The Louk · 8 min read · Resort guide
IntermediatesCharm & glamGreat nightlifeFoodieCouples
Kitzbühel is one of the prettiest resorts in the Alps - a genuine medieval town of cobbled streets, painted houses and smart boutiques, wrapped around the legendary Hahnenkamm. The skiing is mostly gentle, scenic cruising, so it suits intermediates and mixed groups beautifully; what sets it apart is the town itself - superb restaurants, glamorous shopping and a lively après-and-nightlife scene. It sits low, so early and late season lean on excellent snowmaking.
Altitude800m town · up to 2,000m (Kitzbüheler Horn / Resterhöhe)
Ski areaKitzSki — ~230km, 57 lifts
Best forIntermediates · charm · après & nightlife
SeasonEarly Dec – April (snowmaking-reliant low down)
AirportInnsbruck ~1hr · Salzburg ~1.5hr · Munich ~2hr
Trip typeCouples · foodie · groups · glam
Budget£££ · glam, some value off-centre
⛷The skiing
The KitzSki area is around 230km of mostly intermediate, tree-lined cruising, with two main mountains - the Hahnenkamm and the sunnier Kitzbüheler Horn - plus higher, snow-surer slopes out at Resterhöhe. The big draw for keen skiers is that you can ski the actual Streif, the World Cup downhill (the fearsome Mausefalle start is roped off, but the rest of the race piste is open). Gentle nursery areas make it kind to beginners too.
- The Streifski the legendary Hahnenkamm race run - most of it is open to the public.
- Resterhöhehigher, snow-sure slopes at the far end of the area.
- Kitzbüheler Hornsunny, gentle cruising and lovely views over the town.
📍 Official piste map & live lifts (kitzbuehel.com) →
The Louk tipSki the Streif - the race run is open to the public and you'll feel like a hero. Then celebrate in the old town at The Londoner like everyone else, and book dinner early because the good tables go fast.
🏨Where to stay
Luxury
- Tennerhof Gourmet & SpaRelais & Châteaux country-house luxury with a Michelin table.
- Grand TiroliaElegant golf-and-spa resort just outside the centre.
- Hotel Kitzhof Mountain DesignContemporary 4-star superior with a superb spa and views.
Boutique & mid-range
- Hotel SchweizerhofWarm, central and well run - a reliable favourite.
- Hotel TiefenbrunnerCharacterful spot right in the heart of the old town.
Chalets & cosy
- Old-town pensionsCharming guesthouses on the cobbled streets.
- Apartments & chaletsPlenty of self-catered options around the town.
🍽Where to eat
On the mountain
- Hochkitzbühel by TOMStylish mountain-top dining at the Hahnenkamm.
- SonnbühelSunny terrace and hearty Tyrolean classics.
- Bergrestaurant HagsteinCosy hut with big views and good food.
In town
- Neuwirt (Schwarzer Adler)Michelin-starred cooking in an elegant old-town room.
- ChizzoBeautiful historic building, refined Tyrolean food.
- Huberbräu StüberlBuzzy, traditional and great for a group dinner.
🍾Bars & après
- The LondonerThe legendary British bar - loud, fun and rammed after the lifts.
- Take FiveThe glamorous late-night club in the centre.
- StamperlTiny, lively schnapps bar for a big night.
- PavillonSlope-side and central for a first après drink.
❄Off the slopes
- AquarenaPool, saunas and wellness for a rest day.
- Old-town shoppingDesigner boutiques and cafes along the cobbles.
- Sleigh rides & casinoHorse-drawn sleighs by day, the casino by night.
🚁Getting there
Kitzbühel is easy to reach - Innsbruck and Salzburg are both around an hour to ninety minutes, Munich about two - and there's a train station in the town, so arriving by rail is a genuinely relaxing option.
Transfers & travel
- TrainDirect rail to Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm station - no transfer needed.
- Four Seasons TravelShared airport shuttles from Innsbruck, Salzburg & Munich.
- Private transferDoor-to-door from any of the three airports.
- Alps2AlpsShared & private, good value.
