Kitzbuhel

Kitzbühel Ski Resort

This charming medieval town of Kitzbühel has a serious skiing pedigree and recent investment in snowmaking and the lift system mean the queues and bare slopes of old are becoming a thing of the past.

Covering 185km of marked pistes – topped up by an additional 45km of marked ski routes – Kitzbühel has a surprisingly large ski area. Of course there is the infamous Streif Downhill course and some great steep terrain amongst the woods, but in reality this is a great resort for intermediates looking to put some miles under their belts. You really feel a sense of travelling when you ski from one end to the other and getting around is super quick thanks to the impressive lift system – another two new lifts were built for 2018/19.

The town of Kitzbühel is as picturesque as it gets and the sense of history is clear. Wandering around the pedestrianised town centre within the old city walls is a great experience and it is certainly different to most ski resorts. Stay in the middle if possible to experience the resort at its best and make the most of the numerous cafes, shops, bars and restaurant littered around the centre.

With so many slopes to explore, the best way to experience Kitz is with a Ski Club Leader – they’re on hand to guide you around the pistes (and the bars!) from 5th January until 30th March this winter.

And before you go, join our Kitzbühel Facebook Page for the very latest updates from the resort and to arrange some ski buddies for your trip.

Our Kitzbühel Resort Ratings

• Beginner ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Intermediate ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆
• Advanced ★ ★ ☆ ☆ ☆
• Snow Reliability ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Fast Lifts ★ ★ ★ ★ ★
• Resort Activities ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Après ★ ★ ★ ☆ ☆
• Value ★ ★ ★ ★ ☆

Kitzbühel Skiing and Snowboarding

Over €280 million has been spent since 2000 upgrading the resort and it really shows. The extensive main area of slopes includes the villages of Kirchberg and Jochberg to form a fantastic area of linked slopes, most of which are tree-lined and backed up by snowmaking. A 3S gondola links the Hahnenkamm area with Resterhöhe at the far end of the resort – making this trip is well worth it for the sense of travel and to ride the impressive lift system. The smaller Kitzbüheler Horn sector lies on the opposite side off the valley, and offers some good cruisey terrain and long runs back to town.

• Total Pistes: 230 km
• Blue: 46%
• Red: 26%
• Black: 8%
• Ski Routes: 20%
• Lifts: 49
• Altitude: 800m – 2004m

For Beginners

Unfortunately the local nursery slopes in Kitzbühel are slightly limited and despite the best snowmaking efforts, the snow quality can suffer. There are similar areas in all of the villages in the valley but the same issue persists. Higher up however there is a decent gentle zone on the Kitzbüheler Horn, where there is also good progression on to longer blues. Elsewhere, Pengelstein is probably the best bet for gentle blues within the main ski area.

For Intermediates

There’s a huge array of runs for intermediates in the resort, but some of the slopes can get crowded – especially on the Hahnenkamm. Despite the modest altitude, you can notch up some serious vertical on the Pengelstein sector by skiing down to Skirast and also on the Kitzbüheler Horn. Take the 3S across towards Pass Thurn for the quietest slopes, including the highest piste in the resort at the aptly named Zweitausender.

For Advanced/Expert & Off Piste

The advanced options are somewhat limited and most of the steep terrain is found by the Steinbergkogel, accessed directly from the main Hahnenkamm gondola. Two fast eight seater-chairs – both equipped with seat heating and bubbles – access a network of good blacks. Otherwise the main attractions are the ski routes, in particular 33, 34 and 51, but these rely on good natural snowfall and fresh powder.

Kitzbühel Piste Map

The piste map, covering all 230km of runs can be downloaded here.

Kitzbühel Ski Pass Prices

Day ticket and multi-day prices vary depending on the time of season – for the cheapest rates ski before Christmas or in March/April. A season pass can be snapped up for €1300. Note that these prices may change, so check with the resort’s website for the latest or give the Ski Club’s expert info & advice team a call on 020 8410 2009.

Kitzbühel Season Dates

• Opening Date: 13th October 2018
• Closing Date 1st May 2019

For full details see the resort's website as different sectors open and close at different times and note that these dates are subject to change. The Ski Club’s expert info & advice team are also on hand to help – call 020 8410 2009.

Kitzbühel Resort

The sizeable and largely car-free medieval centre – with its quaint church, cobbled streets and attractive buildings – is not your typical ski resort but it makes for a compelling place to stay. There is lots to do and a great choice of restaurants and accommodation, but the resort does spread widely so be prepared to walk to the lifts or to jump on a bus.

For Families

Kitzbühel is rather spread out and can be busy, so is not completely ideal for families. However, there is a lot to do off the slopes including ice skating, tobogganing and swimming at the impressive Aquarena.

For Après

As the lifts close, the Streifalm bar at the foot of the slopes is popular, whilst beers are usually flowing at the Stamperl and Londoner in town. If you really want to party, then visit during the Hahnenkamm Downhill weekend, when tens of thousands of ski racing fans descend on the town for one of Austria’s wildest weekends.

How to get to Kitzbühel

Getting to Kitzbühel is incredibly easy, with three airports – Innsbruck, Munich and Salzburg – all around an hour and a half’s drive away. It is also possible to take the train from all three, just add on an extra 30-60 minutes to the driving time.

• Innsbruck airport: 1.5 hours (driving), 2 hours (by train)
• Munich airport: 1.5 hours (driving), 2 hours (by train) hours
• Salzburg airport: 1.5 hours (driving), 2 hours (by train) hours
• Calais: approximately 14 hours driving (678 miles)

Kitzbühel Contact Details

• Website: www.kitzbuehel.com
• Email: info@kitzbuehel.com
• Telephone: +43 53 56 66 660
• Facebook: @kitzbuehel
• Instagram: @kitzbuehel_tirol
• Twitter: @kitzbuehel