Gasteinertal

Winter in Gastein – fascinates and invigorates
Après-ski takes on a whole new meaning here in Gastein Valley, with its three communities of Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein: Skiers who love to enjoy life to the absolute full generally head straight from the pistes to one of Gastein’s two spa resorts.
Variety-packed skiing adventures await you during your winter holidays in Gastein, especially since Gastein Valley has the right slope in store for every ability level: 4 broad ski areas ranging as high as 2700 meters above sea level, plus deep-snow and moguls runs, carving hills and fantastic freerides, add all the variety you could possibly wish for in a ski getaway. Some 50 lifts along with a total of 208 kilometers of perfectly groomed, always-snowy pistes make Gastein Valley one of the most attractive ski areas in the entire province. High-alpine Sportgastein is an absolute dream for freeriders, a place where the backcountry is wide and open. The ideal elevations and extensive snowmaking coverage guarantee reliable snow conditions from the end of November until late April. One special attraction is a 140 m-long footbridge on the Stubnerkogel: Suspended 28 meters over an abyss at 2400 meters above sea level, it is the highest suspension bridge in Europe. Enthroned right across from it is an attractive viewing platform with a name that says it all: the Glocknerblick or “Glockner View”. All visitors who venture out there are indeed treated to fantastic views of Austria’s highest mountain, the Grossglockner (elev. 3,798m).
Far removed from the bustling ski slopes, Gastein’s silent side valleys and forests invite you to set out on atmospheric snowshoe hikes, ambitious cross-country ski tours or leisurely rides snuggled up in the back of a horse-drawn sleigh, for snowy wintry enjoyment that is uniquely special.

Around 100 kilometers of winter hiking paths as well as numerous friendly huts – offering everything from a warm, rustic atmosphere to jetset-style luxury – provide the finishing touches to this idyllic picture.

From the pistes to the spas
After a day of skiing or snowshoeing, what could be more rejuvenating than allowing your tired muscles to relax and recover in warm water? For centuries now, the healing benefits of Gastein’s spring waters have been known far beyond Austria’s borders. Every single day, five million liters of water bubble up from the depths of the mountains at 17 different springs. These thermal waters then flow into the Felsentherme in Bad Gastein and the Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein – and into other wellness centers at numerous hotels in the valley. In the Gastein Healing Gallery, too, worn-out winter sports fans discover the renewed energy they need for the next day ahead. There, the air temperature lies between 37.5 and 41.5 degrees Celsius, with humidity anywhere from 70 to almost 100 percent: Both the water and air contain a healthful dose of healing radon.