As snow settles over Austria’s Hohe Tauern mountains, the historic spa town of Bad Gastein once again transforms into the stage for the opening weekend of Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII.

Known for its dramatic waterfall, grand Belle Époque hotels, and alpine energy, Bad Gastein sets the tone for another winter of racing — where Pro Team athletes and passionate recreational skiers meet the beauty of high-altitude skiing.

A weekend to start the season

After the Pro Team presentation on Friday evening, the action begins on Saturday, December 13, 2025, with the Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo, a 7-kilometer team event in Sportgastein marking the official start of the new Ski Classics Pro Tour season.

Returning after a one-year break, the Pro Team Tempo features squads competing in a tactical, fast-paced format. Teams start in blocks based on their previous season’s ranking, separated by four-minute intervals, with men setting off 30 seconds before their female teammates. The second-ranked male and female times count towards the final team classification, adding a strategic twist where precision and teamwork are key.

The last time the format appeared in the calendar, Team Engcon claimed victory. With top-ranked teams arriving in top form, this year’s edition promises a thrilling start for both athletes and fans.

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The excitement continues on Sunday, December 14, with the Bad Gastein Criterium, a 36-kilometer mass start race that brings spectators closer to the action. Multiple laps around Sportgastein’s high-altitude course create spectacular viewing opportunities, as the world’s best long-distance skiers test their early-season form against a stunning alpine backdrop.

For recreational skiers, the weekend also features the Gastein Classics, part of the Ski Classics Challengers circuit, which includes a 30-kilometer mass-start race in classic technique on Saturday afternoon, as well as a shorter 15-kilometer option open to all participants.

It’s the perfect chance to ski the same trails as the pros — surrounded by pristine tracks, wide mountain views, and the vibrant atmosphere of an international season opener.

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Alpine atmosphere and timeless style

Beyond the racing, Bad Gastein offers one of the most distinctive settings in the Alps. Perched dramatically on steep cliffs, the town combines vintage grandeur with creative energy. Its Belle Époque architecture — elegant hotels and grand façades from the golden era of spas — contrasts beautifully with the raw power of the Bad Gastein Waterfall, cascading 341 meters through the town center.

Once a retreat for emperors, artists, and writers, Bad Gastein today blends historic charm with a modern, stylish edge. Cozy cafés, cocktail bars, and design hotels create an atmosphere where tradition meets innovation — an ideal mix for a destination that welcomes both elite athletes and travelers.

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Explore, relax, and recharge

For those extending their stay, Sportgastein itself, located at 1,600 meters above sea level, offers excellent snow reliability throughout the winter. Part of the Hohe Tauern National Park, it’s a haven for cross-country skiing, freeriding, and backcountry exploration.

Visitors can unwind at the Felsentherme, an alpine thermal spa built directly into the rock, or explore the Stubnerkogel Mountain, known for its panoramic suspension bridge and breathtaking views across the Salzburgerland peaks. Adventurous guests can even try Flying Waters, a zipline experience that lets you soar above the waterfall and historic town center.

For a deeper connection to the region’s heritage, the Gastein Healing Gallery (Heilstollen) offers a unique therapeutic experience within a mountain tunnel, renowned for its natural radon and thermal properties.

Culinary delights of the Gastein Valley

Bad Gastein’s culinary scene mirrors its diverse character. From traditional Austrian dishes served in alpine huts to creative fine dining experiences, there’s something for every palate.

Don’t miss the Full Moon Dinner in Sportgastein, a candlelit open-air feast surrounded by snowy peaks, or the Culinary Winter Journey in Kötschachtal, where local flavors and regional ingredients take center stage.

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Where to stay

From historic icons to modern boutique hotels, accommodation options are as varied as the landscape.

Among the most popular choices are the Mondi Hotel Bellevue Gastein, Hotel Miramonte, the cōmodo, Das.Schiller, and Europäischer Hof Bad Gastein — each offering comfort, alpine style, and proximity to the main Ski Classics action.

The perfect start to the winter

The Bad Gastein weekend represents everything that makes Ski Classics special — world-class racing, unforgettable landscapes, and a vibrant atmosphere where sport meets culture. Whether watching the world’s best athletes push for victory or exploring the timeless charm of this alpine resort, visitors will find Bad Gastein to be more than just a race venue — it’s a destination where winter truly begins.

Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo & Criterium – Ski Classics Pro Tour Events 1 & 2

• Location: Sportgastein, Austria
• Date: December 13–14, 2025
• More information: www.skiclassics.com
• Tourism and travel guide: www.gastein.com

Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo

• Date: Saturday, December 13, 2025
• Distance: 7km Classic Technique
• Highest Point: 1.616m
• Elevation Gain: 100m
• Last Edition Winners (2023): Team Engcon
• SC Play: Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo

Bad Gastein Criterium

• Date: Sunday, December 14, 2025
• Distance: 36km Classic Technique
• Highest Point: 1.616m
• Elevation Gain: 528m
• Last Edition Winners (2024): Emilie Fleten (1:56:46.5), Amund Riege (1:46:10.1)
• SC Play: Bad Gastein Criterium

Follow the action

• Instagram – @visitgastein, @gastein_classics
• Facebook – facebook.com/visitgastein

Ski Classics Pro Tour Season XVII (2025/2026)

• Event 1: December 13, 2025 – Bad Gastein Pro Team Tempo – Sportgastein, Austria, 7km
• Event 2: December 14, 2025 – Bad Gastein Criterium – Sportgastein, Austria, 36km
• Event 3: January 17, 2026 – Engadin La Diagonela – Pontresina-Zuoz, Switzerland, 55km
• Event 4: January 25, 2026 – Marcialonga – Moena-Cavalese, Italy, 70km
• Event 5: January 30, 2026 – Bedřichov Sprint – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 1.5km
• Event 6: February 1, 2026 – Jizerská50 – Bedřichov, Czech Republic, 50km
• Event 7: March 1, 2026 – Vasaloppet – Sälen-Mora, Sweden, 90km
• Event 8: March 7, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Women – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 9: March 8, 2026 – Orsa Grönklitt 50k ITT Men – Grönklitt, Sweden, 50km
• Event 10: March 14, 2026 – Birkebeinerrennet – Rena-Lillehammer, Norway, 54km
• Event 11: March 21, 2026 – Marcialonga Bodø – Bodø, Norway, 50km
• Event 12: March 28, 2026 – Reistadløpet – Setermoen-Bardufoss, Norway, 35km
• Event 13: March 29, 2026 – Grand Finale Summit 2 Senja – Bardufoss-Finnsnes, Norway, 60km

For more updates and detailed information about the Ski Classics Pro Tour, make sure to visit skiclassics.com.

Are you interested in Ski Classics and long-distance skiing? Click HERE and read more about it.

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