Character: A gentle, idyllic cross-country ski trail through the Kurpark in Bad Hofgastein. Surrounded by old trees and small, winding paths, it is a particularly charming way to “stroll” on skis at an easy pace.
Technique: Classic
Length: 1.5 km
Tip: Especially beautiful in the evening under floodlights.
Activities in the fourth season
Winter holiday in Salzburg province
Fresh powder snow, clear mountain air and a glittering winter landscape that looks almost like a dream. The Gastein Valley in winter offers countless ways to stay active and, at the same time, find deep relaxation. Cross-country skiing on more than 70 km of trails, winter and snowshoe hiking in Salzburg province, tobogganing or curling on the hotel’s own lane – the choice is wonderfully varied. And in the evening? Off to the soothing thermal water and then to the crackling fireplace. At Sonngastein, you experience a winter holiday in Austria the way it feels in a fairy tale. Only real.
Winter holiday in Austria
Cross-country skiing in the Gastein Valley
Cross-country skiing is one of the healthiest winter sports of all. The Gastein Valley offers the perfect setting for it – one that rewards every stride. More than 70 km of groomed trails lead through snow-covered valleys, past sparkling streams and into views of the peaks of the Hohe Tauern National Park. The season begins in Sportgastein as early as November, while the other trails open in December. In Angertal, cross-country skiing is usually possible until mid-April; in Sportgastein, the trails are often perfectly prepared until the end of April.
Gliding through the Gastein Valley
Cross-country ski trails around Sonngastein
From a relaxed flat loop for beginners or families to a challenging route with panoramic views of the Hohe Tauern: the Gastein Valley offers a suitable cross-country ski trail for every level. Here is an overview:
Tobogganing fun for families and couples
Tobogganing
Pack your toboggan, take the lift up and off you go. The Bellevue Alm toboggan run in Bad Gastein is 2.5 km long and offers just as much fun for children as it does for adults. One of the last single-seater chairlifts in Austria takes you comfortably uphill during the day and in the evening. The special thing about night tobogganing: when the run glows beneath the stars, the descent becomes even more magical. The natural Aeroplan toboggan run also awaits you with fast bends, wide passages and a lively descent – for plenty of tobogganing fun.
Tracks in the snow
Winter and snowshoe hiking in Austria
The Gastein Valley offers wonderful winter walking opportunities too. Groomed winter trails lead up to cosy huts and magnificent viewpoints. On snowshoes, you leave the paths behind and step deep into the snow-covered mountains of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Our weekly programme regularly includes guided winter hikes followed by a sociable stop for refreshments. Discover snowshoe hiking in Austria and winter hiking in Salzburg province – and see the snowy landscape from a whole new perspective.
Winter wonderland
Glittering Gastein Valley
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Aim for the target, stone on the ice
Hotel’s own ice stock sport lane
Right next to the hotel, our illuminated ice stock sport lane quickly becomes the centre of sociable winter moments. Open daily on request from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm, it is a popular part of a winter holiday in Austria with children. Enjoy an exciting match with the whole family by day – or in the evening, when the hotel sign lights up in the background and the friendly competition begins. No experience needed. We provide the ice stock stones. As part of our weekly programme, we also regularly invite guests to join a relaxed ice stock session together.
Ski down, unwind, recharge
Essentials for a winter holiday in Austria
Let the evening wind down
Après-ski & mountain hut evenings
The day on the piste or in the snow slowly comes to an end – and the evening begins with its own special atmosphere. Around Bad Gastein, numerous huts invite you to stop in and enjoy yourself. Particularly recommended are the Bellevue Alm, Waldgasthof Angertal and Gipfelrestaurant Stubnerkogel, with its spectacular suspension bridge and wide 360° views towards the Alpenhauptkamm.
Prefer to stay at the hotel? In our lounge with library and open fire, the day can wind down beautifully. In the piano bar, soft live music adds the perfect atmosphere to the end of a fulfilling winter’s day.
Sparkling offers
Winter holiday in Austria
Early-booking benefit - Gourmet Week: Wine & Co half price
- 09.01.2027 - 30.01.2027
- + 2 Time Frames
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Early Booking benefit: 18% off the daily rate for stays of 14 nights or more
- 09.01.2027 - 06.02.2027
- + 1 Time Frame
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Early Booking benefit: 15% off the daily rate for stays of 7 nights or more
- 09.01.2027 - 06.02.2027
- + 1 Time Frame
view offer
Which winter activities are available away from the ski slopes?
The Gastein Valley offers numerous ways to enjoy active and relaxing winter days away from the ski slopes.
- cross-country skiing on more than 70 km of groomed trails
- winter walking on cleared paths
- snowshoe hiking through the snowy mountain landscape
- daytime and floodlit tobogganing
- ice stock sport on the hotel's own lane
- thermal water, wellness and saunas
Depending on the week and weather, the hotel programme also includes guided winter activities.
Where can guests go cross-country skiing near Sonngastein?
The Gastein Valley offers more than 70 km of groomed cross-country trails for different ability levels.
Beginners and families can enjoy gentle routes in the Bad Hofgastein spa gardens and in Böckstein. More experienced cross-country skiers can use the challenging Angertal trail. Sportgastein offers several high-altitude trails at around 1,600 to 1,800 metres above sea level.
Depending on snow conditions, the season in Sportgastein may begin as early as November. Trails in the higher areas are often prepared well into April.
Are guided winter walks or snowshoe hikes available?
Yes. The changing weekly programme regularly includes guided winter walks or snowshoe hikes.
Activities depend on the current snow conditions, weather and number of participants. Some walks may include a sociable stop at a mountain inn or hut.
The relevant programme item shows the meeting point, duration, required equipment and registration information.
Can guests use the hotel's ice stock sport lane?
The illuminated ice stock sport lane is located directly beside the hotel and can be used in suitable conditions daily on request from 8:00 am to 10:00 pm.
No previous experience is required. The hotel provides the necessary ice stock stones.
Depending on the weekly programme, guests may also be invited to a shared ice stock evening. As the lane depends on the weather and ice conditions, guests should check with reception before using it.
What can guests do at the hotel during poor winter weather?
Even during heavy snowfall or poor weather, numerous facilities are available directly at the hotel:
- an indoor thermal pool and heated outdoor pools
- the sauna world and spacious relaxation areas
- the 1,700 m² Adventure Hall
- two indoor tennis courts
- fitness, yoga and exercise activities
- the hotel cinema and programmes for children and teenagers
Adults can enjoy a relaxing wellness or activity day while children and teenagers use their own play, sports and supervised programme facilities.