Kitzbühel

About Kitzbühel

Every January the renowned Hahnenkamm World Cup Downhill ski race is held at Kitzbühel. This race attracts ski racing fans from all over the world and has a festive air and the kind of significance that compares to the Running of the Bulls in Pamplona or Mardi Gras in New Orleans. So as long as you can handle large crowds and an excessive amount of partying, it’s a great time to visit Kitzbühel.

The rest of the season, the town—and skiing for that matter—is much tamer. When bedecked in fresh snow, this Austrian Tyrol resort is a storybook winter wonderland complete with narrow streets, candles burning in the windows, and the constant jingle of bells on horse-drawn sleighs.

“Kitz,” as the locals call it, boasts a storied ski history. Over a century ago—in the winter of 1893—skiing began in Kitzbühel. Consistent northwesterly snow provides Kitzbuhel with a reliable snowpack from December to April, but because the bottom section of the resort is situated at 2,640 feet the snow conditions can be variable. However, investments of 250 million Euro over recent history have improved that issue immensely.

How to get to Kitzbühel

Getting to Kitzbühel couldn't be easier by car, with major routes leading straight to this iconic ski destination. If you're looking for sustainable travel options, there are plenty of trains and buses with frequent services to Kitzbühel and nearby areas. For those flying in, the closest airports are in Innsbruck, Salzburg, and Munich, with convenient onward connections available by train or shuttle. Once you're in town, taxis and shared mobility services make getting around a snap. Whether you drive, fly, or take public transport, Kitzbühel is easy to reach and ready for your adventure!

Getting around

Exploring local attractions on foot is a fantastic way to soak in the charm of the area. But if you're looking to venture a bit further, a well-connected network of regional buses, including handy ski buses, makes getting around a breeze.

For those driving electric cars, you'll find plenty of charging stations to keep you powered up. And when you need a quick and comfy ride, there are numerous taxis available—just be sure to agree on the fare before you hop in.

Skiing in Kitzbühel

Brave intermediates and advanced intermediates can defy gravity and take a run on the World Cup downhill course—the Hahnenkamm, which is accessed via the Hahnenkammbahn from the main base village area.

Beginner Skiing in Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbühel is best left for intermediate to expert skiers, beginners don’t have a ton of options, save for some “learn to ski” zones at many of the base areas, and one longer green run in the Gaisberg (Sports Mountain) ski area. Accessible via the A4 lift, the Ministreif area features mild gradients, making it suitable for children and beginners to gain confidence on the snow, while Hausleiten offers wide, gentle slopes and free practice lifts, ensuring a stress-free learning experience for all ages.

Expert Skiing in Kitzbühel, Austria

Family vacations in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, Austria offers a diverse range of activities for all ages throughout the winter with a variety of snow sports and activities. The well-known ski slopes cater to skiers and snowboarders of all skill levels, with popular areas like the Hahnenkamm and the Kitzbüheler Horn, in addition to other ski touring and freeriding options offering thrilling off-piste experiences, such as tobogganing on natural runs, ice skating and winter hiking and camping.

Explore the town’s numerous sports shops, ski schools and rental services, such as those at the Sportpark and the local ski rental shops, while families can enjoy cozy mountain huts for après-ski relaxation, Other memorable family vacation options include seasonal events, like the Kitzbühel Triathlon and the Generali Open tennis tournament.