Thrill-seekers will want to pack their bags for Austria in February 2017, as the Austrian Alps will be home to one of the most highly anticipated winter sports events of the year. This is also a superb area for shredding powder, giving you all the ingredients for an unforgettable trip.
February will see the return of the exhilarating Red Bull Playstreets, which is an absolute must for anyone seeking pulse-racing action and an incredible atmosphere. On the 24 February, the scenic streets of Bad Gastein will be transformed into a winter sports haven courtesy of Red Bull.
This picturesque Austrian ski town is perfect for confident intermediates and advanced freeriders, so after being inspired by the world’s best at Playstreets, you can then hit the slopes and put your skills to the test. Away from the slopes, Bad Gastein has plenty for those that like to burn the candle at both ends so it is sure to be a pulse-racing trip from start to finish.
Looking to recharge your batteries? Check out this article on Bad Gastein’s famed health and wellness options.
Playstreets
24 February 2017 sees the highly anticipated return of Red Bull’s Playstreets: you can fully expect a day of mayhem as the historic town becomes a Mecca for the freestyle world. Much like a level out of a video game, the streets of Bad Gastein are turned into an incredible slope-style course with enormous kickers, road gaps and incredible corners all seamlessly integrated into the city.
Predictably, this attracts the top talent from around the globe who come to compete and showcase their breathtaking skills and bravery as they soar over the beautiful rooftops and bridges of the city. This is all in front of thousands of spectators who descend on Bad Gastein to check out the action and enjoy the spectacle. Consequently, an electric atmosphere is generated and this is one party in 2017 which you do not want to miss.
Skiing
Seeing the world’s top talent compete in such an amazing setting is sure to ignite your inspiration, so you will want to hang around and shred the slopes yourself after Playstreets concludes. This is what a lot of winter sports enthusiasts will be doing, so expect the parties and fun atmosphere to continue long after 24 February!
Confident intermediates and advanced skiers will feel at home here, with plenty of testing lengthy reds and relative easy black runs. There is also a decent terrain park and plenty of off-piste to check out too, which will test the nerve of even the most advanced rider.
Bad Gastein’s runs are slightly higher than other Austrian resorts, so the snow is reliable and you can shred the slopes every single day.
Flying Waters
If all this adrenaline-pumping action isn’t enough, there is plenty more in the area for you to get your fix.
My recommendation would be the epic Flying Waters, where you can fly over the famous Gastein waterfall on a zipwire. This will provide you with spectacular views of the waterfall and surrounding architecture and natural beauty of Bad Gastein, as well as the thrill of soaring along a 300-metre long route through the sky.
This terrific adventure will cost €19.50 per ride.
How to Get to Bad Gastein
Nestled in the High Tauern Mountains, Bad Gastein is found to the south of Austria with Salzburg (SZG) its nearest airport. You can get direct flights here from the UK with Ryanair, easyJet and British Airways, with whom you will touch down in under two hours. Salzburg is 97km away from the resort, so I would recommend jumping in a private or shared transfer so that you can sit back and enjoy the ride. There will be plenty of other ski enthusiasts making the trip for Playstreets, so a shared transfer could be a great way to make some new friends and save some cash.
Salzburg is the best option, but other alternatives include Munich (MUC), which is around 3 hours away by road, and Vienna (VIE) which will take 4 and a half hours.
A Shuttle Direct transfer will be the quickest and easiest way to reach Bad Gastein. Better yet, they can transport your ski equipment for no additional charge (request at the time of booking).
Where to Stay:
Pension Bader – If you are looking for budget accommodation, Pension Bader is an excellent choice as it is just 200 yards from the city centre. The hotel has a social atmosphere with a sun terrace and lounge. The rooms are brightly decorated and have satellite TV, a seating area and private bathroom. Wi-Fi is free and available in all areas.
Hotel Bärenhof – A modern health centre and hotel, Hotel Bärenhof is in the heart of the city and is a great place to unwind after an exhilarating day. The hotel has superb spa facilities and a fitness room, as well as an onsite restaurant serving up Austrian and Mediterranean dishes. The rooms have a flatscreen TV with cable and Wi-Fi is available free of charge.
Hotel Wetzlgut – This luxury hotel is just 50 yards from a cable car and offers direct access to the slopes. The spacious alpine rooms come with cable TV, a private bathroom and some come with balconies with great views. There is also a sun terrace, outdoor pool, garden, restaurant, bar and a range of spa treatments which are ideal after a long day on the slopes. You get free Wi-Fi with coverage in all areas.
About Shuttle Direct:
Shuttle Direct has a well-earned reputation as a leading airport transfer provider throughout Europe, with fantastic services in the Alps.
They provide efficient, safe and reliable passage between airports, hotels, train stations and cruise ports. They can cater to any group size or budget regardless of where you are travelling to.
Book your transfer today using their simple booking system and allow them to improve your trip with stress-free travel.
