Gastein

Question to the BACKLINE testers: What are the distinguishing features of this region?

• Andrea Limbacher

  Austria

  My season was long and tough, yet I had great powder days with passionate winter sports enthusiasts in Gastein. It was very exciting to test different equipment. It's astonishing where strengths and weaknesses can be found across various products and brands.

• Christoph Öfele

  Germany

  Despite the generally challenging snow conditions last winter, we found almost perfect conditions here in Gastein. The pistes are immaculately groomed, and there are numerous descents in the backcountry.

• Florian Eckert

  Germany

  Gastein presents an appealing package with its diverse range of pistes, enticing off-piste opportunities, and the thermal spa world. Verdict: Highly Recommended!

• Florian Eigler

  Germany

  Gastein is a super cool spot in the Austrian Alps if you're into ski touring and freeriding. Here you'll find amazing deep snow slopes with fantastic views of the surrounding mountains.

• Florian Sonnweber

  Austria

  Gastein provides skiers, whether beginners or advanced, with diverse opportunities and a multitude of pistes. Beyond the marked ski area, the terrain offers a wealth of options with fantastic deep powder descents.

• Lena Kohler

  Germany

  Gastein is an incredibly diverse ski area that, in my opinion, offers something for every skier. A wide variety of slopes – we discovered new variations for freeriding and ski touring every day.

• Martina Wengenmeir

  Germany

  Uncertain what to expect, late in a low-snow season, Gastein truly delivered: with top freeride possibilities and diverse pistes. Bonus: excellent wellness and relaxation options at the thermal baths.

• Mico Kehrle

  Germany

  Gastein – a wealth of options. Regardless of conditions or preferences – whether it's tree runs, extensive vertical with lift access, secluded big-mountain ascents, north-facing powder slopes, or spring corn snow sessions.

• Pia Vogt

  Germany

  One of Europe's ski areas that every winter sports enthusiast should visit. Numerous '1A' perfectly groomed pistes attract beginners and pros alike. A vast playground of freeride and touring possibilities adorns the richly laid 'table'.

• Ramona Arendt

  Germany

  Gastein is diverse. Whether for us as a test team with varied slopes, great off-piste runs in powder, but also the comfort and hospitality of the staff. High praise for the region.

• Sabine Speidel

  Germany

  Already on the drive to Gastein and during the initial scouting of the ski area, I was deeply impressed by the magnificent mountains. I would have loved to immediately head into the backcountry, as there are surely many great tours there, even without knowing the area well yet.

• Sandra Lahnsteiner-Wagner

  Austria

  I'm delighted that the BACKLINE ski test took place in Gastein this year. The freeriding opportunities in the Gastein Valley are simply brilliant, thanks to the versatile ski areas, high altitude, and snow reliability.

• Simon Stickl

  Germany

  The ski area in Gastein offers superb, wide, and varied pistes for every skill level. Off-piste, you'll find great deep powder slopes and appealing ski touring routes.

• Sofia Muigg

  Austria

  Despite poor visibility, strong winds, and a mediocre weather forecast, Gastein truly showcased its 'best side'. From abundant powder to delicate corn snow, everything was on offer – what more could a powder hound wish for!

• Tomáš Kraus

  Czech Republic

  Unfortunately, I only had two days to participate in the BACKLINE Gear Test in Gastein. I say unfortunately because the variety of opportunities I experienced and witnessed in that short time truly inspires a more thorough exploration of the area.

• Valentin Rapp

  Germany

  Gastein = Freerider's Paradise! The expansive terrain and numerous variant descents offer endless possibilities for finding excellent lines. The alpine landscape provides a dreamlike backdrop. Although infrastructure and some lifts could be improved, the off-piste experience more than compensates.