Experience Kitzbühel’s Winter Bliss with Unique Activities, Sustainability, and Authentic Local Encounters

Kitzbühel, renowned as a premier alpine destination, is set to captivate ski enthusiasts with an extended and thrilling ski season that spans from November to well beyond Easter, with the first lifts set to open on 11 November 2023. Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel offers an exceptional range of terrain, extending far beyond the legendary Streif racetrack, providing an array of opportunities for both novice and expert skiers. With a sprawling 233 kilometres of meticulously groomed downhill runs, visitors of all skill levels can relish the art of carving their turns against a stunning alpine backdrop. Beginners, in particular, can hone their skills with the aid of 10 complimentary practice lifts, ensuring a seamless introduction to the world of skiing. Amidst the breath taking snow-covered landscapes, Kitzbühel boasts over 60 cosy and rustic ski huts scattered between the Hahnenkamm and Resterhöhe lifts. These inviting rest stops offer the perfect setting to savour alpine cuisine and immerse in the warmth of traditional mountain hospitality.

Beyond the exhilarating slopes, Kitzbühel is a sports city that has something to offer for families and children alike. Each of the region’s ski schools boasts its own dedicated children’s area, designed to foster young skiing talents as they embark on their snowy adventures in a playful and supportive environment. Notably, Kitzbühel sets itself apart with the provision of free practice lifts in the valley, a unique and invaluable resource accessible to all beginners, extending its appeal to include the charming vacation villages of Reith, Aurach, and Jochberg. With its extensive ski season, diverse terrain, and family-friendly offerings, Kitzbühel stands as an unrivalled alpine haven for winter sports enthusiasts of all ages and skill levels. Discover the enchantment of Kitzbühel and create lasting memories in this alpine paradise.

Enhancing Alpine Adventure – KitzSki’s Modernized Lifts

Ready for winter 2023/24, two modern chairlifts (6SB Gauxjoch and 6SB Trattenbach) are set to replace the outdated lifts in the KitzSki area, which has frequently been named as one of the world’s best ski areas. Bergbahn Kitzbühel, in collaboration with the LEITNER company, is forging ahead with this project in the spirit of sustainability, taking heed of social, ecological, and economical aspects. These state-of-the-art chairlifts are expected to significantly enhance the skiing experience in the Kitzbühel area, providing skiers and snowboarders with smoother and more efficient access to the breath-taking slopes and breath-taking vistas that have made KitzSki a renowned destination for winter sports enthusiasts worldwide. 

Kitzbühel in Winter – more than just skiing
In Kitzbühel during the winter, one typically associates the region with skiing. However, this picturesque area offers more than just skiing. Outdoor activities like winter hiking, snowshoeing, tobogganing, and cross-country skiing allow visitors to get closer to nature. There are around 170 kilometres of winter hiking trails and paths for exploring the winter landscape of the Kitzbühel mountains. Starting in December, guided winter hikes are available through Kitzbühel Tourism, providing an opportunity to enjoy the winter sunset from a mountain. Snowshoeing, while more demanding than hiking on prepared paths, offers a unique and adventurous experience as you navigate through untouched snow and frozen paths.

KitzSki Opts for Green Energy
Sustainability has become an essential part of everyday life, especially when it comes to electricity consumption, and increasingly so in its production. KitzSki sources its electricity from power providers in Tyrol and Salzburg, ensuring that it comes from renewable energy sources. TIWAG – Tyrolean Hydro Power Corporation has awarded KitzSki a certificate that verifies the distribution of primary energy sources; approximately 85% of the energy comes from hydropower and about 11% from wind energy – the remaining energy sources are solar power and other eco-friendly energies. Salzburg AG also confirms that the supplied amount of electricity is 100% generated from renewable energy sources and fed into the power grid.

Kitzbühel Takes a Leap Towards Eco-Friendly Practices
As anticipation builds among winter enthusiasts preparing to hit the slopes, Kitzbühel stands firm in its resolve to maintain the pristine beauty of its alpine paradise while reducing its ecological footprint. Central to this commitment is the eco-conscious operation of ropeways throughout the region, showcasing Kitzbühel’s dedication to environmental stewardship. Noteworthy initiatives include the adoption of renewable raw materials, like pellets, for heat generation at prominent establishments such as the Pengelstein mountain restaurant and Streiteck competence centre. Furthermore, Kitzbühel employs innovative heat recovery systems, embraces digital technology, enhances snow management techniques, and invests in eco-friendly snowmaking equipment. These endeavours underscore Kitzbühel’s role as a sustainable tourism leader, offering winter enthusiasts unforgettable experiences while preserving the natural splendour that has made it an iconic destination.

Kitzbühel Advent – Christmas as it used to be

The build-up to Christmas is often considered the most contemplative and beautiful time of the year, and the Kitzbühel Advent, is the perfect place to experience this festive magic. From Wednesday, 22 November to Tuesday 26 December 2023, Kitzbühel Advent will transform the centre of Kitzbühel into a Winter Wonderland.

Images copyright of © Kitzbühel Tourismus

During this time, visitors can enjoy various activities such as baking cookies, listening to storytellers, and exploring a nativity scene exhibition. The air is filled with the inviting scents of hot chestnuts and fruit punch, evoking cherished childhood memories. The Kitzbühel Advent features around 30 lovingly decorated stands offering regional delicacies and traditional craftsmanship, all while local choirs and music groups provide performances. For children, there are opportunities to engage in crafts, bread baking, pony rides, and a visit to the Christkindlpostamt as they eagerly await Christmas Eve. The Kitzbühel Glockenspiel adds a charming touch to the evening with its lovely sounds, marking the closing of the Advent market at 8.00 pm.

Kitzbühel Tourism, in collaboration with the city of Kitzbühel, is dedicated to acting resourcefully and sustainably, even over the festive period, as a result, adjustments have been made to the lighting times and locations to promote sustainability and energy conservation. Anticipate a festive and environmentally conscious atmosphere at the beloved Kitzbühel Advent. The event will commence with a ceremonial opening on Wednesday 22 November 2023, at 6.00 pm in the Stadtpark Kitzbühel, followed by further highlights, including a performance by the popular Wiltener Sängerknaben.

Go to Kitzbühel 

A seven-night stay at Q Hotel Maria Theresia in Kitzbühel, on a half board basis, arriving 27 January 2024 is priced from £1,349 pp based on two sharing a double room. Includes return flights from London Gatwick to Salzburg and transfers.
Inghams (+44(0) 1483 698099, www.inghams.co.uk)