What’s new in Kitzbühel for the 2024/25 winter season?
Kitzbühel is preparing for an extraordinary 2024/25 winter season, offering visitors a seamless blend of tradition, excitement, and innovation. Known for its renowned ski area, which boasts over 230 km of expertly groomed slopes, Kitzbühel continues to be a top choice for winter sports enthusiasts of all abilities. Beyond skiing, the region offers a variety of winter activities such as snowshoeing and tobogganing, ensuring enjoyment for visitors of all ages.
This season, new developments in accommodation, dining, and events are set to enhance the Kitzbühel experience. With a six-day adult ski pass priced from €322/ £268, visitors gain access to the award-winning KitzSki area, consistently ranked among the best in the world.
Read on to explore the latest updates and what’s new for the 2024/25 winter season in Kitzbühel.
Winter News 2024/25
Accommodation
Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel expansion
The Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel, having undergone an exciting expansion for the winter season, will kick off its festivities on 13 December 2024. The new extension boasts 69 rooms, including 28 suites, which are expected to open approximately a week later. Along with the expanded accommodations, guests can look forward to enhanced amenities such as a kids’ club, cinema, and a revamped spa area featuring an indoor pool and sauna. A seven night stay at the Grand Tirolia Kitzbühel is priced from €1,185 / £986 pp based on two sharing a classic room with breakfast included.
Restaurants
ZUMA residency returns to Kitzbühel
The 5-star hotel Weisses Rössl is set to bring back the acclaimed ZUMA for the 2025 winter season, following its immense success last year. Guests can once again indulge in exclusive Japanese culinary delights. ZUMA’s offering is comprised of three core components: a main kitchen showcasing contemporary dishes, a sushi bar serving fresh, finely crafted sushi, and the renowned Robata grill, known for its traditional and flavourful preparations. The return of ZUMA promises another exceptional dining experience for the winter season.
Chefs Stefan Monitzer and Ralf Berner take over the Auwirt
In September, Stefan Monitzer and Ralf Berner will assume management of the Auwirt in Aurach. Guests can look forward to a diverse culinary experience that leaves nothing to be desired. The talented chefs at Auwirt craft exquisite dishes using fresh, regional ingredients, ensuring that every visit becomes a memorable occasion. Visitors will have the chance to savour a perfect balance of seasonal specialties and innovative culinary creations, all complemented by a carefully curated selection of fine wines.
Events
Sound Escape – Boutique Festival returns for a second edition
The inaugural Sound Escape – Boutique Festival made a spectacular debut in Kitzbühel during the Easter weekend of 2024, captivating attendees with its vibrant atmosphere. The event featured a central stage in Kitzbühel’s city centrr, 14 unique locations across the mountains and valley, and showcased over 40 renowned DJs from the electronic music scene. Following this successful launch, plans for a continuation of the festival are set for 28 – 30 March 2025. Entry to the Sound Escape festival is free.
Head to the 22nd Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup
The historic town of Kitzbühel in the Austrian Alps hosts an impressive array of events each year, spanning countless sporting, cultural, music and family themed festivals. Many favourites are returning, including the 22nd edition of the Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup. Scheduled for 16-19 January 2025, this unique fast-paced event is the largest polo tournament to take place on snow, with eight international teams expected to take part. Access to the Münichau Stadium, which benefits from the beautiful backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser, will be free throughout the tournament, however there are VIP tickets available, which include gourmet food and drink, and the opportunity for fans to meet and socialise with the players.
85th Hahnenkamm Race
The 85th edition of the Hahnenkamm World Cup Races will take place in Kitzbühel 20 – 26 January 2024. The world-famous event is notorious for the Streif run, which is filled with blind drops, daredevil jumps, and unforgiving twists and turns. An international roster of top athletes will compete during an incredible programme of downhill ski racing, where the slick, steep track propels the competitors up to speeds of 140 kph, and the legendary Mousetrap jump launches racers 80 metres through the air. After the pandemic forced the event to take place without crowds last winter, this year it is hoped that there will be an electric atmosphere throughout Kitzbühel, as athletes and spectators descend on the town for a week of adrenaline-filled excitement. Tickets are priced from £29 / €35 for adults and can only be purchased online.
Don’t miss the Streif Vertical Up
Considered the ‘Super Bowl of Skiing’, but in reverse, the Streif Vertical Up sees hundreds of competitors pulling on their head torches and powering up the famous World Cup run. The aim of the Streif Vertical Up is to conquer the original Streif, climbing 860 vertical meters as quickly as possible to reach the top at 1,665 metres. This year, the 3.312 km race will take place on 22 February 2024, and will feature competitors from across Europe and many different types of equipment, from cross-country skis to spikes. Join in with the fun Backpack Event or the challenging Speed Event, plus, there’s also a fancy-dress competition. Registration costs from €54 / £45 pp.
Go to Kitzbühel
A seven-night stay in a twin room at the charming Q Hotel Maria Theresia in Kitzbühel, on a half board basis, arriving 11 January 2025 is priced from £1,079 pp based on two sharing. Includes return flights from London Luton to Salzburg and transfers.
Inghams (+44(0) 1483 698099, www.inghams.co.uk)
To start planning your Kitzbühel ski trip and for more information please visit: www.kitzbuehel.com/en
