Kitzbühel, Austria

* Extensive, varied slopes...

* Charming and atmospheric medieval town centre...

* Lively nightlife...

Although home to the steepest and most famous downhill race on the world cup circuit, the Hahnenkamm, Kitzbühel’s extensive network of pistes are actually best suited to intermediates. The town itself is also a big draw, with a delightful medieval centre, lively nightlife and plenty of off-slope activities - a great all-round resort.

Kitzbühel at a glance...

Resort height:	760m
Slopes:	800-2000m
Pistes:	170km
Snow rating:	☆☆☆☆☆

Suitability		Skiing
Beginners	☆☆☆☆☆	Blue runs	●	40%
Intermediate	☆☆☆☆☆	Red runs	●	46%
Advanced	☆☆☆☆☆	Black runs	●	14%

Resort		Transfer time
Charm	☆☆☆☆☆	Innsbruck	1hr30
Convenience	☆☆☆☆☆	Salzburg	1hr30
Après-ski	☆☆☆☆☆	Munich	2hr30
Family	☆☆☆☆☆
Non-skiers	☆☆☆☆☆

Snow reliability

General snow cover	2.5/5
Snow quality – upper	3/5
Snow quality – lower	2/5
Resort level snow	2/5
Powder potential	2.5/5

The skiing

Kitzbühel has skiing on two sides of the valley. The main area (which includes the famous Hahnenkamm downhill) is connected to several other villages, and offers an extensive network of mostly intermediate pistes and lots of wooded terrain. From the other side of this area you can (via a short bus ride and lift) access Westendorf and, from there, the rest of the vast Ski-Welt area.

However, there is plenty to keep most levels of skier amused closer to home, including some challenging blacks and lots of off-piste.

On the other side of Kitzbühel is the separate Horn mountain, with a small but sunny area of mostly intermediate pistes – very worthwhile if the snow is good. Beginners have a number of nursery areas scattered around the area, as well as some decent gentle runs to progress to.

The resort

Kitzbühel is a large, bustling year round town with a charming medieval centre that is crammed full of interesting shops, cafés, bars and restaurants. Not surprisingly, après-ski is a strong point with plenty of action from mid-afternoon onwards, lasting well into the night.

Not only is this is one of the most vibrant ski resorts in the Alps, it is also an excellent place for non-skiers with lots of sporting activities, winter walks and even a museum. Excursions by train to Innsbruck and Salzburg are also popular.