As far as skiers are concerned, the town of Kitzbühel is the jewel of the Austrian Tyrol. Much of its reputation stems from its role in hosting the notorious downhill race on the Streif run which takes place on the Hahnenkamm mountain. This event attracts more than 100,000 spectators every winter as well as the world’s greatest skiers. Legendary Austrian skier Franz Klammer won the race four times during his career, a record that stood until 2012 when Swiss skier Didier Cuche won his 5th downhill to become the new ‘King of the Hahnenkamm’.
Outside race week the Streif is returned to a relatively straightforward red run which attracts many skiers keen to descend this famous piste. In fact the whole area is ideal for skiers of all ability levels thanks to a network of ski slopes covering every level of difficulty.
Not surprisingly the fame of Kitzbühel has given it a deservedly glamorous reputation as a ski holiday destination which is reflected in the price of ski holidays and associated services. For much better deals all you need to do is book nearby Kirchberg in Tirol for your holiday. Tucked away in the Kitzbühel Alps just a short drive away from Kitzbühel, this beautiful Tyrolean town is less well-known than its glitzy neighbour ensuring a more tranquil skiing experience at more affordable rates.
Skiing in Kirchberg in Tirol
The skiing in Kirchberg in Tirol is excellent thanks to almost 160km of ski runs which include a range of enjoyable red runs together with a number of very challenging black ones. Whilst the slopes enjoy a good snow record on average, the modern snow making facilities ensure excellent conditions during the season. Numerous multilingual ski schools operate in the town.
The range of slopes ensures that skiers of all abilities are attracted to the resort. The Fleckenalm and Maierlbahn cable cars transport skiers seamlessly to the vast selection of slopes which make up the Kitzbühel Alpen ski area. This vast ski area consists of over 620km of slopes made up of nearly 350 pistes and served by around 200 lifts. One lift pass provides access to a quite phenomenal selection of world-class skiing opportunities.
Snowboarders are also well catered for thanks to a nearby snowboard park and proximity to another located near the Kitzbüheler Horn (1,996 m) which is one of the main mountains in the Kitzbühel Alps. In effect, skiers and boarders visiting Kirchberg get to share the same mountain as those who stay in Kitzbühel but without the added expense of staying in the pricier resort.
Getting to Kirchberg in Tirol
Innsbruck Airport lies just 100km south-west of Kirchberg whilst Salzburg Airport is 80km to the north-east of the town. The journey from either of them by road shouldn’t take more than about 1 hour 30 minutes. In spite of such close proximity, it is Munich Airport which serves as the main arrival point for most visitors to the Austrian Tyrol. Located some 170km from Munich Airport, the transfer time by road to Kirchberg in Tirol is less than 2 hours provided you avoid weekends. The Austrian airports are more convenient but they attract a lot less budget flights than Munich.
Shuttledirect offer specialist ski transfers from all three airports. Check out their website for a quote on transfers from Munich at Shuttle Direct website. Vehicles are available to serve all group sizes.
Nightlife in Kirchberg
The beauty of Kirchberg in Tirol is that it isn’t Kitzbühel! There’s a fine selection of bars in the town centre which attract both locals and visitors alike. The result is a friendlier atmosphere than you normally find in downtown Kitzbühel. And if you’re worried that missing something just hop in a taxi for the 6km drive to check out what’s going on in the better known resort. Chances are you’ll be spent up quicker than you imagined and ready to head ‘home’ to Kirchberg.
The terrace of the Boomerang Cafe-Pub is a great spot to enjoy a drink in the afternoon whilst in the evening it’s a lively spot where you can drink beers from steins. For a younger crowd the Londoner Pub is a popular spot. Whilst there are plenty good restaurants around town, meat lovers must check out Asado’s Steakhouse (Aschauer Str. 28) for the best steak in town.
Where to Stay in Kirchberg in Tirol
A great beauty about accommodation in Kirchberg is that just about every hotel seems to have a spa which is most welcome after a day on the slopes. There’s a regular ski bus which transports visitors from their hotels to the ski-lifts.
Hotel Metzgerwirt (Pöllmühle 7): This charming 4-star hotel is very convenient for the ski bus service. It lies in the centre of Kirchberg within easy walking distance of all the town’s bars and restaurants. It’s a family-run property housed in a typical Tyrolean building where you’re made to feel very welcome by the owners and staff.
Maierl-Alm und Chalets (Krinberg 14): For a truly unique and luxurious ski experience check out these superb chalets located right on the ski slope above Kirchberg. The terrace offers stunning 360 degree views of the surrounding Alps and there are private spas with sauna and outdoor hot tubs.
Landhotel Lechner (Spertendorf 51): This is a great-value 3-star property located on the outskirts of town. Views all around are simply spectacular and the family who run the hotel will go beyond the call of duty to make sure you have a fabulous stay with them. The walk into the centre of Kirchberg takes around 25 minutes or you can choose to dine in the hotel’s own restaurant.
