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Discover Kitzbühel: A Winter Wonderland
Colourful, lively and stylish, the world-famous Austrian wintersports destination of Kitzbühel is more than just a ski resort. Centred on a charming medieval quarter, the 750-year-old town is filled with smart boutiques perfect for some retail therapy, swish hotels, award-winning restaurants, and offers top-class amenities both on and off the slopes not mention some rocking après ski.
The majority of the 233km of slopes in the Kitzski ski area are very well-suited to intermediates but do contain a number of good black runs, and some challenging off-piste. With perfectly groomed slopes and a state-of-the-art lift system, skiing and snowboarding here is a joy at every level, from beginners to pro.
Home of the famous Streif downhill course – one of the steepest in the world - Kitzbühel also hosts a string of fantastic winter events, topped off by the iconic World Cup Hahnenkamm ski races. Here's a rundown of the event highlights of this winter wonderland.
Where is Kitzbühel?
Kitzbühel lies east of Innsbruck, north-west of Zell am Zee, and just south of the Ski Welt ski area, in the heart of the western Austrian province of Tyrol. The town is framed by the Kitzbüheler Horn, the South Mountains, and the famous Hahnenkamm. There are two separate local ski areas: the Kitzbüheler Horn to the north-east, and the main Hahnenkamm-Pengelstein-Resterhohe linked ski domain to the south-west.
Top Winter Events in Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel Advent – A Feast for the Senses
Until 26 December 2024
Having started in mid-November, there's still time to soak up the pre-Christmas atmosphere of the Kitzbühel Advent. Open in the Hinterstadt as well as in the Stadtpark, from Wednesdays through to Sundays (from 2-8pm), the Advent market is the perfect start to the holiday season.
Amidst the beautifully illuminated old town, you’ll find charmingly decorated stalls offering regional delicacies, hand-carved wooden figures, and unique handicrafts. Enjoy the aroma of mulled wine, warm yourself with specially designed Advent mugs, and take in daily musical performances. A visit to Kitzbühel Advent is more than just a market – it’s an invitation to revel in the magic of Christmas.
New Year’s Celebration in Kitzbühel
30 December 2024 - 1 January 2025
New Year’s Eve in Kitzbühel is an unforgettable experience. Starting on 30 December, the town centre comes alive with mesmerising light installations, creating a festive atmosphere along its picturesque streets.
Take a romantic torchlit walk around Schwarzsee on 30 December or 1 January, and enjoy a special atmosphere that will long linger in the memory. Street performances by talented artists and the traditional New Year’s greeting by the Kitzbühel Town Music at 3pm on New Year's Day in the historic old town perfectly round off the celebrations. Revel in the joyous atmosphere as Kitzbühel rings in the new year.
The Kitzbühel Snow Polo World Cup
9-12 January 2025
Kitzbühel starts the year in style with a festival of luxury lifestyle and graceful horses in the Snow Polo Tournament, showcasing winter sport at its finest. This globally renowned event combines thrilling equestrian action with a touch of luxury.
Immerse yourself in the excitement of high-paced matches set against the stunning backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser. The 22nd Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel is, complemented by a lively program featuring top-notch entertainment and culinary delights, including the opportunity to enjoy fine dining experiences and gourmet bites & beverages in the exclusive VIP tent.
The Hahnenkamm Races
20-26 January 2025
First staged in 1931, 2025 sees the 85th running of this world-renowned event that attracts the best skiers in the world. Over the decades, both the downhill on the Streif and the slalom on the Ganslernhang have become classics in the Ski World Cup calendar.
Admission to the training sessions is free, but things hot up on the 24th when the Super-G starts on the Streif. The classic Hahnenkamm downhill follows the next day. The legendary slalom on the Ganslern slope concludes the week on the 26th. Tickets cost Eur 35 and are only available in advance. During the entire Hahnenkamm week there are loads of parties across Kitzbühel.
The biggest party however is next to the race course, and then in the Fanzone in the centre of town. The town centre and Stadtpark have lots of stands for food and drink, with a live music stage in the Stadtpark, and a DJ and radio booth in the town centre filling the air with music long into the night.
Vertical Up
22 February 2025
Skiing downhill on the Streif is an indelible part of the Kitzbühel lifestyle. But what about racing up it? This unique event has to be seen and experienced to be believed. Committed athletes, from triathletes to ski tourers, runners to road cyclists converge on the town, with one goal in mind - to conquer the original Streif course uphill covering the 3.312km length and 860 vertical metres as fast as possible.
There are no rules in Vertical Up - competitors can use any means to ascend as long as its under their own power (ie no engine!). So pretty much anything goes...
Sound | Escape – Kitzbühel Boutique Festival
28-30 March 2025
As the winter season winds towards a close, the Sound | Escape Boutique Festival returns for its second edition. Following its spectacular debut during Easter 2024, the festival boasts a central stage in Kitzbühel’s town centre, 14 unique venues across the mountains and valley, and performances from over 40 renowned DJs in the electronic music scene. Best of all, entry is free!
Kitzbühel Spring Games
March & April 2025
The Spring Games make for an extraordinary season-ending series of events that combine the joy of sport and action with a party atmosphere. Experience adrenalin rushes at the Fireball Event on the Kitzbüheler Horn, while riding moguls on the Bumps & Jumps from 14-16 March, at the 80s-themed Spring Swing 'Wedel' Contest (the pretzel-like ski twisting technique) on 21-23 March, as well as at the Kitzbühel Extreme Waterslide Contest on 29 March. The series of events will conclude with the Masters of the Swing Tournament - a combined competition of two disciplines, skiing and golf. Exciting workshops, DJ sets, drinks and snacks create a great atmosphere. Soak up the sun and get your ski groove on in fantastic ski areas.
Plan Your Winter Trip to Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel is reassuringly easy to reach from the UK, with regular flights from many regional airports to Innsbruck (95 km, 80 min), Salzburg (80 km, 75 min), and Munich, just over the border in Germany (15o km, 120 min). Various UK operators also offer ski holiday packages to Kitzbühel.Kitzbühel is easily accessible, with regular flights to Munich, Innsbruck, and Salzburg, and three train stations with connections to surrounding airports.
Moreover, the town has a smooth-running public transport network and good taxi service, making it easy to get around.
As well as hotels to suit all budgets, you can book a stay in one of the many holiday villages, such as the Kitzbühel Schwarzsee Reith Golf, and enjoy access to ski schools, ice skating, and other winter activities. The snow-covered meadows and fields in the valley and the Tyrolean mountains are also perfect for winter hikes and snowshoeing.
