Powder as far as the eye can see
The Gastein mountains set the pulses of freeriders racing in pure anticipation. Find out why!
Have you always loved, even as a child, getting away from the groomed pistes and riding through the trees, or building small ramps to jump off? Do you still prefer to be out in open terrain, rather than on a perfectly groomed ski run? If so, you should definitely head to Gastein, where you will find the perfect "freeride playground". The mountains of Gastein offer an infinite variety of deep-snow slopes: broad, north-facing runs with champagne powder until afternoon, southern slopes with firn conditions, fast tree runs, chutes, and even big-mountain rides. The Sportgastein ski area is a true freeride Eldorado at elevations as high as 2,686 meters. The area receives copious amounts of snowfall in winter, which means countless deep-snow areas can be reached without much of a climb at all. Three marked routes promise carefree freeriding fun. Ungroomed hills and deep snow up to your stomach are no rarity in Sportgastein. No wonder, then, that Gastein is famous as a freeride paradise. The region also hosts international contests, while well-known athletes like Sandra Lahnsteiner have adopted Gastein as their home.
Here's what freeride star Sandra Lahnsteiner has to say
„Gastein Valley simply has so much to offer. In fact, folks who are new to Gastein are often amazed by the variety. Sportgastein, with its high-alpine slopes and the Schareck run down from the Mölltal glacier back to Sportgastein, are absolute highlights. Bad Gastein - the Stubnerkogel - is a magnet for freeriders, too, with a wide range of options close to the Jungeralm, while the Schlossalm area offers numerous choices you can reach directly from the lifts.
To sum it up: Gastein always has something to offer regardless of the weather or avalanche conditions! When there's heavy snowfall, pick out one of our numerous forest runs or perhaps the new Katstall ride. And if the weather is more settled, countless open mountainsides and big-mountain runs are perfectly primed and ready to welcome you. How nice is that?!“
Freeride Routes in Sportgastein
Golden Powder
Length: 5,000 m
Access: The Golden Rush is located right below the Goldbergbahn lift.
Elevation Drop: 664 m
Rating: intermediate
Exposure: west
Golden Rush
Length: 2,000 m
Access: Right off the Golden Powder run, with steep sections. Only for experienced freeriders!
Elevation Drop: 398 m
Rating: intermediate
Exposure: west
Golden Ride
Length: 666 m
Access: valley station of the Kreuzkogel tow
Elevation Drop: 176 m
Rating: intermediate
Exposure: west
Deep-Snow Safety
Ready for a major endorphin rush? In that case, freeriding in Gastein will be "just what the doctor ordered" for you! Before you get started, though, make sure you have the right gear, including avalanche transponder and a probe, and that you are well prepared! Don't put yourself in danger unnecessarily! While you are still on the valley floor in Sportgastein, be sure to check out whether your transponder is working correctly using the equipment next to the practice avalanche search & rescue area. The bottom line is always "Ride safe!" Even experienced freeriders benefit from the services of a trained local guide, who can lead them out to the very best freeride spots in Gastein. With all your preparations complete, nothing more stands in the way of an unforgettable day of freeriding here with us in Gastein.
Open Faces Gastein
Only the world's best freeriders can participate in the Freeride World Tour. To ensure this, a global system of qualification events has been created. Summarized under the title Freeride World Qualifier. Each event is rated with 1 to 4 stars and corresponds to the level which the participants have to fulfill.
In Gastein the Mauskarkopf challenges the participants. Extensive backcountry and the audience which spurs on maximum performance are the special features. A look behind the scenes of this event can be found in the Gastein blog.
