Bad Gastein

Ski Amadé, Austria


Remember the mountains near Salzburg that Maria twirled down in the opening scene of The Sound of Music? Well, those same hills are alive with the sound of swishing skis in winter. Salzburg is a cracking base for striking out into the wider region of Salzburgerland. Covering a whopping 760km of pistes, 270 ski lifts and 25 resorts, Ski Amadé is one of Europe’s biggest ski regions not only in Salzburgerland but also in Styria (Steiermark), with everything from gentle, tree-lined runs to glorious off-piste.


Almost impossible to cover all 25 resorts within our 3- days journey in Austria therefore we show you today 3 out of them: Schladming-Dachstein, Flachau/Sankt-Johann and Bad Gastein. Once you finish reading it, we guarantee you will start packing for your upcoming holidays in Ski Amadé because it´s not only pure skiing paradise which you will find here but also an amazing apre-ski scene, great gastronomical experience and friendly Austrians.


Schladming-Dachstein

Located in southern Austria, the Schladming-Dachstein region has a good-sized ski area served by fast, comfortable lifts. Ski area is spread over four interlinked mountains, providing an intermediate’s paradise with most of the runs graded red and the slopes well linked by efficient, comfortable chairlifts and gondolas, including several with heated seats, so any concerns about the build-up of queues are quickly dissipated. Much of the skiing in the area is tree-lined, which provides excellent visibility in all conditions.


The town of Schladming itself is busy year round, which means that restaurants, bars and shops are well established and not so influenced by seasonal variations as they are at many ski resorts. It’s a wonderful, eclectic mix of the old (the old town gate, the church and several other buildings date back at least three centuries) and the new, in the form of stylish modern architecture, all perfectly blended together into an enticing destination.


The après ski normally gets going in the Hohenhaus Tenne, next to the Planai base station, at the end of the ski day, and indeed the party can stay here all evening if, as it later transforms into a nightclub. But there are plenty more venues in the heart of the resort where you might find the moment that matters to you most on your ski holiday in a cosy bar or intimate restaurant.


Snow Space Salzburg

Not only is the resort conveniently located, the runs are a good length, many of which are in trees and in total you can ski 120 km of groomed pistes including Flachau, St. Johann and Wagrain. One of our favourite local point was a giant 12 metre snowman with smiley face where children gathered to pose for pictures to send back to their loved ones.





Although the town is low, due to most of the slopes being north facing it has a reputation for reliable snow conditions and the pistes are very well kept and linked into each other, meaning you don’t have to pole or walk. It is idea for intermediaries and beginners and particularly caters for families.


Bad Gastein

Bad Gastein’s other natural wonder—its stunning scenery—is the greatest joy of any visit. Enjoy 136 miles of downhill ski runs across four different areas: Stubnerkogel-Angertal-Schlossalm, Sportgastein, Graukogel and Dorfgastein-Großarl. Given the high altitude and steep face of the mountains, there are few long and easy runs, making the resort ideal for intermediates. There’s a striking benefit to steeper slopes: you almost always benefit from spectacular views.


Even if you’re not a downhill or cross-country skier, it’s worth visiting Sportgastein for a long walk or snowshoe through sparkling fields surrounded by mountains. You can get there with a free bus that picks you up outside Bad Gastein train station and drops you off at the lift. Right in town, you can also take the gondola up the mountain to Stubnerkogel, Europe’s highest suspension bridge; at 459 feet long, it sways in the wind. Those of us who would rather stay more firmly rooted on the ground can, instead, indulge instead in a beautiful sleigh ride through the valley.

Therefore if you are truly looking for a skiing paradise, do not hesitate to visit some of the best ski resorts within Ski Amadé in Salzburgerland and in Styria (Steiermark). For more information regarding packages, ski passes and ski resort, go to the their official website https://www.skiamade.com/en/winter and become their fan on Facebook and Instagram. 

.

You Might Also Like

0 comments

Follow on instagram