The 84 Rooms Guide To Kitzbühel

From its off-piste adventures to its glitzy slope side bars and restaurants, the Austrian ski resort of Kitzbühel remains the most glamorous on the north side of the Alps. ‘Kitz’ is unique and for some people the real capital of the Alps, even due to its comparatively low altitude. The history and traditions are what make this ski town the real deal. The iconic Hahnenkamm Race attracts hundreds of thousands of people every year in January. We take a closer look behind the scenes.

From Kitzbühel's Hahnenkamm to the Resterkogel, the 233 km of ski runs have won several awards in recent years. KitzSki is accessible via 11 feeder lifts. On the wide pistes and thrilling race courses, as well as at the snowparks, everyone will encounter the ideal conditions for a successful day of skiing. 57 cable cars and lifts will allow you to get up high in the 575 hectare ski resort. But Kitz offers also a variety of other winter sports, from hiking to cross-country skiing. It’s truly one of the best winter sports destinations in the Alps.

Stanglwirt

Part luxury spa hotel, part organic farm, the Stanglwirt is a legendary Tyrolean address that has been welcoming guests for more than 400 years. Set at the foot of the impressive Wilder Kaiser mountain range in Going, it is a quick 10-minute drive from ritzy Kitz and its brilliant skiing. Ask for either the Kaiser Suite or the Imperial Suite. Both boast whirlpool baths and rooftop terraces with views across to the Wilder Kaiser. In addition to skiing, Nordic walking, hiking, and climbing, sports enthusiasts will be kept busy by the hotel’s on-site driving range, 14 tennis courts, a riding school powered by noble Lipizzaner horses, and serious gym facilities. After all the exertions, there are body wraps, Ayurvedic treatments, stone saunas, and a vast saltwater pool with views to the Kaiser. Homegrown food is the foundation of the hotel's mountain farm-to-fork philosophy. It makes its own Stangl Alpine cheese in its dairy and offers fresh milk from its own herd. In total, there are six restaurants, but our favorites are Stangl Alm, where you can listen to zither music in front of the fire while you dine, and the Rustic Inn for a romantic evening.

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Kitzbühel Lodge

The exclusive Kitzbühel Lodge, a highlight of the resort, opened its doors in December 2016. The Lodge offers seven luxurious penthouses alongside all the facilities of the private member's club 'Kitzbühel Country Club'.

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Seebichl

Seebichl is a striking coal-black house, perched on the hill above Lake Schwarzsee, only a short stroll to the center of town. With an atmosphere evoking memories of a rambling summer home up in the mountains, yet, Seebichl creates the most comfortable home away from home, indoors, and around the property. This is Alpine living, in the most creative and cozy sense imaginable.

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Sonnbühel

The Sonnbühel has been a fixture on the Kitzbühel scene since it opened nearly 100 years ago, when it was the embodiment of la dolce far niente in the golden age of 1920s. Wonderfully located, super authentic and with a winning sun terrace, it is still the place to have lunch and a spot of après-ski. Feast on Sonnbühel (young bull) tartare, burrata chips and whole cochinillo pork grilled on a spit, or the sharing chateaubriand. It is a must-visit for anyone in the area.

• Neuwirt offers some of the best food in town — expect locally sourced dishes with a modern twist. Plus, it has a great wine list.

• Auwirt in Aurach. Order the duck breast glazed with honey, with red cabbage and plum purée - super delicious.

• Alpengasthof Hagstein offers one of the most beautiful terraces in the region. Inside, you’ll find typical Tyrolean stuben — cosy corners, which are perfect for lounging with big groups or the family.

• Hallerwirt is another great spot in Aurach for Austrian specialties.

• s’ Pfandl is a well-known restaurant a few minutes from the center in Reith bei Kitzbühel. Consistently great food and good vibes.

• Tomschy at the mountain station of the Hahnenkamm cable car. Can’t be missed. Ask for Christoph and you are in good hands.

• Helmut Eder is Kitz's high end store. Can't be missed in the promenade.

• Frauenschuh offers alpine wear with high-quality materials for both women and men.

The world’s most notorious, dangerous, blood-curdling downhill racecourse for men, called the "Streif", is challenging an international roster of top athletes for an incredible weekend of ski racing each year. In 2024, this legendary race will be held for the 83rd time from January 19-21. Skiing the Hahnenkamm is a harrowing experience from start to finish. It is skiing’s ultimate test of guts for glory on the world’s most famous and feared ribbon of snow and ice. The slick, steep, twisty track propels the skiers up to speeds as fast as 140kph. The Mausefalle jump (‘Mousetrap’ in English), reached in just over eight seconds from the start, has a gradient of 85% and launches the racers 80 meters through the air.

• The winter season starts early in December. In fact, Kitz is usually the first non-glacier resort in the Alps to open its ski lifts. This year on November 25. Christmas, New Year's, and January are peak season when the iconic Hahnenkamm race takes place.

• Tyolean Jankerl & Dirndl for dinner. Fusalp on the slopes.

• By air: The small private airport of St Johann is only a 10-minute drive from Kitzbühlel.
• Munich is about 2 hours. Salzburg & Innsbruck are both an hour by car.
• By rail: Kitzbühel is well connected to the Austrian railway system.

84 Rooms recommends: The Best Austrian Chalet Villages, and An Insider's Guide To Lech.