How high is the ski area in Kitzbühel?

The days are slowly getting shorter and the air fresher, the leaves have fallen from the trees and the animals in the woods are going into hibernation. The signs are clear: soon, the first snowflakes will fall. By then, however, this melancholy will be a thing of the past, as we head out into the snow and onto the slopes.

Tyrol, and the Kitzbühel area in particular, is especially popular with winter holidaymakers. At Hotel Elisabeth, our ski hotel near Kitzbühel located in the neighbouring village of Kirchberg, we are lucky enough to be just a stone's throw away from 2 well-equipped ski areas and the most famous après-ski pubs, while at the same time being able to offer our guests a peaceful stay close to nature.

Would you like to know exactly what to expect on your ski holiday in Tyrol? We have prepared these FAQs for you:

How high is the ski area in Kitzbühel?

The town of Kitzbühel itself lies at around 760 metres above sea level. The ski area, whose slopes and lifts are located on the mountain ranges on both sides of the town, stretches from 800 to 2,000 metres above sea level. 196 kilometres of groomed slopes, 58 lifts, 96 different slopes and many huts and restaurants await you. Kitzbühel has been voted "World's Best Ski Resort" seven times in a row.

Is the Streif open to the public?

Nothing stands for Kitzbühel as the Streif and nothing stands for skiing as the Hahnenkamm Race. It is the most internationally recognised race in the Ski World Cup and has been held regularly since 1931. However, races have been held in Kitzbühel, the cradle of skiing, since 1895. When there are no races taking place, all skiers can use the Streif – granted they have the necessary skills. Before any race takes place, the course will be closed for a while for grooming – and immediately afterwards it can still be quite icy.

Which Austrian ski resorts have the most snow?

This depends on many factors: the altitude of the slopes, their orientation, ground conditions as well as the amount of precipitation in the respective year, which can vary a lot. However, thanks to technological advancements, we have made sure your winter holiday can take place either way: around 70% of all the slopes in Austria can and will be artificially snowed if necessary. This way, the skiing season in most ski resorts lasts well into the month of April.

Where is best to ski for beginners in Austria?

For beginners, we recommend the ski resort Wilder Kaiser – Brixental northwest of Kirchberg. It comprises 80 lifts, 270 kilometres of slopes and 80 mountain huts. Due to it extending all around the mountain, access is possible from nine different villages, including Kirchberg, where Hotel Elisabeth is located. Thanks to its many blue and red slopes, it is particularly well suited for beginners and families.

How many ski resorts are in Tyrol?

Believe it or not, Tyrol comprises a whopping 80 different ski resorts, of which the Wilder Kaiser – Brixental area right next to our hotel is the second largest. All access points are connected by cable cars and kilometres of picturesque valley runs. So, if you get off the ski shuttle on one side of the ski area, you can "work your way back" to Hotel Elisabeth on the other side, descent by descent. Only the Arlberg ski area is a few kilometres bigger.

How snow sure is Kitzbühel?

There are various reasons why Tyrol, and the Kitzbühel Alps in particular, is so snow sure. A north-westerly accumulation on the main Alpine ridge ensures that clouds build up and it snows heavily in our region. In Kitzbühel, an average of 2.5 metres of snow falls per year, and around 8 metres on the mountain. On the Hahnenkamm, for example, the snow is more than 20 cm deep for most of the year. The orientation of the ski slopes and the alpine meadows also contribute to the ideal conditions for skiing. And if the weather really doesn’t play ball, artificial snow ensures that the fun can continue unhindered.

What month does it snow the most in Austria?

The start and end of the ski season depend on the resort: while some glacier resorts open their gates as early as October, in Kirchberg we are still enjoying the last mild days at this time of year. In Kitzbühel and Wilder Kaiser - Brixental, the fun on the slopes usually starts in November and lasts until April. However, the exact dates can vary from year to year. The most snow is to be expected in the months of January and February, whereas it starts to get warmer at lower altitudes in March.

Does Kitzbühel have night skiing?

Hitting the last run late in the evening under floodlights and then falling into bed satisfied - would that be your thing? Night skiing is offered in Reith in the Kitzbühel ski area, where a 1 km section of slope is floodlit in the evening, as well as on the Gaisberg near Kirchberg, where there are even approx. 1.5 km of night skiing slope available. Depending on the ski pass, night skiing is included!

Why is a ski holiday in Tyrol recommended?

Nowhere else in the Alps are there as many ski resorts as in Tyrol. On a total of 3,400 kilometres of slopes, every winter sports fan will find the right offer, whether easy or challenging, from alpine skiing to snowboarding, from freeride to freestyle. Modern lifts, a varied catering and après-ski offer as well as professional ski schools and rental stations ensure a successful day of skiing. And of course, not to forget: the scenic beauty and diversity of the Tyrolean Alps, which accompanies you on every descent.

Which ski services does our ski hotel near Kitzbühel offer?

Hotel Elisabeth is ideally located between the Kitzbühel and Wilder Kaiser - Brixental ski areas. In the morning, our ski bus takes you directly from the breakfast table to the slope - and with the last turn you’ll land right back on our doorstep. You can buy your ski pass directly from us and preheat your ski boots for the next day in the ski room. At the Pengelstein valley station, you’ll receive -10% on winter sports equipment rental as well as access to the free, heated ski depot. There is also a 10% discount at two different ski schools.
You know what else is lovely after a day of skiing? Our natural gourmet cuisine, a few hours in the Elisabeth spa and a restful night in our quiet rooms in modern Alpine style.

Any further questions about your ski holiday in Tyrol? Contact us at any time and we will help you plan the perfect winter holiday at our ski hotel near Kitzbühel. If you want to get started right away, send us a non-binding request to get our best offer.