+ Four separate, varied
areas with a huge number of slopes both above and below the
tree-line
+ Great for confident
intermediates, with lots of long, challenging reds – and
great cruising and carving in the Schlossalm sector
+ More snowsure than most
low-altitude Austrian resorts, with the high Sportgastein
area as back-up
+ Lots of good,
atmospheric, traditional mountain restaurants
+ Plenty of off-slope
facilities, many related to its origins as a spa
resort
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– Unless you have a car,
you need to choose your location with care or budget for a
lot of pricey taxi rides – the lift bases are widely spread
and the bus service is a disgrace
– Spa-town atmosphere is
not to everyone’s taste, and Bad Gastein itself can suffer
from local traffic on the narrow streets; Bad Hofgastein is
a better base for many people
– Near-beginners and
timid intermediates must be wary of leaving the Schlossalm
sector
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