The short answer: Apres-ski in Gasteinertal runs from January through March, with beer from €4 pp, temperatures around -2 to +4 °C at valley level (ski area peaks at 2,686 m), and a flight time from London of roughly 2 hours to Salzburg followed by a 75-minute transfer. Bad Gastein is the nightlife hub; the party starts at 15:00 on the slopes.
Where are the best apres-ski spots in Gasteinertal?
Gasteinertal stretches across three connected ski villages, each with its own character when the lifts close.
Bad Gastein is the undisputed centre of nightlife. The valley's grand 19th-century spa town architecture backs onto several bars and clubs that stay open well past midnight. Straubingers in Bad Gastein is a well-known mountain bar right at the base of the Stubnerkogel gondola, drawing crowds from 15:00 with live music and a heated terrace. Lower in the village, several independent cocktail bars and clubs keep going until 02:00.
Bad Hofgastein is busier with families and groups looking for a relaxed terrace beer before dinner. Its main gathering spots are around the Schlossalm cable car base station, where outdoor terraces fill up quickly on sunny January afternoons.
Dorfgastein is the quietest of the three and suits those who prefer a single local bar over club culture.
| Village | Apres-ski starts | Latest closing | Vibe | Avg. beer price |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Bad Gastein | 15:00 | 02:00+ | Lively, clubs, live music | €5 |
| Bad Hofgastein | 15:00 | 23:00 | Relaxed, terrace-focused | €4.50 |
| Dorfgastein | 15:30 | 22:00 | Quiet, local pub | €4 |
What does apres-ski in Gasteinertal actually cost?
Gasteinertal sits clearly below the prices you find in Ischgl or Verbier. A 0.5 l beer on a mountain terrace costs €4 to €6. A Jager shot runs about €5. Most bars do not charge an entry fee before 20:00. After that, some clubs in Bad Gastein charge €5 to €10 on the door.
For a typical afternoon of two beers and a shot, budget around €15 per person. A full night out including dinner, drinks at a bar, and club entry comes to roughly €50 to €80 per person, depending on how freely you order.
| Drink | Typical price (EUR) |
|---|---|
| 0.5 l beer or Radler | €4.00 to €6.00 |
| Glass of house wine (0.25 l) | €4.50 to €6.50 |
| Schnapps or Jager shot | €4.00 to €5.50 |
| Cocktail | €7.00 to €9.00 |
| Club entry (after 20:00) | €5.00 to €10.00 |
Ski hire and lift passes are separate. A 6-day Ski Amadee pass (which covers Gasteinertal plus Grossarl) costs around €270 pp in the 2025-26 season, booked in advance.
How does Gasteinertal apres-ski compare to other Austrian resorts?
Gasteinertal is not Ischgl. It does not have a purpose-built apres-ski strip that runs at full volume every night of the week. What it does offer is a genuine, mixed crowd of Austrians and international skiers, lower prices, and a less manufactured feel.
St. Anton am Arlberg and Ischgl attract more 20-somethings focused purely on nightlife. Gasteinertal draws a broader age range and sees the apres-ski scene wind down earlier on quieter midweek nights, especially in Dorfgastein and Bad Hofgastein.
For families or groups where some members want a lively evening and others prefer an early night, the spread across three villages is a practical advantage. You can split up without anyone needing a taxi from a different resort.
| Resort | Apres-ski intensity | Avg. beer price | Airport transfer |
|---|---|---|---|
| Gasteinertal | Medium-high | €4.50 to €6.00 | Salzburg, 75 min |
| Ischgl | Very high | €6.00 to €8.00 | Innsbruck, 90 min |
| St. Anton am Arlberg | High | €5.50 to €7.00 | Innsbruck, 100 min |
| Schladming | Medium | €4.00 to €5.50 | Salzburg, 90 min |
Explore more winter destinations and ski holiday ideas on our wintersport overview page.
Frequently asked questions
When does apres-ski start in Gasteinertal?
Most apres-ski bars open from around 15:00 and stay busy until 20:00, with clubs in Bad Gastein continuing until 02:00 or later.
How expensive is apres-ski in Gasteinertal?
A beer or Radler costs roughly €4 to €6. Shots and cocktails range from €5 to €9. Gasteinertal is generally more affordable than Ischgl or St. Anton.
Which village in Gasteinertal has the best nightlife?
Bad Gastein has the most clubs and late-night bars. Bad Hofgastein is livelier for family-friendly early apres-ski, while Dorfgastein is quieter.
