Cross-Country in Gastein - "classic" & "skating"

Gliding gently along ski trails through Gastein's winter countryside

On a total of seven different trails extending out for 45 kilometers, cross-country fans and XC newbies have a wide variety of routes to choose from in each of Gastein's three communities. Along the banks of the Gasteiner Ache, through the town, deep into romantic valleys, and high on the mountains. The rhythmic motions of hands and feet, gliding smoothly through the snowy countryside, all leaves you with a sense of total serenity. Cross-country skiing isn't just a sport for older people anymore either. XCers of all ages have since discovered the joys of this sport for themselves. Understandable, not least because it improves your sense of balance, your coordination and endurance. "Skating" technique, above all, raises your pulse rate and burns calories. Cross-country is something you can do with your whole family, with your partner and with friends. So, how about taking a trip out to Gastein together, skiing one or more of the trails, then paying a visit to a hut afterwards for whatever form of refreshment you fancy?

The latest trail report provides you with current trail conditions in Gastein.

Trail Report

Endless cross-country enjoyment on 45 km of trails:

XC Trails in Dorfgastein

Dorfgasteiner Loipe: 2.9 kilometers, easy to intermediate

XC Trails in Bad Hofgastein

Kurparkloipe: 1.5 kilometers, snowmaking, floodlit to 9 p.m., laser biathlon.
Sportplatzloipe: 2.5 kilometers, easy trail.
Achenloipe: 4 kilometers, easy to intermediate.
Angertalloipe: 3.25 kilometers & 6.5 kilometers, intermediate.

XC Trails in Bad Gastein

Böcksteiner Loipe: elev. 1,100 meters, 5.5 kilometers, easy trail, floodlit until 9 p.m.
Sportgastein Loipen: elev. 1,600 m, 1.7 kilometers, 2.4 kilometers & 5.1 kilometers with different levels of difficulty.

Those rather wobbly first attempts on cross-country skis go so much better if you receive some professional instruction. In Gastein, you can book cross-country lessons and immediately discover a whole new sport.

Cross-Country Schools in Gastein

Why you should book a cross-country skiing holiday in Gastein:

Within walking distance of the ski trail: Many lodging establishments in Gastein are located close to the local XC trails. So, it's just a brief stroll to the trail, then away you glide!
Uninterrupted cross-country enjoyment: As soon as the temperatures are cold enough, snow-making equipment kicks in along a number of the trails, trails which, incidentally, are also nicely maintained.
Skiing in the evening: Even though it gets dark early in winter, you can still go cross-country skiing after a day at the spa or out on the mountains. The Kurparkloipe in Bad Hofgastein and the Böcksteiner Loipe in Bad Gastein are lit up until 9 p.m.
Each trail is set up for "classic" as well as "skating" technique.
Gastein has a long XC season: The trails in Sportgastein are located at 1,600 m above sea level, which means you can ski from autumn until well into springtime.