While nowadays it’s known mostly for its skiing, Bad Gastein has a history that stretches back for hundreds of years before the first powder-lovers took to its mountain trails. Bad Gastein was originally known for its spas, which are fed by 17 natural springs renowned for their mystical healing properties. To this day Bad Gastein remains a major spa and wellness resort, and the whole area is criss-crossed by streams and rivers.
Still, the majority of Bad Gastein’s visitors arrive for the excellent skiing – the town is now one of the leading resorts in Austria, a position it has held since winter sports first came to prominence in the country. The town holds the distinction of being the first to have its slopes serviced by cable car, and the area is now linked to others in the Gastein Valley, opening up more than 210km of world class slopes for its visitors.
Bad Gastein is far from being the highest ski resort in the Alps, altitude wise, yet it is one of the highest in Austria itself. Thanks to its north facing slopes and its extensive snowmaking efforts, the snow conditions here are pretty much the best you can find in the country.
No End To the Skiing
The total ski area on the Stubnerkogel Mountain is one of the largest in Europe, extending over four massive sectors that incorporate not only Bad Gastein, but also the slopes of Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein as well. A second ski area, on the slopes of the Graukogel Mountain is also available. It’s not linked by any pistes to the Stubnerkogel Mountain network, but the legendary Toni Sailer slope, a daunting 2km run named after a local ski champion, is said to be the toughest of all in this region.
Bad Gastein has slopes for all levels of skier, though the vast majority of them are regarded as being intermediate level, which means beginners and advanced skiers might find their choices rather limited. Those with normal ability however, will be assured of finding huge stretches of slopes on which they can cruise.
The Ski Amade pass covers the entire area, more than 800km of ski runs in total – not only the Gastein Valley but also other areas, with transport between them also covered by the pass. Bad Gastein also has some notable cross-country tracks and a superb terrain park for those who want a different kind of challenge.
Currency: Euro
Budget for one week: over €1000
Taxes and gratuity: Tipping is recommended
Official language: German
Area: 170.6 km2 (66 sq mi)
Population: 4390
Electricity:
- Voltage: 220-240 Volts (U.S./Canada are 110-120 Volts)
- Primary Socket Types: Schuko, Europlug
- Multi-voltage appliances (laptops, etc.)
- 110-120V electronics: Plug adapter + step-down transformer
- Hair dryers, curling irons, etc.: Plug adapter + voltage converter
Other key facts:
- Elevation – Highest lift 2700 meters
- Snowfall – 200 + inches per year
Images courtesy: Nielsen73 - Fotolia.com; Nick Wilson
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