Ski resorts
Kitzbühel: skiing in the home of the Hahnenkamm and where to stay
A medieval town, the world’s most feared downhill run and après-ski with tradition. This is Kitzbühel, and the hotels at the heart of a Tyrolean winter fairy tale.
Kitzbühel has a charm few ski resorts can match. The medieval town centre with its colourful facades sits right by the slopes, and every winter the world’s best downhill racers gather here to tackle some of the most demanding skiing there is.
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The Hahnenkamm and the Streif
Every January Kitzbühel hosts the Hahnenkamm race, and the Streif downhill is considered one of the most demanding on the World Cup circuit. Even if you never ski it yourself, the atmosphere in town during race week is something special.
The slopes of KitzSki
The ski area around Kitzbühel offers runs for every level, from wide family pistes to steep descents. It is well served by lifts, and you can ski from the mountain almost all the way into town.
Getting to Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel has its own railway station. The nearest airports are Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich.
A day in Kitzbühel
In Kitzbühel you can walk from medieval streets straight to the gondola. The morning sun strikes the colourful facades, church towers rise above the rooftops, and within minutes you are standing on top of the Hahnenkamm with views across Tyrol. Few ski resorts bring town and mountain together so naturally.
The day can be spent on the wide pistes, or on a visit to the start area of the Streif to feel a healthy respect for the world’s most demanding downhill. By afternoon the mountain huts fill up, and you can ski almost all the way back to the centre before the evening takes over.
When is the best time to visit Kitzbühel?
The season usually runs from December to April. January is special, with the Hahnenkamm race and a unique atmosphere in town. February often brings good conditions, while March offers sunshine and a taste of spring. Race weekend is extremely popular, so book early if you want to experience it.
Skiing with children in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel has ski schools and plenty of wide runs suited to families. The centre is easy to walk around, with cafés and shops, and it is simple to take a break in the middle of the day. A hotel with a ski bus makes getting to and from the slopes easy.
Food and evenings in Kitzbühel
In the evening the medieval streets fill with people heading to dinner. Restaurants serve everything from Tyrolean classics such as Kaiserschmarrn and Wiener schnitzel to modern cuisine. The après-ski is lively, but the town also has quiet wine bars and cosy cafés for a calmer evening.
Tips before you book
If you plan to visit during the Hahnenkamm race, book your hotel well in advance. The rest of the season is easier, but choose a hotel within walking distance of the centre to make the most of your evenings.
A town of traditions
Kitzbühel has been a ski resort for generations, and you can feel it. Tradition lives in the old houses of the centre and the classic huts on the slopes. At the same time the town is modern, with excellent hotels and a buzzing life all winter.
Where to stay in Kitzbühel
Stay in the centre for medieval streets and après-ski, or just outside for views and peace. Here are three hotels we would happily choose.
Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel: views and a spa
A luxury hotel with a spa and mountain views.
Book your stay: See rooms at Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel
Zur Tenne: luxury in town
A luxury hotel with a spa and restaurant in the heart of Kitzbühel.
Book your stay: See rooms at Zur Tenne
Schlosshotel Kitzbühel: with a ski bus
A luxury hotel with a free ski bus.
Book your stay: See rooms at Schlosshotel Kitzbühel
Want to compare? See all our ski resorts or read about skiing in St. Anton.
Frequently asked questions about skiing in Kitzbühel
Where should I stay in Kitzbühel?
Zur Tenne sits in the centre with a spa and restaurant, Grand Tirolia has a spa and mountain views, and Schlosshotel Kitzbühel includes a free ski bus.
What is the Streif?
The Streif is the downhill course of the Hahnenkamm race in Kitzbühel, considered one of the most demanding runs on the World Cup circuit.
How do you get to Kitzbühel?
Kitzbühel has its own railway station. The nearest airports are Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich.
Is Kitzbühel good for beginners?
Yes, Kitzbühel has ski schools and plenty of wide runs for beginners and families, alongside its demanding descents.