Kitzbuhel

Resort description:Kitzbuhel is one of the best known ski resorts in Europe and more so as it features every year on "Ski Sunday" in January.The resort offers significant skiing or boarding and sets a rather hectic standard of après ski. The slopes are fabulous and varied, the facilities both on and off the slope excellent and its nightlife as wild as you want it to be. The town is picture postcard perfect too, with its medieval walls, church spires and painted shop fronts.Ambience in abundance.

Add to this, the World’s most famous ski race, the annual Hahnenkamm World Cup Downhill and you have the almost perfect resort. Lesser speedier skiers can take on much of the route of the Hahnenkamm too, as it forms part of the fabulous Kitzbühel Ski Circus.

There is a great selection of accommodation on offer in the resort, from bargain rooms and catered chalets to 5-star deluxe hotels. The resort is also easily accessible, so if you can’t make it for a week, it is also practical for a short break. Kitzbühel is therefore, a great location for a ski or snowboard holiday, for all levels.A convenient and somewhat quieter alternative to Kitzbuhel is neighbouring Kirchberg, situated 6km away. Although it may not have quite the same glamour, it does offer great quality hotels, convenient access to the fantastic ski area and a good value ski holiday destination.For the real bargain accommodation deals though and even more for short breaks, check out the options in the pretty village of Mittersill, which is linked by cable car to PassThurn.Here 4 star options are from £585pp all season for half board, with some pensions from £350pp inc flights, transfers and accommodation.

It is a great resort for intermediates, with dozens of blue and red trails, but there is much to interest more advanced skiers and snowboarders too. There are several areas in which to ski, the largest of which is that accessed by the Hahnenkamm gondola, which rises from close to the town centre.

Across town another gondola heads up to the Kitzbüheler Horn, which has some enjoyable slopes and is one of the best areas for beginners. Those looking for a spot of cruising should head towards the wide-open spaces of Pass Thurn.

For advanced skiers there are some steeps and moguls at Ehrenbachgraben, but it is probably worth considering hiring a guide and looking for excitement off-piste. The Hahnenkamm itself is a must and much of it, apart from the most dangerous steeps, is open to the public when the racing isn’t on.

In total, the Kitzbühel Ski Circus covers around 160km of piste, so there is plenty to keep almost everyone busy for a week or more.Plus the Ski area of Westendorf is now extended to meet the Kitzbuhel area at Aschau, with an eight seat gondola from there up to the gampen sector of Westendorf.

There are many ways to let your hair down in Kitzbühel, with dozens of bars kicking off before the slopes close and continuing into the early hours. The famous Londoner remains a favourite, but the beer flows along with Flugel, Jagermeister and the rest. If you still have the energy or the money then Take 5 and the Olympia are just two of the clubs on offer

Resort Information

Season 	            Dec - Mid April
Nearest Airport     Salzburg (75 mins) or Innsbruck
Ski Area 	    160km plus a further 300km
Ski Lifts 	    54
Ski Runs 	    57
Longest Run 	    8km
Resort Height 	    1000m

Snowball Ratings

Beginners 	    3.5 / 5
Intermediates 	    4.5 / 5
Experts 	    4 / 5
Families 	    4 / 5
Nightlife 	    4.5 / 5
Affordability 	    4 / 5
Non Ski Activities  4 / 5