Bad Gastein Prologue opens Ski Classics World Championship Season XVIII – racing, alpine charm, and a touch of Belle Époque magic.
As snow settles over Austria’s Hohe Tauern mountains, the historic spa town of Bad Gastein once again transforms into the stage for the opening weekend of Ski Classics Season XVIII.
Known for its dramatic waterfall, grand Belle Époque hotels, and alpine energy, Bad Gastein sets the tone for another winter of racing.
Ski Classics unveils its first-ever Tour Competition, bringing together four races across two thrilling weekends.
The Tour kicks off with the Bad Gastein Prologue, which also opens Season XVIII. Set against the backdrop of the city center, this electrifying 1km individual start promises a fast and explosive beginning to the season for athletes and spectators alike.
Bad Gastein Prologue – Ski Classics World Championship Events 1
Alpine atmosphere and timeless style
Beyond the racing, Bad Gastein offers one of the most distinctive settings in the Alps. Perched dramatically on steep cliffs, the town combines vintage grandeur with creative energy. Its Belle Époque architecture — elegant hotels and grand façades from the golden era of spas — contrasts beautifully with the raw power of the Bad Gastein Waterfall, cascading 341 meters through the town center.
Once a retreat for emperors, artists, and writers, Bad Gastein today blends historic charm with a modern, stylish edge. Cozy cafés, cocktail bars, and design hotels create an atmosphere where tradition meets innovation — an ideal mix for a destination that welcomes both elite athletes and travelers.
Explore, relax, and recharge
For those extending their stay, Sportgastein itself, located at 1,600 meters above sea level, offers excellent snow reliability throughout the winter. Part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, it’s a haven for cross-country skiing, freeriding, and backcountry exploration.
Visitors can unwind at the Felsentherme, an alpine thermal spa built directly into the rock, or explore the Stubnerkogel Mountain, known for its panoramic suspension bridge and breathtaking views across the Salzburgerland peaks. Adventurous guests can even try Flying Waters, a zipline experience that lets you soar above the waterfall and historic town center.
For a deeper connection to the region’s heritage, the Gastein Healing Gallery (Heilstollen) offers a unique therapeutic experience within a mountain tunnel, renowned for its natural radon and thermal properties.
Culinary delights of the Gastein Valley
Bad Gastein’s culinary scene mirrors its diverse character. From traditional Austrian dishes served in alpine huts to creative fine dining experiences, there’s something for every palate. Don’t miss the Full Moon Dinner in Sportgastein, a candlelit open-air feast surrounded by snowy peaks, or the Culinary Winter Journey in Kötschachtal, where local flavors and regional ingredients take center stage.
Where to stay
From historic icons to modern boutique hotels, accommodation options are as varied as the landscape. Among the most popular choices are the Mondi Hotel Bellevue Gastein, Hotel Miramonte, the cōmodo, Das.Schiller, and Europäischer Hof Bad Gastein — each offering comfort, alpine style, and proximity to the main Ski Classics action.
The perfect start to the winter
The Bad Gastein weekend represents everything that makes Ski Classics special — world-class racing, unforgettable landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere where sport meets culture. Whether watching the world’s best athletes push for victory or exploring the timeless charm of this alpine resort, visitors will find Bad Gastein to be more than just a race venue — it’s a destination where winter truly begins.
Tourism and travel guide: www.gastein.com
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Instagram – @visitgastein, @gastein_classics
Facebook – facebook.com/visitgastein
