Welcome to powder paradise

Snow-covered mountainsides and the hunt for the perfect line: Thanks to its reliable snow conditions, the Gastein valley is a popular destination for freeriders.

The high-alpine Sportgastein area is especially tempting, with numerous powder runs that can be reached without long ascents. Its north-facing descents with fast tree runs, couloirs and “champagne powder” lasting well into the afternoon have convinced many top athletes to make the region their home. What also makes Gastein such an attractive freeride destination are the regular contests and freeride camps. held throughout the season.

Gastein’s top spots for freeriders

The true heart of the powder paradise lies in the snow-sure slopes of Sportgastein, where three official freeride routes promise the ultimate feeling of freedom beyond the groomed slopes:

Golden Powder

Eine Person mit gelbem Helm fährt durch tiefen Pulverschnee und wirbelt dabei eine große Schneewolke auf; die Szene zeigt eine actionreiche Abfahrt im freien Gelände.

Length: 5,000 m
Start: below Goldbergbahn cable car mountain station
Elevation difference: 664 m
Difficulty: intermediate
Exposure: west-facing

Golden Rush

Eine Person mit Rucksack fährt auf Skiern durch unberührten Tiefschnee in einem weiten, verschneiten Hochgebirge; vor ihr breiten sich sanfte Schneehänge unter klarem Himmel aus.

Length: 2,000 m
Start: continuation of the Golden Powder route
Elevation difference: 398 m
Difficulty: intermediate
Exposure: west-facing

Golden Ride

Eine Skifahrerin mit Helm und Skibrille fährt durch tiefen Pulverschnee und zieht eine Kurve, während eine dichte Schneewolke um sie herum aufwirbelt; im Hintergrund sind vereinzelt Bäume vor blauem Himmel zu sehen.

Length: 666 m
Start: valley station of Kreuzkogel drag lift
Elevation difference: 176 m
Difficulty: intermediate
Exposure: west-facing

Find out more about the freeride hotspots in Sportgastein

Katstall ski route on the Schlossalm

Deep snow fans get their money's worth in the Schlossalm-Angertal-Stubnerkogel ski area. The Schlossalm freeride route, which starts at the Kaserebenbahn mountain station, leads through varied terrain towards Angertal.

Depending on the snow conditions and weather, skiers can expect a varied descent here.

Safely on the move in the mountains

Whether on skis or snowboard: safety is the basis for enjoyable freeriding experiences. If you are out and about in the unsecured terrain of the Hohe Tauern, you need the right equipment.

An avalanche transceiver as well as a probe and shovel are essential in the backcountry.

The Freeride Infos Base and the Avalanche Training Center in Skigastein provide additional information on safe conduct on the mountain. If you want to be on the safe side, book a guided tour with a local guide.

More about the ski buses

Take the ski bus directly to the cable cars - for free

The Gastein ski buses take you comfortably, stress-free and free of charge from your accommodation directly to the cable car stations.

Thanks to the well-developed ski bus network, you can reach all ski areas in the valley reliably and without having to search for a parking space.

Hop on, lean back and enjoy a relaxed start to your day of skiing.