easy drive of the Gastein valley.
For ski schools we recommend the Angertal ski center www.schneesportgastein.com which has fantastic children's faclities.
Spring and Summer
Spring heralds the dramatic change of season with the spectacular snow melt as cascades of water roar as they fall down the beautiful mountainside. The area is a very popular holiday destination outside the ski season. The main ski lifts are kept open for hikers to explore the high alpine wilderness with beautiful flower meadows and nature filled scenery viewing Austria's highest peak, the Grossglockner at 3798m.
Hike along the Salzburger Almenweg which runs through the Gastein valley www.salzburger-almenweg.at and www.wandergastein.com. There is also great hiking in the spectacular HoHe Tauern National Park http://www.hohetauern.at a nature reserve encompasses sweeping, primeval Alpine landscapes, such as glaciers, rock faces and turf, as well as mountain pasture landscapes.
Gastein is famous for its health care and therapy. You can take the 2.4km train ride into the mountain to the Gastein Healing Gallery a natural Turkish bath at 32 degrees centigrade www.gasteiner-heilstollen.com The thermal cure is effective in disorders of the musculoskeletal system, the respiratory tracts and the skin. Furthermore it has a soothing effect on the general wellbeing (immunoprophylaxis) and affords new vitality, power and energy.
Get wet and well at Therme Amade and Alpentherme Gastein. These spa pools have sauna worlds and spa baths along with adventure pools and amazing slides!- www.alpentherme.com & www.felsentherme.com. Also see The Gastein Cure www.gesundheit.gastein.com
Fly above the mountains with Lois Grugger, paragliding world record holder at www.tandem-flying.com or parasail from the top of Dorfgastein ski lift - www.dorfgastein.net
There is horse riding locally in Bad Bruck, or Icelandic ponies at www.reitzentrum.at in Bad Hofgastein.
Archery at www.hartlbauer.at
There are mining tours and gold panning at the Skizentrum Angertal - Gastein mines supplied as much as 10% of the worlds gold and silver in the Middle ages!
There are three excellent tourist information offices in the valley - as you drive up the valley through Dorfgastein beside the main road on left side , Badhofgastein town center and central Badgastein. There are lots of concerts and festivals troughout the summer months.
Mountain bikes can be hired from many outlets locally.
Outdoor Swimming pool at Dorfgastein – fantastic for kids in the summer.
Grossglockner Hochalpenstrasse - www.grossglockner.en - This is the famous alpine road, said to be the most scenic and wonderful drivers (and bikers) road in the world. It is situated about 45mins minutes easy drive from the chalet. There is also a nature reserve and children’s theme park at the entrance to the Alpine road which my children really enjoyed.
Golf - the Bad Gastein golf club - www.golfclub-gastein.com - is very near the house approx 3 minutes walk to the fairway. It is famous and well respected with an English professional who gives tuition.
Restaurants - the town is blessed with a wonderful array of top quality dining including traditional Austrian fare, Italian (the border is close), Thai, Mexican etc