September 29, 2004 Alick the ice perv from UNITED KINGDOM
Went to BadG in late-Jan 2004: had a great time, snow conditions excellent. 5 mountains with good variation in terrain, all worth checking out. Pick a sunny day for SportGastein and take the free skibus. DorfGastein is a large area that is worth two visits at least, easiest by cab from BadG (bus runs from BadHofGastein). When conditions are good you MUST ski the Graukogel: it is a small area but has the best terrain and is virtually deserted. Some good slopeside off-piste there as well. On the whole the area could do with a couple more black runs; the off-piste itineraries seemed to be shut (avalanche risk?) or difficult to find. Total beginners better off in BadHofG. So-so for boarders: some flat blues and draglifts linking one area to the next, but large area makes up for that. Loads of nice mountain huts for lunch. Not expensive for a ski resort either. Definitely recommended.
