Kitzbühel & Hahnenkamm★★★
Kitzbühel (8,200 inhabitants) is perhaps the most famous ski resort in the world — and not just because of the legendary Hahnenkamm race. The medieval old town with its pastel-colored facades, upscale boutiques, and top-notch restaurants is an experience year-round. In winter, a glamorous ski resort with fur coats and champagne, in summer a surprisingly charming hiking and golf paradise.
The old town is remarkably well-preserved: two parallel main streets (Vorderstadt and Hinterstadt) with Gothic townhouses, the Church of Our Lady with its baroque interior, and the Church of St. Catherine with late Gothic frescoes. In between, rustic inns and luxury boutiques — Kitzbühel combines Tyrolean tradition and international glamour like no other place.
The Hahnenkamm race (every January, usually on the third weekend) is the most dangerous and prestigious ski race in the world. The Streif — 3,312 meters long, up to 85% gradient, top speeds over 140 km/h — is the most fearsome racecourse in alpine skiing. On race day, over 50,000 fans flock to Kitzbühel, and the atmosphere in the finish stadium is legendary.
In summer, Kitzbühel transforms: 1,000 km of hiking trails, one of Austria's most beautiful golf courses (Golfclub Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee, from €95 green fee), and significantly cheaper hotel prices than in winter.
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Hotel prices in Kitzbühel explode during the Hahnenkamm race (€300–800/night for a simple room). Alternatively, stay in St. Johann in Tyrol (8 km) or Kirchberg (6 km) — half the price, with a shuttle bus. Race tickets (standing area finish stadium): from €45, via hahnenkamm.com.
Ski Area Kitzbühel–Kirchberg
The KitzSki area encompasses 170 kilometers of slopes, 57 lifts, and ranges from 800 to 2,000 meters in altitude. Despite the relatively low altitude, over 1,000 snow cannons ensure snow reliability from October to April. The slopes are predominantly red (intermediate) — perfect for advanced skiers.
Highlights: The Streif is skiable as a black run for everyone (when no race) — but extremely steep and icy, only for very good skiers. The 3-S-Bahn Pendelkopf to Pengelstein connects Kitzbühel with Kirchberg. The Resterhöhe area (up to 1,894 m) offers the snowiest slopes.
Ski pass prices (season 2025/26): Day pass €72 (adults), €36 (children 6–15), under 6 free. 6-day pass: €382/€191. Online early bird: about 10% cheaper. The Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard (all areas of the region, 2,750 km of slopes) costs €74/day.
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The best slope for leisure skiers is the Fleckalmbahn descent (No. 19, red, 4.5 km): perfectly groomed, breathtaking panorama, and not crowded. Head to Seidlalm for lunch — Kitzbühel's most legendary hut with a DJ and après-ski from 2 PM.
Kitzbühel in Summer
In summer, Kitzbühel becomes a paradise for hiking and indulgence. The Kitzbüheler Horn (1,996 m) is accessible by cable car and offers a 360° panoramic view over the Kitzbühel Alps. Several hikes start at the summit, including the Panoramaweg (easy, 1.5 hours) and the descent through the Alpine Flower World (3 hours).
The Schwarzsee (3 km north) is one of the warmest bathing lakes in Tyrol — up to 25°C in summer. Peaty water, sunbathing lawns, kiosk, boat rental. Entry: €6.50 adults, €3 children. The lake is also the starting point for a beautiful circular hike (45 min.).
In August, the Kitzbühel Tennis Tournament (ATP 250) takes place — one of the most traditional tennis tournaments in Europe, with grandstand seats from €25.
