Bad Gastein Criterium wraps up the opening weekend of Season XVII

Ski Classics Season XVII rolls on in Austria, with the second event of the season, the Bad Gastein Criterium, taking place on Sunday, December 14, 2025.

Following the Pro Team Tempo opener, athletes return to the tracks in Sportgastein for a thrilling 36-kilometer mass-start race. The Bad Gastein Criterium is known for its intense pace, tactical battles, and spectacular scenery at 1600 meters above sea level.

The race unfolds over multiple laps on a demanding course. With constant attacks and positioning key throughout, the Criterium is always an unpredictable and exciting event for both athletes and spectators.

“The 36km Bad Gastein Criterium has already become a classic event with a lot of action and high speed. Two sprints followed by two climbs in the now famous “The Wall” in Sportgastein open the leading bib competitions. It has shown over the years to be a strong indicator of which athletes to keep an extra eye on for the coming season,” says Oskar Svärd, Director of Ski Classics.

Sportgastein: A High-Alpine Paradise

With guaranteed snow and a high-altitude setting in the heart of the Hohe Tauern National Park, Sportgastein is an ideal venue for long-distance skiing. The area boasts perfectly prepared tracks for both classic and skating techniques and breathtaking panoramic views that add to the racing experience.