Kitzbühel is known as the ultimate traditional Austrian resort. Dating back to the 14th century, the town sits along side Kirchberg resort in the Tirol region. The resorts are pedestrians and full of old painted houses, narrow lanes and cobblestone streets. This fashionable resort is lively, sophisticated and up-market. The Kitzbühel ski region encompasses more than 170 km of pistes, including Kirchberg. It is a good all-round resort, with a mix of slopes to suit everybody, although as usual intermediates have the most choice.
The Kitzbüheler Horn is a separate mountain that is popular with beginners, intermediates and snowboarders for its quiet, sunny and gentle slopes. The only downside for learners is that they can be a little inconvenient to reach. Intermediates will enjoy the long tree-lined runs all over the different areas, from easy blues to challenging reds. Expert skiers can push themselves on some of Europe's most extensive mogul runs and the famous Hahnenkamm downhill race piste (Streif) - even seasoned racers take a gulp when they stand at the top.
In 2009 Kitzbühel will host the 69th Hahnenkamm Race weekend (January 23rd - 25th), with the Hahnenkamm Alpine Downhill ski race - taking place. Tens of thousands pack the town to watch the race and partake in the festivities afterward. The differing ski areas are linked by bus, and Kirchberg is linked by high speed gondola. Snowboarders will love the area around Kitzbühel and Hahnenkamm, and the Boardercross, terrain park and half pipe, which has music pumping out for you to board to. Recently the resort has spent a lot of money and efforts on upgrading facilities, meaning the lift system is a mix of old and ultra modern.
The stylised houses, chic shops, attractive cafes and concealed passageways all add to the charm of the village - and are usually packed with beautiful people! Framed by rugged mountains, the romantic village has grown into a sprawling town. Amongst the Austrian resorts it is known for being the most glamorous and commercial. Whilst not setting you back as much as some of the exclusive resorts in the French Alps, Kitzbühel can still be expensive. The après ski scene is extremely lively, with sophisticated and rowdy bars lining the streets. Day trips shopping in Italy or cruising around Venice can be a great way to spend your day off.
The only downside to Kitzbühel is its low altitude (760 m) which can mean a lack of snow. But the resort has invested heavily in snowmaking equipment, and when the snow is good the resort has everything to offer. Head here for gourmet dining, sophisticated shopping, happening nightlife, beautiful town and diverse ski terrain - plus the chance to choose the new Kitzbühel Alps AllStar Card, which will give you access to seven ski areas and 1,081 kilometres of pistes including Kitzbühel / Kirchberg, SkiWelt Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, Schneewinkel, Hochtal Wildschönau, Alpbachtal, Skicircus Saalbach Hinterglemm Leogang, Zell am See - Kaprun and the Kitzsteinhorn glacier (3,203 m).