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Gastein
Valley General Overview Lets not start this story by saying here's a resort that needs no introduction, OK? Clearly it does need at least some. Probably not so much to the Europeans in our various audiences, but certainly other skiers around the globe will be less familiar with this region. This offering is another collection of valley resorts. This is as it should be,for Austria is a country made up largely of mountainous regions, and in mountainous regions there has to be valleys. Otherwise the whole country would be populated by mountain goats. This valley is called The Gastein Valley, and the resorts within its parameters are called respectfully, Badgastein, Bad Hofgastein and Dorfgastein. Not likely to forget the name of the valley any time soon are you? Never heard of it in the first place? Well dear reader I am here to tell you that this little valley is no Mickey Mouse Land. Not when it comes to providing action and amenities for visitors, anyway. That the Valley presents one very formidable ski region will become apparent when you see the stats they can boast. More than 200 kms. of downhill runs served by 53 various uphill methods of transportation should convince you that their collective hearts are in the right place. In addition there are about 100 kms of cross country trails, and methinks some valuable concessions to the snow boarding set. But this valley is much more than a ski resort, or a collection of ski resorts. It is indeed a big time, up market, sophisticated year round activelifestyle destination. One which includes not only the aforementioned skiing when the snow flies or is made, but one with all of the other goodies that form a multi - entry year round destination too. And with all of the action and attractions going on, the area, because of its health spas and thermal baths is good for what ails you too. One can gamble or golf, gambol or gaze, bath in the springs or spring in the baths, well you know what I'm saying. The Valley's cup runneth over. The cure aspect of these resorts deserve a lot more attention than we are able or equipped to give in these pages, after all this is a ski magazine. Suffice it to say that with all of the natural spas, springs, baths and the like you just have to come out of a stay in this area feeling good. If you can afford it. |
