Skiing Kitzbühel feels like stepping into alpine racing history, and there's a sense of occasion here that few resorts can match. The grooming standard is excellent throughout, and the lift system means you can cover serious ground without excessive waiting.

The terrain here rewards skiers who love long, flowing descents with proper vertical drop, and the variety across the interconnected ski areas means you won't run out of new lines to explore. With 90 runs spread across 188 km of pistes and a 1,200m vertical drop, there's genuine substance beneath the glamour.

Skiing for beginners in Kitzbühel

Beginners will find dedicated learning zones away from the main traffic, particularly around the Kitzbüheler Horn sector and at the base areas. The nursery slopes offer gentle gradients where you can build confidence at your own pace, with easy progression onto wider blue runs as your skills develop.

The ski schools here are experienced at working with first-timers, and you'll find patient instructors who can get you linking turns within a few days. That said, Kitzbühel isn't primarily a beginner's resort, and the real terrain opens up once you've mastered the basics.

Intermediate skiing in Kitzbühel

Intermediate skiers at Kitzbühel have access to 44 blue runs and an impressive selection of reds that let you build rhythm and rack up vertical. The Pengelstein area offers long, cruisy descents perfect for building confidence, while the runs from Steinbergkogel provide excellent red-run territory with stunning views of the surrounding peaks.

Once you're feeling bold, dip into the easier blacks. There are several which are essentially steep reds that help you progress without overwhelming you. Interconnected terrain also means you can ski from area to area, piecing together varied descents all day long.

WeSki insider tip: The runs on skier's left of Pengelstein hold snow well into the afternoon and see less traffic than the main routes back to town.

Advanced and expert skiing in Kitzbühel

Hahnenkamm is the draw here for expert and advanced levels. Skiing down the Streif, even the public piste version, gives you a taste of what makes this race so legendary. The steep pitch from the Mausefalle into the compression and the challenging Steilhang section will test anyone's nerve and technique.

Beyond the famous run, Kitzbühel offers 31 red runs and 15 blacks scattered across the ski area, with sustained steeps and technical challenges that reward committed skiing. The north-facing slopes off the Kitzbüheler Horn sector hold their snow well and provide excellent steep skiing when conditions are right.

WeSki insider tip: The Streif run is open to the public outside race week - arrive early for the best snow conditions and bragging rights.

Snowboarding in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel welcomes snowboarders with a terrain park near Pengelstein featuring jumps, rails, and boxes for all ability levels. The wide, open runs suit freeriding, and the lift system - dominated by gondolas and high-speed chairs - means minimal drag lifts to navigate. The resort's varied terrain offers natural hits and rollers throughout, making it enjoyable for riders who like to explore.

Off-piste skiing

Kitzbühel's reputation is built on pisted skiing, but there's worthwhile off-piste for those ready to explore. The Bichlalm sector and areas around Pengelstein offer accessible freeride terrain, while the Kitzbüheler Horn has north-facing slopes that hold powder well. For the best experience, hire a local guide, they'll show you lines that most visitors never discover.

Kitzbühel snow school and lessons

Multiple ski schools operate in Kitzbühel, with the Rote Teufel (Red Devils) being the most established. English-speaking instructors are readily available, and the schools offer everything from group lessons for children to private sessions for adults wanting to refine their technique. Advanced skiers can book off-piste guiding or race training on the famous Hahnenkamm slopes.

Kitzbühel snow parks

The Snowpark Hanglalm near Pengelstein caters to freestyle enthusiasts with a progression-based setup. You'll find an easy line for those just starting out, plus medium and pro lines with larger kickers and more technical features. The park is well-maintained throughout the season, with shapers keeping the features in top condition.

Kitzbühel piste map

1. Kitzbühel Family ski holiday
2. Things to do in Kitzbühel
3. Planning your trip in Kitzbühel
4. How to get to Kitzbühel
5. Kitzbühel FAQs

Kitzbühel family ski holiday

Kitzbühel suits families who want a resort with genuine Austrian character and skiing that works across different ability levels. The dedicated children's areas provide safe spaces for young ones to learn, with gentle terrain separated from faster traffic. Ski schools run excellent kids' programmes, and the mascot Kiki the penguin keeps little ones engaged with treasure hunts and fun activities on the slopes.

Off the slopes, the Aquarena swimming complex gives everyone a break from boots and bindings, with pools, waterslides, and a wellness area that parents will appreciate. Teenagers can challenge themselves in the terrain park or explore the town's shops and cafés for a taste of independence. The medieval centre is compact and walkable, with horse-drawn carriage rides adding a fairytale touch that younger children love.

Family-friendly restaurants are plentiful - many mountain huts have sunny terraces where kids can play in the snow while parents enjoy the views. In town, pizzerias and traditional Austrian restaurants serve generous portions that satisfy hungry young skiers.

WeSki insider tip: The Schnee Eulen kids' club on the Kitzbüheler Horn runs all-day programmes including lunch, freeing parents up for a proper ski day.

Things to do in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel is as much about what happens off the slopes as on them. The resort combines world-class skiing with a historic town centre that feels elegant rather than flashy. Pastel-coloured medieval buildings, boutique shopping, and café culture give rest days real appeal, while the surrounding Tyrolean landscape offers plenty of winter experiences for non-skiers and those wanting a slower pace.

Snow activities

Beyond downhill skiing, Kitzbühel offers a wide range of snow-based activities that showcase its forests, lakes, and panoramic viewpoints. The terrain is gentle and accessible, making many of these options suitable for all ages and abilities.

• Snowshoeing around the Kitzbüheler Horn: Peaceful routes through forested slopes and open viewpoints, ideal for quiet winter exploration.
• Winter hiking: Over 60km of cleared and marked paths, offering scenic walks with views of the Wilder Kaiser mountains.
• Gaisberg toboggan run: A 3km floodlit descent, perfect for evening fun with plenty of twists and turns.
• Ice skating at Schwarzsee: Natural skating on a frozen alpine lake, with mountains reflected all around.
• Cross-country skiing: Around 70km of groomed Nordic trails across the valley floor, suitable for both beginners and experienced skiers.
• Horse-drawn sleigh rides: Traditional carriage rides through snowy countryside - a classic Tyrolean experience.
• Paragliding tandem flights: Soar above Kitzbühel for sweeping views of the Alps and the famous Hahnenkamm.
• Fat biking: Specially designed bikes allow you to ride snow-packed trails for a different way to explore the winter landscape.

Non-snow activities

Kitzbühel offers plenty to enjoy when you want a break from skiing or simply fancy a slower pace. The town blends wellness, culture, and understated luxury, making rest days feel like part of the experience rather than time off the mountain.

• Aquarena Kitzbühel: Modern wellness centre with indoor pools, saunas, steam rooms, and spa treatments - ideal for post-ski relaxation.
• Historic old town exploration: Wander the medieval streets, admire the painted façades, and enjoy café stops along the elegant Vorderstadt.
• Kitzbühel Museum: Learn about over 900 years of local history, from mining roots to the rise of alpine tourism.
• Designer shopping: Browse upscale boutiques and Austrian brands along the pedestrianised shopping streets.
• Church of Our Lady: Beautiful baroque church overlooking the town, known for its ornate interior and hilltop views.
• Casino Kitzbühel: Classic Alpine casino offering an atmospheric evening option beyond dining and bars.
• Hahnenkamm Museum: Dedicated to the world-famous downhill race, showcasing memorabilia and ski-racing history.
• Innsbruck day trip: Around 90 minutes away, offering imperial architecture, museums, and excellent shopping.
• Hotel spa facilities: Many of Kitzbühel's luxury hotels offer day passes, allowing non-guests to enjoy pools and wellness areas.

Kitzbühel restaurants

Kitzbühel's dining scene comfortably matches its reputation for quality and style. From rustic mountain huts serving classic Tyrolean comfort food to refined fine-dining addresses in historic buildings, eating out here is a genuine highlight. Traditional Austrian flavours dominate, but the execution is consistently high - whether you're on a sun terrace at altitude or settling in for an elegant evening in town.

• Tennerhof: Gault Millau–awarded restaurant offering refined Tyrolean cuisine with a strong focus on seasonal, local ingredients.
• Neuwirt: Historic 14th-century inn serving traditional Austrian dishes in atmospheric wood-panelled rooms.
• Huberbräu Stuberl: Hearty local specialities paired with excellent Austrian beers, popular with locals and visitors alike.
• Chizzo: Stylish townhouse restaurant offering upscale international cuisine and a polished dining experience.
• Seidlalm: Legendary mountain hut known for grilled specialities, lively atmosphere, and one of Kitzbühel's most famous terraces.
• Hagstein: Relaxed mountain restaurant with a sun-drenched terrace and reliable Austrian comfort food.
• Rosi's Sonnbergstuben: Charming, characterful mountain restaurant — famous for its exceptional Kaiserschmarrn and warm hospitality.
• Berggericht: Elegant old-town restaurant set in a historic building, serving refined Austrian and Tyrolean cooking.
• Kupferstube: Fine dining address with creative interpretations of Austrian classics in a sophisticated setting.

WeSki insider tip: Try Tiroler Gröstl - a classic Tyrolean skillet of potatoes, beef, onions, and a fried egg, best enjoyed in a traditional mountain hut after a day on the slopes.

Kitzbühel Après-Ski

Kitzbühel's après-ski scene is legendary, blending old-school Tyrolean tradition with a distinctly glamorous edge. This is where fur-trimmed jackets meet ski boots, champagne flows alongside beer steins, and après feels as much about atmosphere as it does about music. You'll find everything from classic umbrella bars on the mountain to elegant wine bars and cocktail lounges tucked into the medieval old town.

The action begins on the slopes in the early afternoon, with mountain venues filling as the lifts slow down. As evening approaches, the crowd drifts into town, where narrow streets buzz with energy and choice. Nights typically split between lively taverns with live music and more refined bars for cocktails and conversation - Kitzbühel caters effortlessly to both moods.

• Seidlalm: The iconic mountain après venue — arrive by mid-afternoon for live music, dancing, and legendary atmosphere.
• Streifalm: Lively slope-side spot with live bands and views down the famous Streif downhill run.
• The Londoner: British-style pub popular with international visitors, known for its sociable crowd and late nights.
• Pavillon: Stylish cocktail bar in the heart of the old town, ideal for a more polished aperitif or evening drink.
• BergSinn: Trendy wine bar focusing on Austrian wines, perfect for a relaxed but refined night out.
• Highways: American-style bar serving burgers, beers, and live sport in a casual setting.
• Take Five: Late-night club for dancing into the small hours when you're not ready to call it a night.

Kitzbühel map

Planning your trip to Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel accommodation

Kitzbühel offers everything from luxury five-star hotels to cosy guest houses and self-catering apartments. The medieval town centre puts you within walking distance of shops, restaurants, and the Hahnenkamm gondola, and the area around the Hornbahn lift offers good-value options with direct slope access on the quieter Kitzbüheler Horn side.

For the classic Kitzbühel experience, stay in the centre where cobbled streets lead to après-ski bars and boutique shopping. If ski-in/ski-out matters more than nightlife proximity, consider hotels near the Fleckalmbahn gondola, where you'll be on the slopes faster in the morning. The ski bus connects all areas, so you're never truly far from the action.

Kitzbühel ski pass

The Kitzbühel ski pass covers all 58 lifts and 188 km of pistes across the linked ski areas of Kitzbühel, Kirchberg, and the Kitzbüheler Horn. You'll have access to everything from the famous Hahnenkamm sector to the family-friendly runs on the Horn - no supplements needed. The pass also includes the ski bus network connecting the base stations.

When booking through WeSki, you can add ski passes to your Kitzbühel ski holiday package and have everything sorted before you arrive.

Equipment hire

Kitzbühel has plenty of rental shops in town and at the base stations, offering everything from beginner packages to high-performance demo skis. Booking ahead means your equipment is waiting when you arrive, with sizes pre-selected - you'll be on the slopes faster and avoid the morning queues. Most shops offer overnight storage so you're not lugging gear back to your accommodation.

For intermediates and above, it's worth paying a bit more for premium equipment - the difference in performance makes for a better day on the mountain. Snowboarders will find good selections too, and most shops carry all the extras you might need: helmets, goggles, and gloves.

Getting around Kitzbühel

The medieval town centre is compact and easily walkable, with most hotels, restaurants, and bars within a 10-minute stroll of each other. A ski bus at the resort connects the main lift stations (Hahnenkamm, Fleckalm, and Hornbahn) with the town centre and surrounding villages, running every 15-20 minutes during ski hours.

For evening transport, taxis are readily available and can be booked through your hotel. If you're staying outside the centre, check the last ski bus time - services may wind down around 18:00, though some routes run later. The bus to Kirchberg continues into the evening, handy if you're visiting restaurants or bars there.

WeSki insider tip: Download the Kitzbühel app for real-time ski bus tracking, it takes the guesswork out of catching your connection.

How to get to Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel sits in an enviable location with excellent transport links. The nearest airports are Innsbruck (95km), Salzburg (80km), and Munich (127km), all offering flights from UK airports. Salzburg and Munich tend to have the most flight options and often better prices, though Innsbruck gets you there faster.

The town has its own train station with direct connections from Innsbruck, Salzburg, and other Austrian cities - a scenic and relaxed way to travel if your schedule allows. For drivers, the resort is easily reached via the A12 motorway from Innsbruck or the A10 from Salzburg.

WeSki offers car rentals from the airport as well as private and shared transfers to Kitzbühel. Add them to your package for seamless door-to-door travel. Browse Kitzbühel ski deals to build your perfect trip.

Kitzbühel FAQs

Is Kitzbühel good for beginners?

Kitzbühel has dedicated beginner areas and excellent ski schools, but it's not primarily a beginner's resort. The nursery slopes on the Kitzbüheler Horn side work well for learning, and you can progress onto gentle blues as your confidence grows. However, intermediates and advanced skiers will get more from the terrain. If your group includes complete beginners alongside experienced skiers, the variety means everyone can find suitable slopes - just don't expect the same breadth of green runs you'd find at purpose-built beginner resorts.

How reliable is the snow in Kitzbühel?

Kitzbühel's altitude (800m to 2,000m) is lower than some Austrian resorts, but extensive snowmaking covers around 90% of the pistes. The season runs from early November to April, with the most reliable conditions typically from mid-December through March. The north-facing slopes on the Kitzbüheler Horn hold snow better in warmer periods, while the Hahnenkamm side benefits from excellent piste preparation. The resort's investment in snowmaking means conditions are generally good throughout the season, though late-season visits might see some lower runs affected on warmer days.

Is Kitzbühel crowded?

Race week in late January draws huge crowds and significantly higher prices - avoid this period unless watching the Hahnenkamm is your goal. School holidays (Christmas, February half-term, Easter) see increased visitor numbers, though the modern lift system handles capacity well. Outside these peak periods, the resort feels pleasantly busy rather than overcrowded. The Kitzbüheler Horn sector is generally quieter than the main Hahnenkamm area - head there for a more relaxed ski day.

What's the best area of Kitzbühel to stay in?

The medieval town centre offers the best combination of atmosphere, dining options, and nightlife, with easy access to the Hahnenkamm gondola. For ski-in/ski-out convenience, look at hotels near the Fleckalmbahn. The Kitzbüheler Horn side suits families and those seeking quieter accommodation at slightly lower prices. Kirchberg, connected by ski bus, offers good-value alternatives while still accessing the same ski area. Your choice depends on priorities - après-ski lovers should stay central, while families might prefer the calmer Horn side.

Can I ski the famous Hahnenkamm downhill run?

Yes - outside race week, a public piste follows much of the legendary Streif course. It's graded black and requires solid skiing ability, but competent intermediates can tackle it carefully. The full race line includes the infamous Mausefalle jump and Steilhang sections, which give you an appreciation for what the racers achieve at 140 km/h. Arrive early for the best conditions, and don't be too proud to side-slip the steepest sections. It's a must-do for any skiing enthusiast visiting Kitzbühel.

What's Kitzbühel's après-ski scene like?

Kitzbühel has one of Austria's most celebrated après-ski scenes, blending traditional Tyrolean warmth with a touch of glamour. It starts on the mountain at spots like Seidlalm and Streifalm, then moves into the medieval town where bars range from rowdy pub-style venues to sophisticated cocktail lounges. The atmosphere varies by venue - it's a scene caters to all tastes, from a quiet glass of wine to dancing until the early hours.

What's the town like beyond skiing?

Kitzbühel is a real medieval town rather than a purpose-built resort, which gives it genuine character. The old town features painted facades, cobbled streets, boutique shopping, and excellent restaurants. There's cultural depth beyond skiing - museums, galleries, and a casino provide evening options. The sophisticated atmosphere attracts visitors who want more than just ski-in, ski-out convenience.

Is Kitzbühel good for families?

Kitzbühel works well for families wanting quality skiing combined with a genuine town experience. The ski schools have excellent children's programmes, beginner terrain suits young learners, and the town offers non-skiing activities like swimming and ice skating. The atmosphere is civilised rather than rowdy, and the variety of restaurants caters to families. It's particularly good for families with older children who can appreciate the terrain variety and town character.

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