A winter holiday in Bad Gastein offers much more than skiing. Whether you enjoy winter hiking, sledging, cross-country skiing or relaxing in a thermal spa, the Gastein Valley in Austria's Salzburg region invites you to experience winter in many different
Snow-covered forests, crisp winter air and spectacular mountain views: There is plenty to discover in Bad Gastein, even without skis or a snowboard!
Our youth hostel in Bad Gastein is a convenient and affordable base for families, couples, independent travellers and groups looking for a varied winter holiday in the Austrian Alps.
Winter Hiking in the Gastein Valley – Enjoy Nature at Your Own Pace
If you would like to experience the snow-covered mountain scenery away from the ski slopes, the Gastein Valley offers numerous opportunities for winter hiking.
Cleared and maintained winter walking trails lead through forests, along the valley floor and to beautiful viewpoints. You can explore the winter landscape at your own pace, without ski equipment or demanding physical activities.
Walks along the Gasteiner Ache river and winter hiking routes around the different villages of the Gastein Valley are particularly enjoyable.
For longer excursions, designated winter hiking trails in the side valleys offer attractive options. Trail accessibility depends on current snow and weather conditions.
Tip: Before setting off, check the condition of the winter hiking trails and any possible closures!
Sledging – Winter Fun for Families and Friends
A sledging adventure is one of the most enjoyable ways to experience winter together. The Gastein Valley offers opportunities to enjoy the snowy landscape on designated toboggan runs.
One particularly well-known attraction is the natural toboggan run at Bellevue Alm in Bad Gastein. It combines a charming winter atmosphere with an exciting descent.
Sledging is a great alternative to skiing, whether you are travelling with children or a group of friends.
Important: Check current opening times and track conditions before your visit. Only use officially open toboggan runs and follow local safety rules!
Cross-Country Skiing in the Gastein Valley – Stay Active in the Winter Landscape
For those who enjoy exercising outdoors, cross-country skiing offers a wonderful alternative to downhill skiing.
The Gastein Valley has cross-country skiing trails for different ability levels. The trails in Sportgastein are particularly well known, offering an impressive experience amid high-alpine winter scenery.
When snow conditions allow, there are also opportunities for classic cross-country skiing and skating in the valley.
Whether you prefer a leisurely outing or a more demanding workout, cross-country skiing combines outdoor exercise with the beauty of the snow-covered mountains.
Up-to-date information on open trails and their conditions is available from the region's official tourism information services.
Snowshoe Hiking – Discover Winter Landscapes from a New Perspective
Snowshoe hiking allows you to experience the mountains in a different way. Away from the crowds, you can enjoy the peace of the winter landscape and feel closer to nature.
Guided snowshoe hikes are also available in the Gastein Valley. They are an excellent way to discover this winter activity and learn more about the alpine environment.
For beginners, we recommend guided excursions on suitable routes.
Please note: Snowshoe hiking in open alpine terrain requires knowledge of avalanche risks, terrain and weather conditions. If you lack the necessary experience, you should join a professionally guided tour.
Winter Activities for Families with Children
Even away from the ski slopes, the Gastein Valley offers plenty of opportunities for families to enjoy winter together.
A sledging adventure, a walk through the snow or a visit to a thermal spa can add variety to your winter holiday.
Often, it is the simple experiences that are the most memorable: walking through a snowy landscape together, admiring the mountains or enjoying a relaxing afternoon without needing lots of equipment.
This makes it easy to plan a varied winter holiday, even when not everyone in the family wants to ski.
Find out more: Family Holidays in Bad Gastein
Thermal Spas and Wellness – Relax in Winter
After a day in the cold winter air, there is hardly anything better than relaxing in warm thermal water.
Felsentherme Bad Gastein is only about a ten-minute walk from our youth hostel. It is the perfect place to warm up, enjoy a swim and unwind.
Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein is another popular destination for a relaxing day.
The thermal spas are an ideal complement to active winter adventures and an attractive alternative when the weather is less favourable.
Discover Bad Gastein in Winter
The town itself is also well worth exploring in winter. The distinctive architecture of this historic spa town, its famous waterfall and its spectacular setting on steep mountain slopes give Bad Gastein a unique atmosphere.
A walk through the town allows you to enjoy the winter scenery and discover the many different sides of Bad Gastein.
Events, cultural activities and attractions in the surrounding area offer even more variety.
Discover our Events in Bad Gastein and Tips for Your Stay.
Winter Holidays without a Car – Arrive Conveniently by Train
You do not necessarily need your own car for a winter holiday in Bad Gastein.
Bad Gastein is accessible by train, and our youth hostel is approximately 700 metres from the railway station. Felsentherme and the Stubnerkogel cable car are also within easy walking distance.
Public transport is available for excursions throughout the Gastein Valley. Depending on your destination and the season, you can enjoy various winter activities without your own vehicle.
We recommend checking current timetables and connections before your excursion!
Affordable Accommodation – Your Youth Hostel in Bad Gastein
A varied winter holiday does not have to be expensive. Our youth hostel in Bad Gastein offers uncomplicated accommodation for families, couples, independent travellers and groups.
You will find practical facilities for a comfortable and relaxing stay:
- Single, twin, triple and four-bed rooms with private shower and toilet.
- Breakfast included, so you can start your winter day full of energy.
- Additional meal options available on request.
- Common areas and recreational facilities for relaxing at the hostel.
- Convenient location: Felsentherme and the Stubnerkogel cable car are within walking distance.
- Easy access by train: Bad Gastein railway station is approximately 700 metres away.
Whether you want to stay active or simply enjoy the winter atmosphere, our youth hostel is an affordable base for your stay in the Gastein Valley.
Find out more: Rooms and Prices · Our Youth Hostel Facilities
Frequently Asked Questions about Winter Holidays in Bad Gastein
Plan Your Winter Holiday in Bad Gastein
Whether you enjoy winter hiking, sledging, cross-country skiing or relaxing in a thermal spa, Bad Gastein offers plenty of opportunities for an enjoyable winter holiday – even without skiing.
Explore our Rooms and Prices or send us a
We look forward to welcoming you to our youth hostel!
