The Skiers' Guide to Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel, located in the Austrian Tyrol, is one of the most iconic ski resorts in the Alps. Famous for hosting the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race on the formidable Streif piste, this resort offers a perfect blend of challenging terrain and classic Alpine charm. The medieval town centre, with its colourful buildings and car-free zones, provides a picturesque backdrop to your skiing holiday.

The resort sits relatively at an altitude between 800m and 2000m, with a ski area that extends across several interconnected mountains. Accessible within approximately 60 minutes from Salzburg airport, Kitzbühel offers convenience alongside quality skiing.

Our Snomad community gives Kitzbühel an overall rating of 4.36/5, with particularly impressive scores for family friendliness (4.64/5), lift efficiency (4.86/5), and groomed runs (4.63/5).

Kitzbühel boasts 68 runs spread across a vast ski area, with 29 beginner slopes, 27 intermediate runs, and 12 advanced pistes. The lift system is exceptional, featuring 11 gondolas/cable cars, 28 chairlifts, and 15 drag lifts. The resort is a great all-rounder with fantastic terrain for all levels.

One Snomad community member liked that "the slopes are well groomed and lift attendants are always very helpful and polite." Another user noted that "the variety of runs and the lift system is unbelievable" in a positive sense, highlighting the impressive diversity of terrain.

The resort caters exceptionally well to intermediates, with many users mentioning the "nice wide well-groomed pistes which make skiing a breeze." For the more adventurous, the chance to ski sections of the famous Streif is a major draw. As one advanced skier mentioned, "The Streif, the world famous downhill run on the Hahnenkamm mountain" is a must-try, though there's "a Red run that traces the piste leaving out the major sections" for those who aren't quite ready for the full challenge.

Off-piste enthusiasts will find "good opportunities for off-piste runs into the valley," according to one experienced skier, though the resort scores 3.76/5 for off-piste, suggesting it's not its strongest feature.

Kitzbühel scores impressively for eating out (4.36/5), reflecting the quality and variety of dining options both on the mountain and in town.

The on-mountain dining receives particular praise from our users. As one advanced skier commented, "The on-slope restaurants are atmospheric with a good choice of cafeteria and table service to suit your budget." Another mentioned "very delicious food which I really enjoyed" at the mountain huts.

One reviewer specifically highlighted Berghaus Tirol, saying "Views here are unbeatable and the Kaiserschmarrn is delicious." Another user praised the "exceptional strudel and cappuccino on the slopes."

In the town itself, you'll find everything from "rowdy bars to quiet family-run restaurants," with options ranging from budget-friendly eateries to high-end dining establishments. As one reviewer noted, there are also "good value for money bars and restaurants available for those on a budget."

Kitzbühel receives a strong rating of 4.14/5 for its après-ski, with our users consistently mentioning the lively atmosphere both on the mountain and in town.

The Londoner bar gets frequent mentions in our reviews. One expert skier recommended to "definitely get down to the Londoner and see the short and curleys," while another noted it "has been incredible for decades." Other popular spots include O'Flannigans, which one reviewer described as "cheaper and quieter" than The Londoner, as well as Take Five and the KitznBar.

While one intermediate skier felt "apres is virtually non-existent other than a few small bars in the town," the majority of our users disagree, with one calling the après ski "unmatched" and another describing it as "crazy with lots of bars to choose from."

For those seeking evening entertainment beyond typical après, one advanced skier mentioned "a good standard of ice hockey to watch in the evening," adding another dimension to the resort's nightlife.

Kitzbühel excels as a family destination, scoring an impressive 4.64/5 for family friendliness. Many of our users specifically highlight this aspect, with one advanced skier describing it as "wonderful for skiers and non skiers alike."

The resort offers excellent facilities for learners, with one user noting that "All practice lifts in the valley are free of charge" for beginners. Another commented that "the standard of the lifts and the slopes are unrivalled in Austria," making it accessible for families with varying skiing abilities.

Ski schools receive high marks, scoring 4.52/5 for quality. One beginner skier mentioned that their "children took lessons - and progressed well," indicating effective instruction for younger skiers.

Beyond skiing, the resort offers plenty of family-friendly activities. A user mentioned "plenty of non-mountain based activities for those who may not be keen skiers," while another highlighted the "water park" among the many things to do. The efficient public transport, including buses and trains, also makes it easy for families to get around.

Kitzbühel offers impressive accommodation options (4.51/5), with choices to suit various budgets and preferences. As one user noted, there's "a good mix of accommodation and bars and restaurants."

The town provides a range of lodging styles, from luxury hotels to more affordable apartments. One reviewer mentioned "good value for money bars and restaurants are available for those in a budget," and the same applies to accommodation. Another user recommended "affordable, boutique family run hotels that are worth considering if you don't go chalet."

In terms of location, many properties are situated in the town rather than directly on the slopes. However, as one reviewer pointed out, there's "an efficient shuttle service to the lift area" from many hotels. Another mentioned that "the buses through town to lifts was very efficient and easy to hop on/off," making the slightly away from the piste accommodation less of an inconvenience.

Storage facilities are also well-organised, with one user noting that "There is plenty of storage for skis and boots and all your stuff under the Hannenkamm gondola," making it convenient to transition between the town and the slopes.

Kitzbühel faces sustainability challenges due to its relatively low altitude (800m-2000m), which necessitates significant snowmaking operations to ensure season-long skiing. The resort has invested in modern, more energy-efficient snowmaking systems to address this challenge.

The resort benefits from excellent public transport connections, with trains serving Kitzbühel station and efficient local bus services reducing the need for private vehicles. One user highlighted that lift passes "included using the local buses to other areas," promoting sustainable transport options.

While specific environmental certifications aren't widely promoted, the resort's ongoing lift modernisation programme has introduced more energy-efficient systems, with many reviewers noting the "modern lift system" and "super-fast 8-seaters" that have replaced older infrastructure.