Ski Area

Kirchberg Ski Area

Kirchberg is perhaps best known for its proximity to illustrious Kitzbühel, but it is also an ideal location from which to explore the KitzSki area’s 170km of pistes and offers easy access to the superb SkiWelt area with a further 279km of groomed pistes and more than 90 mountain restaurants.

Intermediates will find plenty to keep them busy in the KitzSki area, with 77km (45%) of varied red runs, from wide open cruisers to winding tree runs down into the various traditional Tirolean villages in the area including Kitzbühel, Jochberg, and Aschau. Beginners will enjoy the 69km (41%) of easy blue runs, although the nursery slopes are more limited.

Most skiers will be able to attempt the longest run in the area; at 8.3km this linked series of easy blues (16a, 16, 26, 25b) down into Kirchberg is a great run for all abilities first thing in the morning although it often becomes busy and choppy later in the afternoon.

Advanced skiers will find few challenges on piste, with only 24km (14%) of black runs, although there are one or two highlights – in particular the infamous Streif race course in the Hahnenkamm area near Kitzbühel, and the long Schwarzkogel run down to Aschau. However, it would be hasty to discount the off-piste and touring opportunities in the area, in particular the specially designated Bichlalm touring area.

While the KitzSki area is not particularly high – it has a base of 837m and peak at 2,004m and is therefore less snowsure than some of its higher rivals – it boasts excellent snowmaking capabilities. The network of 820 snowmaking facilities and commitment to piste grooming tends to keep the area skiable even when natural snow is scarce, and the area’s north-west orientation also benefits the snow conditions at all times of the year.

Gaisberg

The Gaisberg, which dominates the horizon in Kirchberg, hosts a small distinct ski area, separated from the main ski area although still accessible with the KitzSki pass. Locals know it as the ‘sports mountain’ due to the range of activities on offer, including an exhilarating toboggan run, an ice climbing wall, as well as facilities for night skiing. Skiers should probably steer clear unless taking advantage of these activities or the two excellent mountain restaurants – with only one piste on the mountain it’s not worth the trek from the many other alternatives in the main KitzSki area.

Hahnenkamm/ Pengelstein

A network of 3 cable cars (Fleckalmbahn, Maierlbahn, Pengelstein) provides access to the large Hahnenkamm-Pengelstein area directly above Kirchberg. Strong intermediates and more advanced skiers will want to try their luck on the Streif run in the Hahnenkamm area, made famous by the annual downhill race. However, this area is really a playground for progressing beginners and intermediates, the highlights being the range of valley runs where beginners can build confidence and intermediates can perfect technique or simply let loose and enjoy.

Jochberg-Pass Thurn

Intermediates and advanced skiers will want to explore the Jochberg-Pass Thurn area which can be accessed by the 3S cable car, avoiding a lengthy bus journey through the valley from Kirchberg. Snowboarders and freestylers should take in the massive Hanglalm Snowpark, even if the largest kickers prove too adventurous! At 2,004m the Zweitausender peak is the highest point in the KitzSki area and between here and the Resterhohe are a variety of wide open blues and reds which are often relatively quiet. Those wanting to experience everything KitzSki has to offer should attempt the Ski Safari, starting at the Hahnenkamm, motoring through the Pengelstein area, taking the 3S across the valley, down to Jochberg before tackling the Barenbadkogel and Resterhohe areas and finally down into the Pass Thurn valley.

Kitzbüheler Horn

The Kitzbüheler Horn, a separate area accessed by the long Hornbahn cable car, is a great place for beginners to practice and offers some interesting red runs for intermediates although these are quickly exhausted. Known by the locals as ‘the sunny side’ of Kitzbühel, the Horn has only natural snow, providing some excellent skiing when snow conditions are good and also offers some stunning views when the trees are covered in snow.

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