When most people think of luxury ski holidays in Austria, a resort that usually springs to mind is Kitzbuhel. Kitzbuhel has been proud to play host to dignitaries and celebrities since skiing first started in the resort 120 years ago. When Kitzbuehel started emerging as a ski resort large hotels and guesthouses were the accommodation of choice but over the years a number of luxury ski chalets have also emerged.
Kitzbuehel is a place of contrasts, these days high end ski chalets rub shoulders with designer boutiques and luxurious wine bars. The alleyways in the medieval old town are in stark contrast to the breathtaking pistes with stunning views. This luxury resort in Austria plays host to the famous Hahnenkamm races and the Valartis Snow Polo World cup, these help to contribute to the sophistication and worldwide appeal of the resort.
Luxury restaurants compliment the beautiful ski chalets in Kitzbuhel, many of these restaurants are multi-award-winning with international chefs. Christmas in Kitzbuhel and New Year in Kitzbuhel are very popular. The town gets stuck in to the festivities with Christmas markets and fireworks displays which attract people from neighbouring resorts.
One of the reasons that luxury ski holidays in Kitzbuhel are so popular is the great skiing on offer. From the legendary Hahnennkamm to the mogul fields, skiing in Kitzbuehel is varied and inviting. There are 92 pistes suitable for all abilities and over 234km of slopes to chose from. These pistes are accessed by a modern cable car system with 57 different ski lifts. On a Thursday and Friday evening the freshly groomed slopes on the Gaisber in nearby Kirchberg are floodlit until 11pm so you can ski on well in to the night.
The Kitzbuhel ski area boasts the ideal location and climate. The ski area around the Kitzbüheler Horn is virtually guaranteed snow from December to April thanks to a unique weather pattern. Up on the summits, grass covered meadows mean that only a small base of snow is needed for great skiing and to top this snow up there are 820 snow cannons creating perfect conditions for skiing and snowboarding.
For those looking for a luxury chalet holiday in Kitzbuhel but aren't interested in skiing there is plenty to do. Non skiers in Kitzbuhel can experience snowshoe walking, hiking, horse-drawn carriage rides, spa facilities or a relaxing meander around the town's boutique shops and high-end restaurants.
Apres Ski
Apres ski in Kitzbuhel is vast and varied. From piste side party huts to trendy wine bars and traditional Austrian pubs. One thing is for sure. After a day on the slopes you are going to be lost for choice of where to spend your afternoon and evening partying.
On the run down in to Kitbuhel you can enjoy the Ganslern Alm or the Streifalm whilst in the centre of town Kitzbuehel's legendary après-ski mile provides the perfect end to a day on the peaks. The Londoner, Stamperl and Highways are great late night venues for those who want to party well in top the early hours.
Weekends and during events are when it really gets going with apres ski in Kitzbuhel. The weekend of the Hahnenkamm race the resort is awash with party goers soaking up the jubilant atmosphere.
