From December 12 to 14, 2025, the Gastein Classics invite you to kick off the season in one of Austria’s most snow-sure cross-country skiing regions. Nestled within the breathtaking scenery of the Hohe Tauern National Park and located at an altitude of 1,600 meters, the high valley of Sportgastein offers ideal conditions for an active weekend.

As part of the international Ski Classics series, participants in the Gastein Classics benefit from a highly professional environment – with perfectly groomed trails, top-notch organization, and a genuine World Cup atmosphere. The Gastein Classics give ambitious recreational skiers the opportunity to compete among an international field, surrounded by the stunning mountain backdrop of the Hohe Tauern National Park. Distances of 15 and 30 kilometers in classic technique are available – ideal for both beginners and experienced skiers. With its early December date, the event has the potential to become one of the most important recreational cross-country races in the Alps.

Program

The event kicks off on Friday with an atmospheric opening: the Team Presentation at the Felsentherme Bad Gastein brings the international Ski Classics Pro Teams closer to the audience in a relaxed setting.

On Saturday morning, the sporting action begins with the Pro Team Tempo: a compact 7-kilometer race in classic technique, starting at 8:30 a.m., where the Pro Teams showcase their skills – the first showdown of the new Ski Classics season.

From 1:00 p.m., the spotlight shifts to the recreational skiers: in the Gastein Classics citizen race over 15 or 30 kilometers, participants not only enjoy the unique atmosphere of an international event but also benefit from a highly professional setup. The course runs through the open, snow-sure high valley, featuring gentle climbs and fast gliding sections – perfect for an early-season fitness check.

Participants from the 2024 edition shared feedback such as:

• Start–finish area: excellent. Overall atmosphere: excellent. Outstanding commitment from all organizers and volunteers. Very professional. Great field of participants.
• The excellent track conditions, including the test tracks
• The atmosphere at the event
• Atmosphere and organization.
• The location, good organization, and promotion for the event. The chance to see the top skiers of Ski Classics live
• Friendly, almost family atmosphere
• Beautiful scenery and a very nice course
• Very well-prepared race loop
• Very helpful and friendly volunteer

Sunday is dedicated entirely to the pros: in the Bad Gastein Criterium, the world’s best cross-country skiers compete in a mass start over 35 kilometers, starting at 8:35 a.m. (men) and 9:05 a.m. (women), fighting for valuable sprint and mountain points – excitement and World Cup flair guaranteed.

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The weekend is rounded off with a well-balanced supporting program including spa visits, a pasta party, and equipment testing opportunities. The combination of athletic challenge, alpine nature, and genuine Gastein hospitality makes the Gastein Classics the perfect start to the winter season.

👉 Register now and become part of the Ski Classics world:
https://www.gastein.com/events/winter/gastein-classics/