Where to Learn in Gasteinertal

Bad Gastein, Bad Hofgastein, and Dorfgastein are the three main ski and board schools. The small and friendly Schlossalm operates from Bad Hofgastein and Dorf Aktiv has a strong following in Dorfgastein. Guiding is available through the ski schools or from L. Kravanja (+43 6434 2941), F. Sendlhofer (+43 6434 2879), and Hans Zlöbl (+43 6434 5355).

Overall not the best choice for children

The geography of the valley with its separate ski areas does not make the Gasteinertal a good choice for a family holiday with small children. Families might be better off heading for somewhere like Obergurgl, Mayrhofen or Neustift. However, the three main ski schools operate ski- and non-ski kindergartens for children from three years, with lessons from four years. Hotel Gruner Baum has a creche for its small guests. The Fun Centre at the Stubnerkogel lift has a kids’ cinema, table tennis, a climbing wall, and a ball pond. Restaurant Angertal (+43 6432 7475), in the futuristic Angertal Ski Centre, offers supervised meals for children aged three to 12 years.

Badhofgastein is the best bet for families. A reporter described it as: “in the middle of the valley – a good choice for families with some very nice family-friendly hotels, a great swimming complex with the bonus of also being on the flat”.