Snowboarding in Kitzbühel: Every little thing You Ought to Know!

March 21, 2024

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Kitzbühel

I really like snowboarding and I particularly love west coast snowboarding.

However, everybody at all times talks about snowboarding in Europe so I used to be curious to strive a European ski resort this season.

Fortunately, the Ikon move features a couple mountains in Italy, Switzerland, France and Austria… so after a fast scan of the included resorts, my associates and I settled on Kitzbuhel for a woman’s ski journey.

Kitzbuhel is a cute medieval city nestled within the mountains of western Austria.

It’s most well-known for the Hahnenkamm race – an annual downhill slalom course stuffed with snaking turns and blind steep drops the place the world’s greatest ski racers recurrently attain speeds of 100 mph.

However principally we picked it as a result of it hit the trifecta of nice snowboarding, lovely views and handy to get to.

We spent every week within the Austrian alps and had a good time! I can see why individuals rave about snowboarding in Europe.

Right here’s all the pieces to find out about planning a ski journey to Kitzbuhel, Austria.

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Kitzbühel, Austria

Kitzbuhel is among the most well-known ski resorts in Austria, if not all of Europe.

The quaint Alpine city is positioned within the Austrian province of Tyrol, east of Innsbruck, and nonetheless retains its charming medieval heart.

It’s fairly well-known and trendy – in reality, each European I met on my surf camp raised their eyebrows once they heard I used to be going to Kitzbuhel.

So should you’re coming to ski right here, I wouldn’t fairly count on the ‘cheap European ski’ vibes that individuals popularize on social media.

If something, Kitzbuhel is ritzy, with a number of the most costly actual property in Austria.

I had enjoyable shopping all of the window listings of the numerous actual property brokerages on the town.

I additionally had enjoyable window procuring in any respect the shops within the historic downtown. Moncler, Bogner, Dior, Louis Vuitton, Rolex… it was fairly humorous to see the restricted vary of outlets on the town.

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Get to Kitzbuhel

The great factor about visiting Kitzbuhel as an American is it’s fairly handy to get to and automotive free (if you want).

riding-hahnenkamm-gondola

Flying to Kitzbühel

The three closest airports are Munich (MUC), Salzburg (SZG) and Innsbruck (INN).

Innsbruck is the regional capital, however flight choices could be slim. Salzburg is the closest airport, however has restricted practice choices to get to Kitzbuhel.

For many worldwide vacationers, Munich would be the most handy because it’s a global airport and a serious transit hub.

I flew nonstop on Lufthansa from Newark (EWR) and in some way had the complete row to myself for the 8 hour flight!

Word: Extremely suggest Lufthansa over United. They’re codeshare, however United expenses for even a keep on whereas Lufthansa included a checked bag and offers free wine at meal occasions.

Additionally, positively set a flight alert as costs fluctuate.

Examine flights and set fare alerts for Kitzbuhel right here.

Driving to Kitzbühel

From Munich airport, it’s a few two hour drive to Kitzbuhel.

The airport has a number of automotive rental choices, together with Sixt and Hertz.

I sometimes use AutoEurope to check automotive rental charges. They mixture pricing from each accessible possibility to simply present you the most affordable worth.

For ski journeys, I at all times suggest renting a hatchback or SUV so the automotive has room for all of your ski and snowboard gear.

Additionally, ensure to pick a rental automotive with AWD or 4WD – you need the automotive to have sufficient energy and management when it snows!

The roads are salted and plowed typically, however as an additional security precaution, purchase snow chains to your journey.

I like to recommend renting a automotive when you’ve got a big group or plan to remain outdoors of Kitzbuhel city, in one of many close by villages.

Lodging outdoors of Kitzbuhel is a lot cheaper so what you’ll spend on renting a automotive, you’d greater than seemingly save in lodging and practice tickets.

Examine right here for rental automobiles to your dates.

Munich to Kitzbühel by Practice

In the event you don’t need to drive, you will get to Kitzbuhel from Munich airport by practice.

The method entails a few transfers, but it surely’s doable and takes ~2.5 hours.

From Munich airport, you’ll need to hop on the S8 subway to get to the practice station Munchen Ost, then hop on the practice to succeed in the town of Wörgl.

From Wörgl, you turn to a native practice to reach at Kitzbuhel.

It sounds difficult, however is fairly easy and simple – even with baggage.

The trains are cozy, have sections for giant baggage storage, and the stations have elevators to get to the platforms.

E-book practice tickets right here.

The practice journey could be very reasonably priced, however you’ll need to e-book tickets upfront as costs rise over time.

I additionally checked out shopping for an earlier practice ticket the day of, since my flight arrived very early, and the fares had been 3x the value.

So positively e-book your practice tickets upfront!

I like to recommend utilizing Omio for the most affordable fares.

Tip: Additionally obtain the DB Navigator app to make use of in the course of the journey – it has a greater consumer interface that makes it simpler to navigate the practice stations.

Lastly, it helps to know a little bit of German!

I’ve to be sincere – I used to be slightly stunned by the (lack of) useful signage all through Austria and Germany. There was positively a slight language barrier, ha.

Fortunately, one in all my associates is fluent in German so she did many of the navigation for us.

In hindsight, I ought to have brushed up on some primary German phrases, like:

flughafen – airport
Munchen Ost – Munich East
U-Bahn – subway (designated by an S image in Munich airport, for Stadtschnellbahn or S-bahn or city speedy rail)

And when you’ve got a big group and need to skip all that, you possibly can e-book a non-public switch.

Relying in your group dimension, it may be the identical worth as taking the practice.

E-book a non-public shuttle right here.

skiing-kitzski-austria

Kitzbühel in Winter

Lastly, be sure you go to Kitzbuhel with journey insurance coverage.

Whether or not your flight is delayed, you get injured and must be hospitalized, or your telephone will get stolen, journey insurance coverage will assist if you want it most!

We bumped into a difficulty on the best way from Munich to Kitzbuhel (some police exercise closed down the subway and trains) so we ended up taking a very costly uber to make it to Kitzbuhel in time.

Get a quote to your journey right here.

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The place to Keep in Kitzbühel

Lodging in the course of the winter ski season will get booked up shortly, so ensure to e-book upfront.

We waited till the final minute and actually regretted that, ha. Not solely was there very restricted availability (we received the final room at our lodge), it was additionally very costly.

As for the place to remain, Kitzbuhel has a pair major areas:

If it’s your first time visiting Kitzbuhel, I like to recommend staying within the city of Kitzbuhel!

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Kitzbühel Downtown

Downtown Kitzbuhel is admittedly cute, and the place I’d suggest first timers to remain.

There’s the pedestrian-only heart, with medieval buildings and cute outlets, and the primary Hannenkahm raise is a few 5-15 minute stroll, relying on the place you keep.

Plus should you keep right here, you received’t want a automotive.

Lodging smart, it’s predominantly accommodations and plenty of of them are ‘half-board’, that means the speed additionally contains breakfast and dinner (normally a multi-course fine-dining type dinner).

Listed here are a number of the hottest accommodations:

Lodge Goldener Greif

Lodge Goldener Greif has a nice location in downtown Kitzbuhel, proper behind the primary avenue. (It’s additionally linked to the on line casino).

The 4-star, family-run lodge is among the historic buildings within the metropolis’s medieval heart. Rooms are adorned in Tyrolian type and have a number of house.

Free breakfast, household pleasant and beautiful views of Hahnenkamm mountain – what extra might you need!

Examine charges: Reserving.com | Learn evaluations: TripAdvisor

Lodge Kaiserhof Kitzbühel

The closest lodge to the mountain (straight throughout from hahnenkamm raise), you possibly can’t get any extra handy than this luxurious mountain lodge!

Lodge Kaiserhof has giant spacious rooms, pleasant workers and breakfast and dinner are included.

Examine charges: Reserving.com, Lodges.com | Learn evaluations: TripAdvisor

kitzbuhel-austria-ski-mountain-guide

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Kirchberg

You too can keep slightly farther away in Kirchberg.

It has a quieter, smaller ‘village’ environment and is roughly a ten minute drive. There are many accommodations, flats and native eating places providing conventional foods and drinks with attractive views of the mountains.

For teams and households, Kirchberg is a extra reasonably priced possibility.

Browse lodging in Kirchberg: Reserving.com and VRBO.

kitzbuhel-ski-trip-hotel-with-sauna

naturally, we booked a lodge with a pool and sauna. the one shock was.. German saunas are ‘textile free’ aka bare (and combined gender!!)

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Jochberg

Equally, Jochberg is one other village within the Kitzski space.

You probably have a gaggle, yow will discover extra airbnb and guesthouse type choices half-hour away at Jochberg. Many of the lodging right here consists of flats and mountain houses.

It’s a quieter and fewer crowded space, and nonetheless shut sufficient to ski or head into city!

Browse houses in Jochberg: Reserving.com and VRBO.

What to Put on

Ski season will get shorter and shorter yearly, so we visited Kitzbuhel at peak time and received fortunate – it snowed throughout our journey.

Surprisingly, Kitzbuhel was fairly heat, with temperatures round 40 – 50°F on the town and 20°F on the mountain.

I wore simply my base layers beneath ski jacket and was nonetheless scorching.

Nonetheless, positively pack ski gloves and ski socks.

And naturally, some waterproof ski garments so that you’ve a good time on the mountain!

I’ve tons of ski clothes evaluations if you need some suggestions.

Learn extra: The Finest Ski Clothes Manufacturers

Issues to Do in Kitzbühel

The first cause to go to Kitzbuhel is to ski (in winter) or hike (in summer time).

I wouldn’t say there’s all that a lot to do outdoors of snowboarding, apres, procuring and eating. However for any non skiers in your group, there are some choices for off-mountain actions.

There’s On line casino Kitzbühel, proper within the city heart, with a wide range of slot machines, American roulette and Black Jack.

Historical past aficionados can wander by Museum Kitzbühel, which covers the city’s historical past and has a number of art work and exhibitions on snowboarding and winter sports activities. There’s additionally an awesome view overlooking the city.

Sound of Music lovers ought to go to close by Salzburg.

It’s a 50 minute drive (or an inconvenient 2.5 hour collection of trains) however you possibly can e-book a day tour to see the highlights.

Browse Salzburg excursions right here.

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Kitzbühel Ski Resort Overview

At a Look

Base Elevation: 800 toes
Summit Elevation: 2,000 toes
Vertical Drop: 1,200 toes
Lifts: 57
Runs: 68
Skiable Acres: 179 km
Terrain:
- 0% newbie
- 43% intermediate
- 40% superior
- 18% skilled

KitzSki

KitzSki is roughly divided into 8 mountain peaks:

I principally skied the runs round Hahnenkamm, Pengelstein, Wurzhohe and Resterkogel.

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Hahnenkamm

Most individuals know of Kitzbuhel for the Hahnenkamm race, a harrowing downhill ski race composed of unforgiving steeps and tight twisty turns.

However what they might not know is Hahnenkamm is the title of the mountain, not the precise run (that’s known as the Streif, or Stripe).

Hahnenkamm imply’s Rooster’s Comb by the best way… why, I do not know.

Most individuals will first enter KitzSki by Hahnenkamm base space, the place the A1 gondola, aptly named Hahnenkammbahn, takes you on an extended cable automotive experience as much as the primary base space of the resort.

how-to-plan-a-kitzbuhel-skip-trip

There’s a small learner’s space and vigorous bar and restaurant right here, and anybody who doesn’t ski can merely purchase a gondola ticket to succeed in this primary base part.

If you wish to strive your talent at snowboarding the Strief, strive run 21.

The pink run guides you thru the ‘household pleasant’ portion of the race course, bypassing the slick steep downhill part nicknamed the Mausefalle soar (or Mousetrap).

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Pengelstein

From Hahnenkamm, many of the crowd rides B4 and D5 lifts as much as attain Pengelstein mountain.

On the peak right here, there are tons of nice runs to ski in addition to a number of huts and lodges to take a break.

Many of the mountain is marked blue and pink, however personally I noticed little distinction between the designations. As a substitute, I felt like nearly all of the mountain was solidly intermediate, with little to no newbie terrain outdoors of the training areas.

It was additionally a comparatively heat winter, with smooth slushy snow.

So most runs had a number of bumps except it was simply after a contemporary snow storm.

At Pengelstein, you possibly can catch a experience on the 3S-Umlaufbahn to cross over to the left facet of the Kitzski space, to succeed in Wurzhöhe mountain. The tri-cable gondola is among the most spectacular raise rides on the planet.

It’s a little sluggish shifting (and slightly annoying, as you’ll take away your skis), however the experience itself is magnificent.

It crosses over the Saukaser Valley, a 2.5 km huge, 400 meter deep valley beneath.

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kitzski-area

Wurzhohe and Resterkogel.

After I received the grasp of the big resort structure, I principally spent my time snowboarding round these mountain peaks.

There are tons of lengthy, empty runs right here and a few really spectacular views up close to Resterkogel.

I additionally noticed tons of individuals heading to the backcountry areas across the G9 and G1 lifts. It appears fairly in style for locals to ski off-piste by the powdery deep snow off path (and limitless alternatives for it)!

Finest Runs at Kitzbühel

Newbie

In Europe, newbie runs are designated blue.

Two of my associates are newcomers and had a little bit of a tough time, so I in all probability wouldn’t say Kitzbuhel is essentially the most newbie pleasant mountain.

It might rely upon time of 12 months. After we visited, a variety of the blue runs had been full of bumps (because of low elevation, heat temperatures, slushy snow and tons of individuals snowboarding).

Nonetheless, some enjoyable beginner-friendly runs to strive embrace:

36
18
28
29 and 29a
16
67
64
72

Keep away from 76 – the extraordinarily lengthy path is principally one lengthy cat stroll and empties out into an uphill (!!) tiny part by G2 raise.

Typically, I felt like many of the runs at Kitzbuhel had been slightly boring.. lengthy trails with small sections of vertical.

Intermediate

Intermediate runs in Europe are designated pink.

I personally didn’t see a lot of a distinction between the blues and reds at Kitzski (they each had some steep sections with moguls), so should you can ski the blues comfortably, you possibly can positively ski the reds.

I most well-liked the runs round Pengelstein mountain, primarily for the views. Particularly

Once more, many of the runs are merely lengthy with small sections of vertical drop. So that you’ll need to head to the very best peak to get runs with some steepness and consistency.

Superior

Since I used to be snowboarding the tougher terrain solo, I wasn’t as daring ha.

I principally tried brief black runs right here and there. The naming conference at KitzSki was all quantity primarily based, with the lifts additionally numbered, however clustered round letters.

So, some runs would have an ‘a’ offshoot the place you would strive a barely tougher part, ex. 75 and 75a or 16 and 16b.

There are a cluster of black runs off C1 raise, that I didn’t strive, however needed to!

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Snowboarding in Kitzbühel: Every little thing You Ought to Know!

Snowboarding at Kitzbühel

Total, Kitzbuhel was my first publicity to European type snowboarding and I had a good time!

There are positively distinct variations between North American and European snowboarding, however I’ll go away that to you to find.

What I used to be most amazed by was merely how large the ski resort was.

Known as KitzSki, the resort spans 7 districts and incorporates a number of cities throughout two federal states (Tirol and Salzburg).

The resort was so large that once I would cease to take pics, the lifts appeared like ants. Overlook concerning the individuals – you couldn’t even see them in a photograph.

Maybe as a result of the skiable space is so huge, there aren’t that many precise runs.

Every raise had about 2-3 runs, however the runs themselves are lengthy and leisurely.

I had a very enjoyable time snowboarding right here. The views had been impeccable, the lodges and huts dotted all around the mountain tops had been cozy and scrumptious, and the shortage of crowds was heaven!

kitzbuhel-ski-resort-info-guide

The Complicated Carry System..

I like to recommend selecting up a paper map of Kitzbuhel if you’re on the town (accessible on the ticket window and most accommodations).

There’s a KitzSki app which you’ll be able to obtain to your telephone, however I didn’t discover it very useful.

Becaues Kitzbuhel is such an enormous ski space, the map is definitely a bit complicated. At most resorts, all of the lifts go up.

At Kitzbuhel, a number of the lifts don’t go within the route you’d assume they go from studying the app. However the paper map has little arrows that present the route.

Signage

Additionally I felt like signage at Kitzbuhel was slightly lackluster.

Most North American resorts may have big indicators telling you the best approach down, with maps all over the place and typically even on-mountain guides to supply run recommendation or level you in the suitable route.

It ceaselessly took me for much longer to get down the mountain on the finish of the day, and I took the unsuitable raise / run a pair occasions, ha.

It could possibly be my poor sense of route, however truthfully I heard tons of different skiers complaining about the identical factor lol.

However my buddy who recurrently skies in Europe thought the signage was extremely effectively marked compared to mountains in Norway. So I suppose it is determined by what you’re used to!

KitzSki App

Within the KitzSki app, there’s additionally a ‘monitor my runs’ possibility.

I discovered it slightly primary. It created a Google Maps-esque image of my exercise, however you couldn’t really see something.

It additionally solely works when you’ve got cell service.

Many of the lifts supply free wifi although!

Additionally, the ski resort sometimes opens at 9am, however round late February, the lifts begin an hour earlier at 8am.

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Ikon Go

Kitzburg is on the Ikon Go. No reservations had been required in 2024, and you need to use your present Ikon card.

However should you haven’t but picked up your Ikon card, head to the ticket counter window at Hahnenkamm gondola. They’ll search for your title, take a 2 euro deposit and provide you with a Kitzski card.

On the finish of your journey, return the cardboard to get your deposit again.

Annoyingly although, they provide you again a 2 euro coin.

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Leases

We rented our gear at Intersport, a well-liked chain.

It’s conveniently positioned proper inside the bottom station of Hahnenkamm gondola and charges are very cheap. In the event you e-book on-line upfront, you save 10%.

Additionally they permit you to hire clothes.

The one factor you possibly can’t hire is goggles, so ensure to purchase your individual earlier than the journey. It’ll be less expensive than shopping for them on the retailer.

I really like my Smith goggles (they’ve varied sizes for various faces, together with an asian match possibility) and so they’ve served me effectively for the final couple of years!

Intersportz additionally has lockers for hire, the place we saved our skis and boots in a single day. It was so handy to not need to lug gear to/from the lifts!

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Parking at Kitzbühel

There’s parking at each gondola base space. The primary parking by Hahnenkamm gondola is paid, however I’ve heard a number of the outlying tons are free.

Some accommodations supply free shuttles to take you forwards and backwards, and there’s additionally the native bus system.

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Après-Ski in Kitzbühel

KitzSki has a implausible apres scenes. There are 74 huts and eating places dotted all throughout the mountains.

I feel they’re all independently owned, so all of them supply completely different foods and drinks.

Simply be sure you deliver some money – a number of the huts are money solely. Or, ones that do settle for card will strain you into paying with money.

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Kitzbühel Ski Journey VLOG

Right here’s a ski vlog of our journey to Kitzbühel! Watch the video on Youtube right here.

shopping-in-kitzbuhel-austria

Is Kitzbühel definitely worth the journey?

Sure! In the event you love snowboarding, it’s price including Kitzbuhel to your ski bucket checklist.

The colourful apres tradition, charming medieval city and large vary of terrain make it fairly distinctive.

Is Kitzbuhel costly?

Sure – Kitzbuhel is among the most costly areas in Austria, with a number of the highest priced actual property within the nation.

The downtown space is full of luxurious outlets and connoisseur eating places.

Day passes for the resort value ~70 euros per day. Reductions can be found for long run passes.

In the event you had been trying to ski in Europe since you heard it was cheaper, it’s not the case for Kitzbuhel.

Lodge lodging right here can also be fairly dear, so e-book upfront to save lots of!

What number of days do you want in Kitzbühel?

Kitzbuhel is a big resort – you would simply ski for 4 or 5 days and nonetheless really feel like there’s extra terrain to discover!

And, a part of the enjoyable is enjoyable at one of many mountain lodges and having fun with the apres expertise.

I’d suggest a few week to completely benefit from the Austrian alps.

Is Kitzbuhel good for newcomers?

I feel it relies upon how newbie you’re.

Most of the blue runs do have steep sections and bumps, merely as a result of heat climate situations, low mountain elevation and crowds of individuals snowboarding.

If you’re very new to snowboarding, you possibly can stick to simply the training space – and the bunny slopes are free! No want to purchase a full ski ticket for the day.

Ski Put on Haul

I posted a pair try-on hauls of all of the ski put on manufacturers that I’ve tried. You possibly can examine them out on my Youtube channel right here.

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