Mad Dog Ski: Ski Resort guidebooks for Austria, France, Italy and Switzerland

Kitzbuhel - Austria

Skiing reputedly started in Kitzbuhel 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 Austria. The ski area is has 145km of pistes and has benefitted from many recent lift upgrades although in snow sparse years, this place can suffer.


Kitzbuhel tourist officeAlthough 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. The main Hahnenkamm ski area links it with the neighbouring resort of Kirchberg as well as other small towns like Jochberg, Pass Thurn and Aurach.

One of the main strengths of Kitzbuhel, is the town itself - its picturesque centre retains colourful medieval buildings, several churches and a nearby castle (now a hotel). The town is large and there isn't much ski-in, ski-out accommodation but a good regular bus service services the town. The vibrant apres-ski scene is typically Austrian (very lively!) and the nightlife alone is worth the visit to Kitzbuhel.

For serious shoppers, Louis Vuitton and Swarovski are among the famous names Kitzbuhel boasts and various other activities and events are on offer throughout the year from museums and jazz festivals to polo tournaments and ice-hockey matches making it a great place for skiers and non-skiers alike.

Key Information

Resort altitude760m - 760m
Highest lift2000m
Lowest lift800m
Kms of piste145kms
No of lifts56
Black pistes20%
Red pistes43%
Blue pistes37%
Green pistes0%
Snow parks1
GlacierNo
Snowmaking65

Our penny's worth


Kitzbuhel may have a world-famous skiing but unlike many places, it has stayed away from becoming a standard purpose-built resort, and maintained a traditional charm. For this reason there is plenty to explore in the town itself, and you should definitely take the time to sightsee and soak up some of the Austrian culture.

Don't leave Kitzbuhel without...

  • Skiing the World Cup downhill run
  • Dining in the Michelin starred Hotel Schwarzer Adler
  • Snow shoeing around the resort
  • Visiting the town of Kirchberg – don’t miss its impressive church
  • Enjoying the sights from a hot air balloon

At a glance

Nearest airportsType of resortStay inGo for a
Innsbruck
Munich
Salzburg
Mountain townHotels
Independent Travel
Self-Catered
Tour operator
Week
Week+
Weekend
Good forChildrenFood and drinkOther
Cross-country
Freestyle
Off-piste
Ski-touring
Creches
Babysitting
Ski schools
Apres-ski
Evening drinking
Resort dining
Vegetarian
Family friendly
Live music
Late drinking
Mountain dining
Internet access
Churches
Other activities
Adrenaline fuelled
Sightseeing
Relaxation
Shopping


See our list of guidebooks

Buy Guide

Snow Report:
Kitzbuhel
Report date:3 Dec 2008
Last snowed:1 Dec 2008
Fresh snow:10cm
Lifts open:10 out of 55
Snow depth:
Lower slopes:5cm
Upper slopes:39cm
Piste information:
On-piste:Good
Off-piste:Limited
Resort runs:Closed
Snow conditions:
Good skiing on well groomed pistes
Weather:
Predominantly sunny with cloudy spells