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.

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

Map of Kitzbuhel - Open

What do you want to do?

Planning your trip
Helping you to plan your trip with information on how to get to Kitzbuhel.
Where to stay
Where to stay in Kitzbuhel as well as the low down on the different types of accommodation in the ski resort.
On the piste
Getting you on the piste and around the ski area as quickly as possible including our favourite runs, where to get your ski hire from and which ski school to book with.
Food and drink
The inside view on where to find the best food and drink in Kitzbuhel from the best apres-ski bars to the cosiest restaurants and where to eat when you’re skiing
Families
Skiing with children… dream or nightmare? With a little planning, it can be your best ski holiday ever.
Other activities
Can’t ski? Won’t ski? Too much snow or not enough? Find our about other activities in Kitzbuhel.
The list
The list – sounds boring but here is all the important information such as doctors and dentists, internet and the tourist office.
Webcams and weather

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Snow Report:
Kitzbuhel
Report date:2 Jan 2009
Last snowed:1 Jan 2009
Fresh snow:1cm
Lifts open:53 out of 55
Snow depth:
Lower slopes:40cm
Upper slopes:110cm
Piste information:
On-piste:Excellent
Off-piste:Varied
Resort runs:Fresh
Snow conditions:
Improving conditions thanks to the new snow
Weather:
Clear skies providing great views