One of the most famous ski resorts in the world, Kitzbühel in Tirol has it all – stunning scenery, incredible ski slopes and a vibrant resort town which oozes skiing history and character whilst also being chock-full of enticing restaurants, hotels, shops and cafes.
It’s a wonderful place to spend a winter holiday, whether you want to ski or enjoy the magical feeling of being in the mountains. Either way, you’ll get your daily dose of Austrian Lebensgefühl when you’re in Kitzbühel, that special feeling of being in the best place at the right time and knowing you’ve made the best choice for your holiday.
Voted Austria’s Best ski resort in 2023, Kitzbühel is a place where luxury and elegance meets excitement and adventure, with a history dating back at least 750 years. There’s something for everyone, with fabulous facilities for families as well as deep powder for the most experienced skiers.
© Kitzbuehel Tourism Markus Mitterer
The huge choice of accommodation is another big plus with more than 19 luxurious four and five-star hotels to choose from, as well as a large number of charming family-run guesthouses or apartments.
A place of pilgrimage for skiers from around the world, Kitzbühel was where the World Cup tour was established in 1967 but it has been hosting the annual Hahnenkamm race, one of the most famous Alpine skiing contests in the world, for many decades before then. Every January around 80,000 fans descend on the resort, joining millions more watching on TV worldwide. You can ski the famous course yourself in the weeks after the race has been staged. Past winners of the slalom part of the weekend of races include Britain’s Dave Ryding, the only Brit to ever top the podium in a World Cup race.
The Ski Areas
Kitzbühel is one of the world’s great ski destinations for a reason.
Although steeped in history, the 233km of slopes are perfectly maintained and served by 58 ultra-modern lifts, most of them fast comfortable chairlifts and gondolas.
There are 90 ski slopes in total, spread across three magnificent mountain ranges, with a huge variety of terrain from the gentlest, perfect runs for beginners and nervous novices through lots of great cruising runs for more experienced skiers and steep, challenging runs for the experts.
© Kitzbuehel Tourism Michael Werlberger
Among its many amazing attractions on the slopes, the KitzSkiWorld Tour is something very special, offering the longest Ski circuit in the world, spanning an incredible 54 mile route.
Another great option, if you like to ski laps on perfect pistes is to get to the 2000m top of the Kitzbüheler Horn mountain early when the pistes are in pristine shape after their overnight groom. Here there are fabulous black and red runs from the Hornköpfl with wonderful views out over the town too.
For expert skiers, there’s also the chance to ski the Streif piste on which the famous Hahnenkamm World Cup downhill race is battled over each January. Marked as ski route 21 on the map, the 3.3km long run pitches at gradients of up to 85% so is not for the faint-hearted! That said, there is also a family-run alternative for those who enjoy a more relaxed descent.
© Kitzbuehel Tourism
It’s good to know that environmental concerns are a priority for Kitzbühel’s lift company. That means that all the lifts and other machinery are powered with renewable hydro and solar electricity. Snow is carefully managed too, with GPS measuring snow depths so it’s not groomed unnecessarily and there are snow depots where stored snow is saved and used as needed to minimise the need to use energy to make new snow.
Off The Slopes
Kitzbühel has a huge range of activities to enjoy through winter with many guests arriving just to enjoy being in this magical place in wintertime, even without skiing.
The list of activities is long, with excellent spa and wellness facilities a particular strength, along with great shopping.
Diners will find a choice of more than 60 restaurants with a diverse culinary offering serving everything from traditional Austrian cuisine to international gourmet fare.
Culinary Ski Hut Kitzbuehel © Kitzbuehel Tourism
Ice skating is a magical activity you can enjoy in the resort’s Sportpark, where skate rental and changing facilities are available.
You can also try the traditional Tirolean version of curling in the Sportpark, home to Austria’s only indoor curling rink.
Winter hiking is a popular activity with a choice of 34 prepared winter hiking trails, plus snowshoe walks available. Pedestrians can also use the comfy gondola lifts to access the tops of the mountains to enjoy the same fabulous views and dine in the mountain huts, perhaps meeting up with skiing friends in your group for lunch.
Great choices include the Panorama Alm with its great sun terrace or cosy mountain hut. There’s also the luxurious Sonnbühel offering gorgeous culinary treats. The BichlAlm is a place of peace and seclusion that’s an oasis of calm from the outside world in an untouched landscape with incredible views.
Back down in the valley The Black Lake (Schwarzsee) located about 2km from the town heading towards Brixental is a popular destination.
Ski Tour During Ascent with Panorama © Kitzbuehel Tourism
If you like your skis skinny rather than designed for downhill, you’ll love getting out into pure, pristine nature on Kitzbühel’s 44 miles of cross-country trails. Of course, equipment rentals and tuition are available if needed.
One unique opportunity is the chance to snowshoe down the Hahnenkamm course. While you can’t hike down the Streif, you can go winter hiking at the top of the Hahnenkamm. This guided activity allows you to take in some of the stunning views that racers would experience if they paused during their descent to enjoy the scenery!
Skiing Ski Hut Hahnenkamm Inn © Kitzbuehel Tourism
Staying with the Hahnenkamm, a visit to the course’s Start Hut is a must for ski racing fans, it’s the place where almost every great downhill ski racer in history has stood and dreamed of glory before pushing off on their descent.
Events
Kitzbühel is a very special place to be in the run-up to Christmas. Its picturesque walled town centre with its cobbled streets becomes even more magical with even more twinkling lights and festive decorations added too. Kitzbühel’s Advent runs from November 20th to Boxing Day (December 26th) when there are Christmas stalls, festive delicacies to try and all the magic of Christmases past, present and future!
Not long after the Christmas celebrations have finished, there are lively celebrations for New Year, with three days of excitement from December 30th through to January 1st. Fresh light installations in the town, street performers, a DJ set and a breathtaking fire show are all ready to thrill locals and visitors alike.
Although world-famous for its skiing World Cup races, Kitzbühel hosts the also very exciting Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup from January 16th to 19th.
© Kitzbuehel Tourism
The next day the biggest event of the season, the Hahnenkamm Races, begins. Staged for the 85th time from 20th to 26th January 2025 tens-of-thousands of fans will see a Super G on Friday, downhill race on Saturday and a slalom race on Sunday taking place. Winning the Hahnenkamm equates to an Olympic Gold medal and winners have also the honour of having a gondola cabin named in their honour later in the year!
Events in Kitzbühel, Tirol | Sport, music and culture
Arrival
Kitzbühel is very easy to reach by road, rail or air from all over Europe. The town’s station has connections from across Austria and Europe. The nearest major airports are Salzburg, 75 minutes and 50 miles away; Innsbruck, 80 minutes and 59 miles away and Munich, 2 hours and 93 miles away.
Once you’ve arrived the town of Kitzbühel is highly walkable, and the centre is largely car-free, so there’s no need for a car. The town and surrounding areas are well connected by a reliable network of local buses and ski buses which are free with your lift pass.
Travel to Kitzbühel Austria | Train, Car, or Plane
Main Image © Kitzbuehel Horn Kitzbuehel Tourism
