Kitzbuhel - Austria
Skiing reputedly started in Kitzbuhel (Kitz-bool) in 1893 after local hero Franz Reisch brought a pair of skis from Norway to try out on the mountains of Austria. From these beginnings the town has become one of the largest and liveliest resorts in the country. The ski area has 145km of pistes, including the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill run, and has benefited from many recent lift upgrades. However, in years of sparse snowfall Kitzbuhel, at an altitude of just 760m, can suffer.
One of the main strengths of Kitzbuhel, is the town itself - its picturesque centre retains colourful medieval buildings, several churches and a nearby castle which is now a hotel. The vibrant après-ski scene is typically Austrian and the nightlife alone is worth the visit to Kitzbuhel. It is a great destination for skiers and non-skiers alike, and serious shoppers will be impressed by the presence of Louis Vuitton and Swarovski.
At a glance
| Resort altitude | 760m - 760m |
|---|---|
| Highest lift | 2000m |
| Lowest lift | 800m |
| kms of piste | 145km² |
| Black pistes | 20% |
| Red pistes | 43% |
| Blue pistes | 37% |
| Green pistes | 0% |
| Snow parks | 1 |
| Glacier | No |
| Snowmaking | Yes |
-
Five to try
- For serious skiers the world-famous Hanhenkamm downhill run is a must
- A visit to Kirchberg is a great excursion for non-skiers in the party.
- A horse-drawn carriage ride is the best way to see this attractive resort
- Try your hand in the casino. You may get lucky and be able to affors to shop in Kitzbuhel the following day!
- Access glorious powder fields on Bichlalm with guided snowcat tours (bookable at www.alpin-experts.at)
-
Planning your trip
Getting to Kitzbuhel couldn’t be easier with plenty of transport links and airlines to get you there. You can be at the resort in an hour and a half from neighbouring airports, making it a great destination for families and more...
-
Where to stay
With its cobbled, medieval centre, Kitzbuhel is undoubtedly one of the nicest towns you could choose to stay in. Delightful architecture melds with chic boutiques. If you are feeling flush, then splash out on one of the many elegant hotels in the more...
-
Food and drink
Kitzbuhel has a reputation as a glamorous destination and as such the quality of restaurants is high in the town. Gourmet options sit comfortably alongside international eateries and the typical Austrian restaurants that provide hearty meals to keep your energy levels high on the more...
-
Things to do
There is plenty going on in Kitzbuhel after hours, and not just in the bars. This is a town that is well suited to non-skiers. There are numerous outdoor activities as well as ice skating, tennis, squash and a cinema for more...
-
On the piste
Although it is home to one of the most feared and challenging races on the circuit (the Hahnenkamm downhill race), the majority of skiing in Kitzbuhel is of intermediate standard. There are few better places to cruise the blues through the trees, and the new Kitzbuheler Alpen ski pass gives more...
-
MadDogView
Beautiful Austrian village with a refined past though things are changing with an increase in reasonable accommodation. At only 760m it risks being low on snow.
-
Map
- Download piste map
-
Our favourites
Hotel Schwarzer Adler
A 4-star traditional hotel near the centre of town renowned for the it's Michelin starred restaurant - considered by many to be the best in town. -
Useful stuff
