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Kitzbühel, also fondly referred to as “Kitz”, is a beautiful and picturesque alpine town in the Tirol region of Austria. It’s easy to fall in love with Kitz’ medieval architecture, cobblestone streets, and cozy, welcoming atmosphere. The town has a rich history and plenty of character.
The ski runs are generally quite wide and well-prepared.
Kitzbühel is also famous for the Hahnenkamm downhill race, which is one of the most prestigious ski races in the world.
Kitzbühel has been crowned Austria’s Best Ski Resort 2024, and the accolades don’t stop there! A-ROSA Kitzbühel took home the title of Austria’s Best Ski Hotel 2024, while the charming Hotel Rasmushof Kitzbühel earned the award for Austria’s Best Ski Boutique Hotel 2024. To top it off, the luxurious Hahnenkamm Lodge was named Austria’s Best Ski Chalet 2024. With all these top honors, Kitzbühel promises an unforgettable ski getaway packed with world-class accommodations and unparalleled alpine charm!
Located in the Tirol region of Austria, Kitzbühel is easily accessible by train or car from major cities like Munich, Salzburg, and Innsbruck.
The nearest airport is probably Innsbruck. Salzburg (our road transfer took about an hour from the airport to Kitz) is also not too far, but the most convenient and probably with the best connections is Munich (plus a 90-minute drive by car).
The main lift is located 10 minutes by walk from Kitzbühel city center and has several parking places around.
With the Kitzbühel lift pass, “Kitzski”, you have access to over 233 km (145 miles) of ski slopes that cater to various skill levels. There are 57 lifts with connections Kitzbühel, Kirchberg, Jochberg, Pass Thurn, Mittersill/Hollersbach, and up to 2,000 m.
Because we stayed for two weeks, we bought the “Super Ski Card”. We had plenty more skiing fun across 22 ski regions. This is what you have access to with the “Super Ski Card“:
Lively après-ski scene: After a day on the slopes, you can enjoy Kitzbühel’s vibrant après-ski options. There are numerous bars (we enjoyed the Hahnenkamm bar), restaurants, and clubs where you can unwind and socialize. The atmosphere is generally more upscale and relaxed.
If you’re looking for a party resort, Ischgl will be more your thing.
Kitzbühel is one of the most expensive ski resorts in Austria.
Expensive: Lift tickets, accommodations, and dining in Kitzbühel can be pricey. It’s a luxurious destination, and prices reflect that. High-end hotels and gourmet restaurants dominate the scene, though more budget-friendly options are available if you look carefully. Check out my travel tips further below.
Budget-Friendly Options: While Kitzbühel is generally expensive, there are some more budget-friendly accommodations and dining options available. Smaller guesthouses, bed and breakfasts, and mid-range hotels offer more affordable lodging. Additionally, you can find casual eateries and bars where prices are more reasonable.
Like Courchevel in France and St. Moritz in Switzerland, Kitzbühel is a popular snow ski destination for wealthy travelers from all over the world, including Russia.
Luxury Resort Town: Kitzbühel is well-known for its upscale ambiance and attracts a high-profile clientele, including celebrities and royalty.
Shops and Restaurants: Kitzbühel’s town center is dotted with high-end boutiques and designer stores. You’ll find luxury brands and unique shops that cater to the affluent crowd. The dining scene is equally upscale, with gourmet restaurants offering a range of international and traditional Austrian cuisine.
From beginning March you’ll have limited pistes open because at this time there is no more significant snowfall. The best skiing late on are at the glaciers (for that you’ll need a “Super Ski Card”) or high resort locations such as Obergurgl/ Ischgl and the like.
The website here has plenty information: https://www.kitzski.at/en/ski-area-tirol/timetables-operating-times.html
Crowded: Kitzbühel is a popular destination, especially during peak season (Christmas, New Year, and February holidays).
If you prefer a quieter experience, I suggest going during the shoulder seasons which are December and April. However, not all the runs will be open and snow is not guaranteed.
To avoid the weekends’ longer ques we headed for the Bergbahn. The Kitzbühel Bergbahn has a fast and usually efficient lift system that has little in the way of queueing issues.
End January, February.
Not ideal for beginners: While there are some beginner-friendly slopes, Kitzbühel is better suited for intermediate to advanced skiers. Beginners might find other resorts with more gentle terrain and better ski schools more suitable.
If you are an advanced skier looking for a mix of excellent skiing and vibrant après-ski in a charming alpine town, Kitzbühel is a fantastic choice.
Celebrities like Arnold Schwarzenegger, Elton John, and Tom Hanks have been spotted here over the years. However, I have not seen any celebs during my trip, so it’s not guaranteed you’ll be celeb-spotting.
If you fly in from countries like the USA or South Africa, you may want to stay two weeks, like we did, to get the most from your buck. I can honestly say, there was not one boring day and plenty of skiing pleasure.
However, if you’re a beginner, I suggest 3-4 days.
We did not have a car because the town is walkable and the public transportation system is good. We also used private taxis to ski some of the resorts that are further away. Another option that I can recommend is taking the train to ski nearby resorts like Brixen im Thale (the pass is included in the “Super Ski Card”), or St Johann (only 12 minutes by train from Kitz). Buy your day pass in St Johann.
If you’re into shopping, ice skating, hiking, or just relaxing in a spa, yes! The Kitzbühel Museum is also worth checking out.
Night skiing is not included in your normal pass. You need to buy an extra ticket that is for night skiing.
Travel Tip(s)
You can go FREE NIGHT SKIING if your lift pass is for longer than 6 days.
No. The nearest glacier is Hintertux Glacier which is almost two hours by car from Kitz.
Yes! There are about 50 hotspots in the ski area, so it’s super convenient to keep your friends and family updated with photos and news.
Kitzbühel is worth it for skiers who are looking for a challenge and a luxurious atmosphere. However, it can be expensive and crowded.
That said, fear not because I give some tips on saving money further down, so keep reading. Kitz is not only for the rich and famous!
Ski-in/ski-out hotels are super popular because they let you hit the slopes right from your doorstep—no schlepping gear around! Plus, after a long day of skiing, you can glide right back to your cozy hotel, making it all so convenient and fun.
Like I mentioned earlier, Kitzbühel is quite expensive when it comes to hotels, guesthouses, apartments, and chalets. We booked in Kitzbühel, but knowing what I know now, I would rather book in nearby resorts like Brixen im Thale. You’ll miss out on the nightlife, but if you’re willing to hop on the train to and from Kitzbühel for an evening out, it’s a no-brainer because you’ll pay much less for accommodation. This appeals to me greatly because it leaves a bigger budget to enjoy the finer things in life! It makes sense, right?
I had a look at Das Heimsitz as a future alternative. Not only has it an exceptionally high rating on Booking.com but it’s only 40 meters from the lift! With sleek rooms and apartments, a great sauna, free breakfast, and Wi-Fi, what is not to love?
There are a number of ski schools in Kitzbühel that offer lessons for all levels. If you’re a beginner, lessons are a great way to learn the basics and build confidence. If you’re an experienced skier, a refresher lesson can help you improve your technique.
Make sure you have warm, waterproof clothing, sunscreen, sunglasses, a hat, gloves, and ski socks. If you’re renting skis, you may also want to rent boots and a helmet.
Snow skiing and snowboarding must-haves!
Après-ski (meaning: drinks and socializing after skiing) is a big part of the Kitzbühel experience. Be sure to factor in some time for drinks and socializing after a day on the slopes. But be mindful of alcohol consumption, especially if you’ll be navigating slopes or walking afterwards.
Ski insurance covers you in case of accidents or injuries. This ensures you receive proper medical care and support if needed. Insurance is usually included in your flight ticket if you pay by card. However, call your card provider to check the conditions of the ski cover because some don’t cover things like expert skiing and so on. Oh, and don’t forget to print a copy of the insurance and put it where it can be easily found in an emergency.
The ski buses are free if you are in your ski gear and they run between the different villages in the Kitzbühel Alps.
I highly recommend schnitzel, goulash, and kaiserschmarrn (a type of pancake).
The weather in the Alps can be unpredictable and can change rapidly. Checking the weather forecast before heading out will help you prepare for the day ahead. This includes knowing if there are any expected storms, high winds, or other adverse conditions that might impact your skiing plans.
Dressing in layers allows you to adjust your clothing based on the temperature and your activity level. Start with a moisture-wicking base layer, add an insulating mid-layer, and finish with a waterproof and windproof outer layer. This way, you can stay warm and dry throughout the day.
Staying hydrated is crucial, especially at higher altitudes where dehydration can occur more quickly. Bring a water bottle with you and take regular sips throughout the day.
This is what I love about skiing, i.e. taking breaks in one of the many huts and restaurants on the slopes! Let’s face it, skiing is physically demanding, so it’s important to take breaks to rest and recharge, right? This helps prevent fatigue and reduces the risk of injury. So, find a cozy spot at one of the mountain huts or cafes for a hot drink and a snack.
Skiing in Kitzbühel is a fantastic way to enjoy the stunning winter scenery and get some exercise. Relax and have fun, whether you’re carving down the slopes or taking in the views from a chairlift. It’s sheer bliss!
Let it snow, let it snow, let it snow…
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