Overview
Pretty Kitzbuhel is one of the most famous ski towns in the world thanks to the annual Hahnenkamm race, and the incredible party the town hosts to celebrate it. Located at the heart of the Tyrolean Alps, its medieval historic charm makes it a popular and a regular choice for British skiing holidays. Probably the ultimate 'traditional Austrian' ski resort, non-skiers love it here too!
Skiing in Kitzbuhel
The ski area is split over two very distinct areas – the smaller Kitzbuhler Horn with some limited intermediate and beginner runs, and the much larger, more expansive Kitzbuhel ski area. A bus journey is needed between the two.Kitzbuhel has 178km of slopes, 60 individual runs all connected by 30 ski lifts. Although the resort is associated with serious skiers, there’s enough to keep everyone busy as you’ll find slopes for all abilities, making it perfect for either group skiing holidays or family skiing holidays. The big Ski Welt pass-linked area of Kitzbuhel, Westendorf, Hopfgarten, Soll and Ellmau has 250km of piste to get stuck into, with the biggest snow canon system in Austria covering 80% of runs.
Beginner skiers and borders will find large local ski schools to teach them the moves on the mountain. There are lots of fun gentle runs making the resort perfect for first-timers. Intermediates are spoilt for choice with all the blues and reds and experts will relish in the fact they get to ski the same piste as skiing legends such as Franz Klammer. The Hahnenkamm race is 3,200m long with super-sonic racers hitting speeds of up to 140kph (88mph)! Tens of thousands of spectators come to watch the annual event for the race weekend in January. If speed’s not your thing, then off-piste seekers will find their terrain in the form of fast descents and should try the ‘Black 55’ run for a real thrill. There are some incredibly picturesque itinerary runs to do in the ski area, and the slopes are ideal for groups of mixed abilities given the range of terrain. Worth a ride is the vast “3S” cable car, currently the largest single span cable car in Europe – an incredible 2.2km span.
Snowboarding in Kitzbuhel
If you’re going snowboarding, Kitzbuhel doesn’t disappoint. Freeriders will find their perfect powder perched under Bichlam and the Jochberg has some cool bowls to seek out. Freestylers will literally get their kicks at Penglestein or at the boardpark with a halfpipe on the Kitzbuheler Horn.
Apres in Kitzbuhel
At nights, the town comes to life with a huge choice of bars, restaurants and a few nightclubs to choose from. Whatever your budget, you’ll find something you like, whether it is champagne bars, or the more familiar surroundings of the Londoner or Flannigans. Apres in this miniature medieval-styled town is vibrant with buzzing bars and clubs and even a casino if you fancy a flutter. Indulge in an evening of sophistication at the classy restaurants and enjoy a genuine, friendly atmosphere centred around the middle of the main street.
Accommodation in Kitzbuhel
If you are staying in Kitzbuhel during the Hahnrnhamm race, expect very little sleep as the whole town parties all night long and the sound of klaxons and cow bells resonate through the night. Kitzbuhel has a variety of accommodation for your skiing holiday. Given the cachet, many of the central hotels are 5* luxury, or at least rated 4*. There is some cheaper accommodation situated further out, still easily accessible to the town centre and the main lifts by the excellent bus service. There are fully catered chalets and hotels and accommodation for those looking for a Kitzbuhel ski holiday....
