Everything you need for your Bad Hofgastein ski holiday.
10th February, 2025
5 min read time
Positioned in the heart of the Gastein Valley, Bad Hofgastein dazzles visitors with its picturesque spa town ambiance and direct access to 86 km of pistes. Renowned not only for its reliable snow but also for its therapeutic thermal baths, this charming town offers a unique blend of outdoor adventure and restorative leisure.
As one of the most relaxing Austrian ski resorts, Bad Hofgastein combines wellness with exciting skiing. We've crafted this guide to streamline your Bad Hofgastein ski holiday planning. Discover all you need to know about its strategic location, extensive skiing terrain, historical weather patterns, and the finest spots for culinary delights or unwinding with loved ones after exhilarating days on the slopes. Plus, stay tuned until the end for essential contact details and useful links.
Bad Hofgastein is located in the Gastein Valley, in the district of Saint Johann im Pongau, in the Austrian state of Salzburg.
Nearest airport
Salzburg Airport (87 km)
Transfer time
Salzburg Airport (1hr 10 min)
Bad Hofgastein the resort
Resort altitude: 860 m
Resort permanent residents: 6500
Bad Hofgastein, is renowned for its colorful medieval buildings lining cobblestone streets, where age-old structures feature painted shutters and frescoed walls, enhancing its quaint, laid-back atmosphere. The pedestrianized town center, bustling with shops and restaurants, invites leisurely strolls and relaxed après-ski evenings in cozy bars and cafés. Accommodation options range from superb half-board hotels to luxurious spa resorts, all celebrated for their friendly service and excellent wellness facilities. The resort's sunny, expansive setting is complemented by excellent bus connections, making it easy to explore the wider Gastein Valley.
Pros
Cons
Extensive ski runs
Limited challenges for advanced
Exceptional resort activities
Lower slopes can have sparse natural snow
Excellent SPAs
Some ski sectors are not linked via lift connections
Rich historical heritage
Missing some traditional ski resort atmosphere
Here is how Bad Hofgastein looks like
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Bad Hofgastein has to offer.
Kilometres of pistes: 86 km (198 km - Gastein valley)
Vertical drop: 1440 m
Ski lifts: 19 (42 - Gastein valley)
Bad Hofgastein is a vital component of the Ski Amadé region, which also includes Bad Gastein and Dorfgastein, collectively offering over 200 km of ski runs. Bad Hofgastein itself boasts approximately 86 km of skiable terrain across 30 pistes (10 blues, 17 reds, 3 blacks), interconnected by 19 lifts and spread across five primary sectors:
Schlossalm area: The main gateway to Bad Hofgastein's ski slopes, offering varied terrain that caters to all skill levels.
Angertal Ski Center: A central hub ideal for beginners, featuring easier slopes and extensive facilities for ski instruction
Stubnerkogel area: Adjacent to Bad Gastein, this area is notable for more challenging terrain and breathtaking views, including a suspension bridge that attracts visitors.
Graukogel area: Preferred by advanced skiers for its ungroomed runs through ancient pine forests, offering a more natural ski experience.
Kreuzkogel: The highest point in the Gastein Valley ski area, Kreuzkogel is renowned for its extensive and challenging runs. It serves as a fantastic destination for experienced skiers looking for demanding pistes and deep snow conditions.
Skiing in Bad Hofgastein
Beginners
The Angertal area serves as the prime location for beginners, featuring gentle nursery slopes that are perfect for first-time skiers. Beginners can seamlessly progress to longer, scenic blue runs located at Schlossalm and Stubnerkogel, which are accessible via a short bus ride from the town center, enhancing their skiing skills in a picturesque setting.
Intermediates
Intermediate skiers can explore a wide network of blue and red runs stretching across the Schlossalm and Stubnerkogel sectors, linked directly to the broader pistes of Bad Gastein. These well-groomed slopes offer varied terrain above the tree line, dropping into beautiful forested areas, providing both challenge and beauty, with easy access across the valley facilitated by efficient public transportation.
Advanced
While Bad Hofgastein offers fewer challenges for advanced skiers on its groomed trails, the black runs on Graukogel and Stubnerkogel provide more demanding descents.
Off-piste
Bad Hofgastein is a prime destination for those eager to venture beyond groomed trails, offering extensive off-piste skiing opportunities across its sectors. Celebrated for its high elevations and reliable snow conditions, the Sportgastein sector features expansive open alpine terrains and forested gullies, ideal for thrilling backcountry experiences. Additionally, the Kreuzkogel sector complements these offerings with its spectacular off-piste route known to Heilstollen.
Snowboarding
The varied terrain across Bad Hofgastein caters well to snowboarders, with specific areas like Sportgastein offering wide alpine spaces perfect for both freeriding and technical rides. Additionally, the centrally located snowpark in Bad Gastein, within the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski sector, provides a diverse array of features suitable for snowboarders of all skill levels.
Bad Hofgastein ski season dates
The ski season in Bad Hofgastein for 2024/25 is expected to start on December 1st and run until April 22nd, though dates may vary depending on snow conditions. If you're planning a ski holiday to Bad Hofgastein this season, be sure to explore our Bad Hofgastein ski deals for the best ski offers available.
Bad Hofgastein snow history
Bad Hofgastein offers optimal snow conditions from December through April, each month presenting unique opportunities for skiers. December and January consistently bring about 19 cm and 21 cm of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 20 cm but occurs more frequently, averaging 3.7 days per week. The pinnacle of snowfall arrives in the first week of February, traditionally the snowiest week in Bad Hofgastein, with an impressive 31 cm of snow over 4.4 days, making it a paradise for those who cherish Bluebird Powder Days—when sunshine and light winds follow fresh snowfall. The season stretches into April with enjoyable conditions, accumulating 11 cm of snow over 2.1 days.
Kleine Scharte: A cozy mountain restaurant offering traditional Austrian cuisine.
Landgasthaus Ortenstein: This charming mountain gasthaus serves up local specialties in a rustic setting, ideal for experiencing authentic Tyrolean hospitality.
Junger Stube: Known for its inviting atmosphere, Junger Stube provides a warm spot to relax with comfort food amidst the snowy landscape.
Feldinghütte: A popular stop for skiers, Feldinghütte offers a delightful mix of local dishes and stunning views from its sun terrace.
Resort restaurants
La Piccola Italia: A little slice of Italy in the heart of Bad Hofgastein, this restaurant serves classic Italian dishes from pizza to pasta in a casual, friendly environment.
Kraut & Rüben: Focusing on healthy, organic meals, Kraut & Rüben offers a creative menu that caters to a variety of dietary preferences including vegetarian and vegan options.
Landgasthaus Ortenstein: At its resort location, this gasthaus continues to delight guests with its traditional fare and cozy ambiance, perfect for dinner after a day's adventures.
unGXUND: A modern eatery specializing in nutritious, wholesome foods.
Things to do in Bad Hofgastein
Tobogganing
Snowshoe walking
Winter walks
Horse-drawn sleigh
Ice skating
Curling
Ice climbing
Paragliding
Hang gliding
Dog sledging
Thermal spas
Yoga
Hot springs
Bad Hofgastein apres ski and nightlife
Weitmoserin: Located right at the base of the Schlossalmbahn lift, Weitmoserin is the perfect first stop where to enjoy local beers and live music
Gastein Alm: A short stroll from the Schlossalmbahn lift, Gastein Alm is known for its traditional alpine charm and is a popular gathering spot for both locals and visitors alike
The Aeroplanstadl: This vibrant après-ski bar is celebrated for its energetic parties and themed nights.
Girardi Piano Bar: Offering a sophisticated ambiance, this is the place where to enjoy live piano music while sipping on finely crafted cocktails.
Röck Bar: Known for its modern vibe and friendly service, it's a favorite among younger crowds.
