Bad Hofgastein (Winter) with your class
In winter, the Gastein valley in Austria's Salzburg Alps becomes one of the country's most rewarding school-ski destinations, part of one of the largest connected ski regions in Europe, with extensive, varied pistes and the kind of reliable snow that makes for a brilliant week. Bad Hofgastein offers a genuinely complete secondary ski programme, with one feature that sets it apart from almost anywhere else: the valley's celebrated thermal baths.
The skiing is the heart of it. Daily lessons with qualified instructors, with groups split by ability, take beginners from their first turns to confident descents over the week, while stronger skiers explore the breadth of the area. Wide, well-groomed slopes and a large connected ski region give plenty of room to progress, with a mountain lunch between morning and afternoon sessions and full days out on the snow.
Then comes the trip's signature touch. After a day on the pistes, there are few better ways to recover than in Bad Hofgastein's famous Alpine thermal baths, warm, mineral-rich waters that have drawn visitors to the valley for generations. It's a memorable and restorative end to an active day, and a real point of difference from a standard ski week.
The setting adds character too: this is the German-speaking Salzburg region, with classic Alpine villages and scenery, giving students a gentle dose of language and culture alongside the sport. A ski week here asks for effort and gives back confidence, fitness and friendship in equal measure, students return having gained a sport and a set of memories that last.
Trip highlights
Daily ski lessons across one of Europe's largest connected ski regions
Skiing for every level in the scenery of the Salzburg Alps
Relaxing in the valley's famous Alpine thermal baths après-ski
Curriculum links
Practical information
- The programme is based in Bad Hofgastein, in the Gastein valley of Austria's Salzburg region.
- Access to the valley's thermal baths can be included.
- Suitable for all abilities, including beginners.
- Warm layers, gloves, goggles and sun protection are essential.
- Local currency is the euro; spending money recommended.
- On the Move is the officially accredited school trips provider for the European Schools in Belgium; every trip has a dedicated project manager with 24/7 emergency support.
A day by day
✏️ This is an example timetable — we can adapt the destination, programme, duration and budget to suit your group.
Students come home with…
- strong new ski skills, a boost in fitness, confidence and resilience, sharper teamwork, a little German, and the memories of a ski week with a genuine difference.
In pictures
Ski Trips - your questions
Our ski trips work for pupils from around 10 years upwards. Valmeinier is designed specifically for primary-age beginners (P5–P6); our other resorts suit secondary groups of all levels. Lessons are grouped by ability, so everyone progresses at their own pace.
Yes. Ski hire (skis, boots, poles and helmet) and lift passes are included in your package. Pupils only need warm clothing — we send a full kit list well in advance.
Every group travels with qualified instructors and meets regulation chaperone ratios. On the Move holds ABELIO safety certification and we provide full insurance, 24/7 emergency support and a detailed risk assessment.
Popular winter dates fill up fast — we recommend booking 6 to 9 months ahead. Get in touch early and we'll hold provisional places while you confirm numbers.