In its day, Kitzbühel primarily became famous because of the Hahnenkamm World Cup race, which has been held here in January since 1967 and has become a social event to which celebrities flock. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Thomas Gottschalk are regulars, and most recently Patrick Dempsey ("Grey's Anatomy") has been a source of international glamour. The whole thing is usually accompanied by numerous side events, a fan zone in the old town and the legendary Weißwurst party at the "Stanglwirt". Soon the time will come again and ski stars from all over the world will plunge down the legendary Streif! From 21 to 23 January, the Hahnenkamm Race will take place in Kitzbühel and all eyes will be on the "Monaco of the Alps". This year it'll take place with a limited number of spectators and without a big party mile. Nevertheless, it is worth visiting the Gamsstadt!

But Kitzbühel also has a lot to offer for active winter sports enthusiasts - it's not for nothing that the ski area is repeatedly voted the best in the world. Of course, every skier in Kitzbühel wants to get a close-up view of the notorious downhill run, the Streif. Professional racers reach a top speed of over 150 kilometres per hour here on the finishing straight, and jumps of up to 70 metres are not uncommon. In principle, however, the Streif can actually be skied by anyone; on the "Family Streif" the most difficult sections are left out. Key sections such as the Mausefalle, the steep slope or the Hausbergkante are marked as "extreme ski route" anyway. But beginners and returning skiers are also in the right place in Kitzbühel, there's even a special goodie waiting for them: in every village in the ski area, all the practice lifts in the valley are available free of charge. Beginners can even get a taste of the Streif: the Mini-Streif is a skill course for everyone at the foot of the Hahnenkamm downhill run. For night owls, the Sportberg Gaisberg in Kirchberg invites you to night skiing. Here you will also find a fast toboggan run, which is easily accessible by the Gaisberg lift. Cross-country skiers can enjoy a 120-kilometre-long trail around the Gamsstadt.

Artistic Living Heritage

Kitzbühel also has a lot to offer in terms of culture: The painter Alfons Walde (1891-1958) documented the rise to world-famous winter sports centre in his drawings and also designed the town's coat of arms. A collection of his works and an insight into the history of the town can be found in the museum in Kitzbühel.

HOTEL KITZHOF

Wellness oasis with a view of the Hahnenkamm

The four-star superior hotel is nestled in nature and only a five-minute walk from the centre. The 162 rooms, studios and suites have been furnished with lots of old wood, glass, loden and modern furniture, some offer a fantastic view of the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Hahnenkamm. Chef Jürgen Bartl spoils you with local delicacies, international specialities and balanced cuisine. The vinotheque has a walk-in wine cellar. The "Kitz Spa" offers an indoor pool with adventure showers, sunbathing areas and a winter garden as well as a sauna area with a relaxation area. Tip: A round of floating in the floating bath relaxes mind and body. Double room with breakfast from € 222,-.

Hotel Kitzhof****s, hotel-kitzhof.at
Schwarzseestraße 8-10, 6370 Kitzbühel, Austria
T: +43 5356 632 110