Located at 1,038m, with a waterfall backdrop, Bad Gastein is the main town in Austria’s Gastein Valley and is famous for its year round spa that attracts visitors from around the world. The region has been renowned since medieval times for its hot mineral springs, which are claimed to cure a wide variety of ailments.

With its history steeped in providing relaxation to vacationers, Bad Gastein is well equipped to make stays enjoyable and comfortable, with plenty of facilities to suit even the most discerning travellers. Quaint old buildings line the streets, and there are numerous tasteful restaurants and cafés in which to pass the time when not on the slopes. The waterfall that drops hundreds of feet through the town is sometimes only a trickle through the ice; however, in spring thaw, it becomes a raging torrent.

Snowboarding and skiing is afforded by 48 lifts and 250kms of prepared runs, with slopes mainly catering to intermediate and advanced level skiers. Beginners have several runs to choose from, however, they are spread out. The ski school has an excellent reputation, and is a great place to undo any bad habits. There is a kindergarten and ski kindergarten, and babysitting can be arranged.

The lift circuits link Bad Gastein and Bad Hofgastein - a more modern ski resort with its own network of exhilarating runs. If bad weather hits, there are the cultural and architectural delights of Salzburg and Vienna, a short distance away.

The ski season runs from December to May, with the best months being February and March. Bad Gastein is easily accessed by air, road or rail, with most visitors arriving via Salzburg or Munich airports.