Kitzbuhel, Austria: The Best Ski Town in Europe

One of the best towns for skiing in Europe is Kitzbühel, Austria. The town of Kitzbühel lies in a valley surrounded by three impressive ski areas, the Kitzbüheler Horn, the Jochberg-Pass Turn area, and the Hahnenkamm. Kitzbühel is within easy reach from three major cities, Innsbruck, Salzburg and Munich. With three major ski areas and seven hamlets, skiers of every age and ability will find Kitzbühel, Austria the perfect town to visit for a perfect ski vacation.

Kitzbühel provides approximately 170 km of ski runs ranging in level from beginner to expert. For beginner skiers, Kitzbühel offers free use of the region's practice slopes and lifts. Perfect for the expert skier wanting to test their ability, is the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill run, the Streif. The World Cup Circuit was contested on this famous racing course.

Nearly 60 lifts ensure that getting around the Kitzbühel ski area is a breeze. Make sure you take a ride on the new 3S gondola. This high speed gondola transports skiers across the Saukasergraben Valley, taking the hassle out of travel between villages. Skiers will find themselves more than 400 meters above the valley and travelling along a huge span of up to 2.5 km between towers.

Two fantastic snow parks, one located on the Kitzbüheler Horn, and one in the Pass Thurn area, are perfect for snowboarders and freeskiers. Other winter activities include snowshoeing, Nordic walking, cross country skiing, ice curling and ice skating.

With over 400 different accommodations, there is sure to be something to suit every budget. Choose from apartments, hotels, private rooms and farms. For the ultimate in five star luxury, try the Hotel Schloss Lebenberg with rooms from 103 euro per person per night. For those on a budget try the Veithenhof farm which offers a double room with shower from 17 euro per person per night.

Kitzbühel offers more than 80 restaurants as well as various cafes and mountain huts to ensure that the active skier does not have to go without sustenance. On offer are traditional Tyrolean specialties, sumptuous 5 course dinner menus, and plenty of filling snacks. Make sure to try specialties such as Viennese schnitzel, cheese dumplings and for dessert, "Kaiserschmarrn" which is a type of shredded pancake with raisins and sugar.

For those night-owls who still have energy to burn after a day of skiing, there are plenty of sports bars, cocktail bars and nightclubs open until the early hours of the morning. Shopping is also an option in Kitzbühel with boutiques, traditional crafts and jewellery all on offer. A great souvenir to take home would be a traditional woman's dress the dirndl.

Sources:Holidays in Kitzbühel Tyrol: winter holiday Kitzbuhel: skiing holidays Austria