Austria, Europe · Ski amadé
Gastein
200km of pistes across four ski areas in Salzburgerland. Home to one of Austria's longest runs at 10.4km vertical.
Season 2025 - 2026
Opens
28 Nov 2025
Closes
5 Apr 2026
Days open
128
Annual snow
4m
The Overview
Michael Fulton
Melbourne-based skier and snowboarder with 50+ resorts across 5 continents. Specialises in Australian resorts and international resort comparisons.
Gastein spans four ski areas across the Gasteinertal - Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel, Sportgastein, Graukogel and Dorfgastein-Großarltal - delivering over 200 kilometres of pistes served by 50 lifts. Elevations reach from 860 metres at valley level to 2,686 metres at Sportgastein's Kreuzkogel summit, the highest point in Ski amadé. The Hohe Scharte Nord run on Schlossalm ranks among the longest descents in the Eastern Alps at 10.4 kilometres with 1,440 metres of vertical drop.
Terrain splits roughly 30 per cent beginner, 55 per cent intermediate and 15 per cent advanced across the combined areas. The main Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel circuit carries predominantly red runs with wide, well-groomed pistes linking Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein. Sportgastein draws freeriders with three designated off-piste routes and reliable powder conditions at high altitude.
The Belle Époque spa town of Bad Gastein provides a distinctive contrast to typical Austrian ski villages, with grand historic hotels cascading down steep valley slopes and a dramatic waterfall running through the centre. Alpentherme in Bad Hofgastein and Felsentherme in Bad Gastein both tap mineral-rich thermal waters heated to 46°C. The 140-metre suspension bridge atop Stubnerkogel and Glocknerblick viewing platform add non-skiing attractions.
Multi-day passes unlock the entire Ski amadé network spanning 760 kilometres across five regions including Hochkönig and Schladming-Dachstein. Free ski buses connect the valley's dispersed lift bases at 15 to 20-minute intervals. The resort suits intermediate skiers seeking variety without crowds, families drawn to Angertal's dedicated learning zones, and powder seekers heading to Sportgastein's alpine terrain.
1440m
Vertical
77
Runs
83 km
Piste
4m
Annual snow
Ski amadé
Pass
Watch
See Gastein in motion
The Terrain
77 runs across 83 km of piste
Gastein spreads 77 runs across 83 km of piste of terrain. It leans intermediate at 60%, with 28 beginner runs to find your feet and 2 advanced or expert runs when you want to push.
Terrain split
77
runs
77 runs across 4 grades
Beginner28 runs · 37%
Intermediate46 runs · 60%
Advanced2 runs · 3%
Expert0 runs · 0%
Time it right
When to visit Gastein
Gastein's 2025-26 season launches 28 November with partial operations on Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel, expanding to full service from early December. Dorfgastein-Großarltal opens 5 December and Sportgastein follows 12 December. The season extends through early April on the main circuit, with Sportgastein's high-altitude terrain often holding snow into late April or early May.
Sportgastein sits between 1,584 and 2,650 metres, delivering average summit snow depths around 170 centimetres through the season with February peaks near 200 centimetres. The main Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel area benefits from extensive snowmaking covering 85 per cent of runs, backed by that 150,000 cubic metre reservoir installed during the 2018 rebuild.
February typically delivers the most consistent snow with around 4 to 5 snowy days per week at higher elevations. January offers the most sun - averaging 18 clear days - while December provides quieter slopes before holiday crowds arrive. March and April bring spring skiing with longer days and softer afternoon snow on south-facing aspects.
The open-air Gastein Sounds festival marks season opening weekend in December with concerts at the Schlossalm valley station. The North race in late March challenges participants on the Hohe Scharte Nord run with 1,440 metres of vertical descent in a timed super-G format. Sound & Snow events bring headline acts throughout winter.
Season 2025 - 2026
28 Nov 2025
Opens
5 Apr 2026
Closes
128
Days open
4 m
Annual snow
Getting there
Getting to Gastein, and where to stay
The Gasteinertal runs approximately 40 kilometres through the Hohe Tauern mountain range in Salzburgerland, Austria, with three main villages - Dorfgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Bad Gastein - strung along the valley floor. Bad Gastein sits at around 1,000 metres elevation on dramatic steep slopes, while Bad Hofgastein occupies flatter terrain at 860 metres. The valley terminates at Sportgastein beneath 3,000-metre peaks marking the edge of Hohe Tauern National Park.
Salzburg lies 90 kilometres north, accessible via the A10 Tauern motorway with the Gasteinertal exit near Bischofshofen. St Johann im Pongau sits at the valley entrance roughly 16 kilometres from Dorfgastein. The thermal spa heritage dates to the 19th century when Bad Gastein's mineral waters drew European nobility - the town's grand hotels and waterfall retain that Belle Époque character.
From Salzburg, drivers follow the A10 south toward the Tauern Tunnel, exiting before Bischofshofen onto the B167 through St Johann im Pongau and into the valley. The drive takes approximately 75 minutes in good conditions. From Munich, count on 2.5 hours via Salzburg. Access from the south runs through Mallnitz using the car-train shuttle through the Tauern railway tunnel.
Salzburg Airport sits 80 kilometres away, roughly 90 minutes by road or direct train. ÖBB Railjet services run hourly to Bad Gastein station, which connects directly to the Stubnerkogelbahn valley station and Felsentherme thermal spa via an elevated walkway. Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein also have railway stations. Free ski buses link all lift bases throughout the valley.
Where to stay
Search all stays →Hotels and lodges near Gastein, powered by Stay22.
Latest News
From the SnowStash desk
Sundance Mountain Resort Is Getting a New High-Speed Quad and More Back Mountain Terrain This Winter
Sundance Mountain Resort's back mountain is finally getting a proper lift. The Electric Horseman Express opens for 2026-27, unlocking a new bowl next to Bishop's Bowl and three expert gladed chutes across roughly 105 fresh acres - on top of the Storyteller ridge run that debuted in preview form last season. It's Sundance's biggest expansion since 1985, and it turns a three-lift slog into a single six-minute ride to Bearclaw Summit.
19 Aug 2026
Nassfeld Invests €13 Million in New 6-Seater Chairlift for 2026/27 Season
Nassfeld is putting €13 million into a new 6-seater chairlift, the Tressdorfer Almbahn, connecting Sonnleitn with the Tressdorfer Alm from December 2026. It replaces three ageing drag lifts and will run through summer too, from June 2027, moving up to 2,500 people an hour on the roughly three-minute ride. It's the latest step in Carinthia's largest ski resort building out a genuine year-round offering, following last year's Gartnerkofelbahn gondola.
17 Aug 2026
Stelvio Glacier Suspends Summer Skiing, Leaving Continental Europe Without a Lift-Served Slope
Italy's Stelvio Glacier has pulled the plug on summer skiing from August 15. It was the last lift-served ski option left standing in continental Europe, and now there's none. Operator SIFAS pointed to persistent heat, storms, and a snowpack that simply wasn't refreezing overnight anymore. The cable car keeps running. Whether skiing comes back later this summer depends on the weather turning - and right now, nobody's promising anything.
15 Aug 2026
Maverick Mountain's Only Chairlift Destroyed as Sand Creek Fire Tears Through Montana Ski Area
Firefighters saved every base building at Maverick Mountain, Montana, but the resort's sole chairlift didn't survive the Sand Creek Fire. Owners Erik and Kristi Borge say the lift is "most likely" out for the 2026/27 season after flames tore through the mountain on August 8. The wildfire has since grown past 27,700 acres with zero percent containment. It's a gutting result for the tiny, one-lift operation near Dillon - though the lodge, groomers and equipment all made it through untouched.
15 Aug 2026
Fairmont Niseko: New Luxury Resort Revives Stalled La Plume Site for Early 2028 Opening
Fairmont is bringing its second Japanese property to Niseko, and this one's got history. The 165-room resort will rise on the site of the stalled La Plume project, which collapsed into bankruptcy in 2025 before J-Will Partners bought the site for redevelopment. Set between Mount Yotei and Mount Annupuri, it's slated for an early 2028 opening - putting it in play for the 2027/28 season. Expect two restaurants, a spa, onsen bathing, and a kids' club, a short drive from Niseko Village and Hirafu.
12 Aug 2026
Saas-Fee Closes Its Glacier to Summer Skiing as Heat Wave Drags On
Saas-Fee is closing its glacier to summer skiing from Monday, August 10 - the second major Swiss resort to shut in under two weeks after Zermatt suspended operations on August 1. Persistent heat and warm nights that won't let the glacier refreeze are behind the call, per Saastal Bergbahnen. That leaves Italy's Stelvio as the only glacier ski area open in the Alps. Reopening could come as early as August 17, though nothing's confirmed - and racing teams are already looking south instead.
8 Aug 2026
Silvretta Montafon Plans New 10-Person Gondola to Replace Ageing Hochjoch Lift
Silvretta Montafon wants to retire one of its most distinctive lifts. The plan: a single 10-person gondola running direct from Schruns to 1,870 metres, replacing both the two-stage Hochjoch cable car and the 1985 Kropfen chairlift in one move. Capacity jumps from 620 to 3,000 people an hour, and the mid-station transfer disappears entirely. The public hearing lands August 27, 2026 - construction hasn't been confirmed yet, though lift databases are pointing to 2027.
5 Aug 2026
Ski Pass on Your Smartphone: Dolomiti Superski's Plans for the Next Three Years
Dolomiti Superski's general assembly has unanimously re-elected Andy Varallo for a third consecutive term, running through 2029. Alongside the leadership renewal comes a bigger shift: a Smartpass that puts your ski pass on your smartphone, more AI in guest services, and an expanded Dolomiti Supersummer program. The 46-year-old Alta Badia cable car entrepreneur says the region's marketing is moving beyond skiing alone, toward positioning the Dolomites as a year-round destination.
4 Aug 2026
Live webcams
9 live angles across the mountain. Tap any camera to go full-screen.
About Gastein's live webcams
Check live conditions across Gastein with 9 real-time webcams showing snow, weather, and lift operations, updated every 10 minutes. Check high-elevation cams for powder visibility and base-area cams for crowd levels before you head up.
Camera guide
- Stubnerkogel mountain station II2233m
- The stubnerkogel webcam offers spectacular views from the summit station, where you can monitor conditions on the challenging high-alpine terrain. Watch as skiers tackle the varied runs while taking in panoramic views of Bad Gastein's historic spa town below.
- Bad Hofgastein Schlossalm2051m
- The schlossalm webcam showcases the extensive intermediate terrain and perfectly groomed slopes of the Schlossalm area. Monitor snow conditions and lift operations while enjoying views stretching across the Hohe Tauern mountains.
- Angertal ski center1211m
- The angertal webcam provides a perfect view of this central hub where multiple ski areas converge. Watch as skiers access the connecting lifts and enjoy the sunny slopes of this family-friendly zone.
- Bad Hofgastein Schlossalm Weitmoser1935m
- From the Weitmoser area, this bad hofgastein webcam captures the heart of the resort's intermediate terrain. Monitor conditions on the popular blue runs and watch skiers carving their way down the well-maintained slopes.
- Dorfgastein Fulseck mountain station2033m
- Positioned at the Fulseck summit, this webcam overlooks the diverse terrain of Dorfgastein, showing both challenging slopes and gentle learning areas below.
- Bad Gastein Stubnerkogel Snowpark1800m
- The stubnerkogel webcam at the snowpark lets you check conditions at this popular freestyle zone. Watch riders hitting the jumps and rails while enjoying views of the surrounding peaks.
- Sportgastein Kreuzkogel2605m
- The webcam sportgastein at Kreuzkogel offers stunning views from the highest point in the ski area. Monitor conditions on the high-alpine terrain and watch as advanced skiers tackle the challenging slopes.
- Graukogel mountain station2005m
- From the historic Graukogel area, this webcam provides views of the resort's more traditional skiing terrain, perfect for watching skiers on these classic Alpine runs.
- Bad Gastein 360°1211m
- This panoramic webcam delivers sweeping views of the entire valley, from the Belle Époque architecture of Bad Gastein to the surrounding peaks and waterfalls that make this resort unique.
Gastein snow cams FAQ
How often do Gastein snow cams update?
All Gastein snow cams and webcams update every 10 minutes with fresh images showing current mountain conditions. This frequent update schedule ensures you have access to near real-time conditions for planning your ski day at Gastein.
Which Gastein webcam shows the best powder conditions?
The high-elevation Sportgastein Kreuzkogel webcam at 2,605m provides the clearest view of powder conditions and snowfall. These Gastein webcams capture fresh snow accumulation and visibility better than base area cameras.
Can I see Gastein lift queues on the webcams?
Yes. Multiple Gastein snow cams specifically show lift queue areas and chairlift operations, helping you time your arrival and avoid peak queue periods.
When is the best time to check Gastein snow cams?
Check Gastein webcams early morning (7-8am) for overnight snowfall assessment, and mid-afternoon for current crowd levels and weather. The live cams are most useful after storm events to assess fresh powder.
How can I check current conditions before buying Gastein lift tickets?
Use our Gastein webcams alongside the live snow report to assess conditions before purchasing lift tickets. The webcams show real-time visibility, snow quality, and operational status.
Do Gastein webcams work on mobile devices?
Yes. All Gastein snow cams and webcams are optimized for mobile viewing, so you can check live conditions from anywhere using your phone or tablet.
More Gastein intelligence: snow report, lift tickets, trail map, resort overview.