Kitzbühel - Alps (Austria)

Highest ski pistes: 2000m
Kilometres of Pistes: 164km
Lifts: 56

A grand resort in grand surroundings

Kitzbühel is one of the more fascinating and beautiful towns in the Austrian Alps. Best arrived at via Munich or Salzburg airports, it is easily reached except for the last few kilometers where traffic can be heavy at times. It has a lovely historical town centre, exciting shopping, and top quality hotels and restaurants. Kitzbühel attracts plenty of elegant visitors all year round and there is always plenty going on.

Not everyone who says they are visiting Kitzbühel actually stays in the town of Kitzbühel itself: as with other resorts, life is spread out over a dozen surrounding villages and even the skiing lifts also depart from several different areas. Note that this is not high mountain skiing though. The skiing here is more akin to that in Gstaad or Megeve (nice but not too difficult) and the atmosphere is very laid back.

You are in Austria and the service here is something to wonder at. Family-run restaurants serve up a constant smile, and multi-lingual hosts, delicious food, wine and beer leave little to be desired. Austrians tend to be slightly formal but very friendly. You will see elegantly dressed people everywhere, and an immaculate cleanliness. Everyone is courteous, speaks several languages and seem only interested that you are having a good time.

At night excellent restaurants and bars welcome and on the busier nights you might find yourself staying out later than planned in a nightclub or with a few locals that have decided to adopt you for the evening.