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.
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Bad Hofgastein is located in the Gastein Valley, in the district of Saint Johann im Pongau, in the Austrian state of Salzburg.
Nearest airport
Transfer time
| 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 |
This short video provides a glimpse of everything Bad Hofgastein has to offer.
(Ref: Gastein)
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.
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.
While Bad Hofgastein offers fewer challenges for advanced skiers on its groomed trails, the black runs on Graukogel and Stubnerkogel provide more demanding descents.
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.
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.
The ski season in Bad Hofgastein for 2025/26 is scheduled to run from 29 November to 6 April. These dates are provided by the resort and may be subject to change depending on snow conditions and other operational factors. Planning ahead? Don’t forget to check out our Bad Hofgastein deals for the best ski offers available.
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 (7.48 in) and 21 cm (8.26 in) of snow respectively, dispersed across roughly 3.3 days each week, ensuring regular fresh snow. February's snowfall slightly decreases to 20 cm (7.87 in) 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 (12.20 in) 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 (4.33 in) of snow over 2.1 days.
| Month | Snow amount (week) | Snow days (week) |
|---|---|---|
| December | 19 cm | 3.1 days |
| January | 21 cm | 3.6 days |
| February | 20 cm | 3.7 days |
| March | 16 cm | 3.5 days |
| April | 11 cm | 2.1 days |
(Ref: snow-forecast.com)
Download Bad Hofgastei resort map here
