In March and April, the Off Spring festival in Gastein focuses on events, firn skiing, sunny breaks in deck chairs and culinary delights.
The Off Spring season provides a unifying framework for the offerings in late winter and brings together themes that make this time in Gastein particularly attractive – from (still) perfect slopes to the traditionally very good weather and the diverse culinary offerings, as well as new and established event formats.
With the new Retro Festival Gastein brings festival vibes to Bad Hofgastein as part of Off Spring – to the ski area, the thermal baths, and other local hotspots. Over two weekends in March, the event combines skiing, music, and sunny skiing, offering a diverse range of activities for both partygoers and families. Open-air stages, DJ sets, and chill-out areas create a lively atmosphere on the Schlossalm, while after-parties take place in the valley at Weitmoserin and the mountain lift. The first weekend (March 13–15, 2026) features artists such as Slashy Disco with 70s/80s grooves and Bussi Baba with melodic house music. The second weekend (March 20–22, 2026) showcases electronic dance music from artists like Toby Romeo and IN-STYLE with a mix of current club tracks and timeless classics.
Styling and makeup stations with glitter and accessories, as well as chill-out, photo, and bar areas, create a true festival atmosphere right in the heart of the ski resort. Meanwhile, in the Angertal valley, dedicated Family Weekends are on offer, featuring games and activities for children, as well as relaxing areas for parents. The Retro Festival also makes a stop at the Alpentherme Gastein spa: On Sundays, March 15th and 22nd, chill-out afternoons under the motto "Off Spring" invite guests to unwind – with retro-inspired special infusions, gentle exercise sessions, and a chill-out area in the entrance.
The new [event/conference] will also take place from March 13th to 15th, 2026. Linedance Edition Instead, the event will be dedicated entirely to country and modern line dancing for three days. Around 50 workshops in four levels – from beginner to advanced – form the core of the program.
The Winter Edition The Gastein Dance Festival, running from March 18th to 22nd, 2026, offers a comprehensive program with over 70 dance workshops in Standard, Latin, Discofox, Swing, Boogie, and Salsa. Instruction will be provided by the teams from the Chris Dance School (Vienna), the Zentz Dance School (Saarland), Tanzstern Salzburg, and the Seidel Dance School (Singen). The festival takes place at the Bad Hofgastein Congress Center and combines training with socializing and a winter experience. In addition to the daily workshops, several evening events invite participants to dance and socialize – including the Welcome Party, a dance evening in the Kursaal, a cozy evening in the Angerblick mountain hut, and the "Chassé to Après" dance night.
During the wild ski race The North One of Salzburg's longest downhill runs will become a sporting challenge. A vertical drop of 1,440 meters and numerous gates in the Super-G style demand endurance and skill – a great atmosphere awaits at the finish line with music and the awards ceremony. The race is open to skiers and snowboarders aged 18 and over. For the first time in 2026, around 500 athletes will take part. All starting places have already been allocated.
On Sunday, March 15th, at Berg:Sound In Dorfgastein, skiing fun and folk music come together: Live music groups create a lively atmosphere in the Dorfgastein ski huts. Additionally, a ski test by Fischer Sports in cooperation with Sport Egger will take place. The gondola dinner in Dorfgastein, where guests can expect an exclusive four-course meal accompanied by excellent wines during the gondola ride on March 19th, is already sold out. The event concludes on Saturday, March 21st, 2026, with the Flying Wine & Dine at the Aktivhotel Gasteiner Einkehr, featuring Austrian wines and culinary delights.