Winter Sports in Kitzbühel

© Joe Hölzl

Kitzbühel lives and breathes sports throughout the year, regularly hosting the Austrian Open, ITU Triathlon and both the Snow Polo and the famous skiing World Cupe at the Hahnenkamm. When it comes to winter adventure holidays Kitzbühel gets it right, offering some unique adventure holidays for all the family.

Snowfall has been consistent over the last few years making winter sports available from December through until April. Although Kitzbühel is low for European winter resorts – the highest lift goes just over 2000m – it makes up for what it doesn’t have in altitude with its wide and open runs, supporting its nickname as the ‘Grassy Mountains.’ The village is part of the All Star Card deal which gives skiers and snowboarders access to 7 areas and 1000km of runs.

Pisted runs

170km groomed slopes (67km blue, 79km red, 24km black) are linked by 55 cable cars and gondolas on the Grassy Mountains. Ski prices for 2010-11 during the peak season (20.12.2010 to 13.3.2010) are: child €21.50, youth €24.00, adult €42.50 for a full day but check for multi-day ski passes in Kitzbühel. Night skiing is on offer down the Gaisberg slope on Thursdays and Fridays from 1830hrs to 2130hrs (the floodlights are operational until 23oohrs).

Musts: The Asten top to bottom run, the new Ganslernalm Restaurant and if you’re there after the race in January, the epic downhill on the Streif run.

Guides and Tuition: Rote Teufel offer full day group tuition from 60 euros and 5 day course from 160 euros (same price for adults and children).

Off-piste

There are 55km of off-piste runs in the Kitzbühel that are marked and monitored. If this isn’t enough, venture out into the 6 other neighbouring valleys of with the All Star Card (scout this great interactive winter map). Work your way back onto the piste to visit the Snowpark.

Musts: Hahnenkamm lift for off-piste through trees, the Raintal lift (B4) to explore the the other side of the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Kasereck Lift (D7) to route the valley off to the left.

Guides and Tuition: One day of powder hunting with Snowsports Kitzbühel costs €250 for a group of three and €25 for each additional person.

Have a good look at the Kitzbühel winter map before you hit the piste or make find your own backcountry and always check the Avalanche Warning Service at the beginning of the day.

Cross-Country Skiing

Kitzbühel is well-developed when it comes to entertaining the novice cross-country skier or the tuned athlete. All the nordic trails in and around Kitzbühel are free of charge.

Mountain Tracks: The Kitzbüheler Horn (1600m) is new for the 2010-11 season so take both sections of Hornbahn gondala to Alpenhaus then catch the lift down to Trattalmmuldeand to check it out. The Pass Thurn route (1270m) is groomed from December until April and floodlit until 2100hrs and is accessible by car and ski bus.

In-town Tracks: There is a 7km track over the Kitzbühel Schwarzsee Reith golf course and a 2.5km floodlit track at Kitzbühel Nordic Sports Track.

Snowshoeing

On weekdays there is a free walk organised by Kitzbühel Tourism (meeting point located on the map below). Mountain lifts have to paid for separately so unless you already have a lift pass bring some cash with you incase you need to take a lift. Poles and showshoes can be rented for this tour from €12.

There is a sunset hike every Tuesday, meeting at the Tourism office at 1545hrs (€25 for adults, €12 for children)

Take a guided snowshoe tour and see Austria’s largest water reservoir to the Panoramaalm mountain hut for a snack or meal. Contact Kitzbühel Tourism to book a place but make sure to bring your Kitzbühel ‘Red Card’ which your accommodation will be able to give to you

For kids between the ages of 5 and 11 there is a guided walk every Tuesday from 1545 for €15.

Other useful information about Kitzbühel

Accommodation in Kitzbühel

Equipment can be rented from Ski Set

Check for latest information and snow conditions in Kitzbühel.