Kirchberg
Kirchberg Ski Resort Rating
Total Ratings = 11
Ratings sum = 38
3.45454545455
Kirchberg Ski Resort Statistics
Kirchberg Ski Resort
Kirchberg in Tirol is a traditional Tirolean family-friendly ski resort with easy access to two ski areas and hundreds of miles of pistes, including some excellent intermediate skiing. It's also cheaper than its more famous neighbours. But it's too low to be 100% snowsure.
Situated in the heart of the Tirol, Kirchberg is regarded by many as a more affordable alternative to neighbouring Kitzbühel, with joint access to the KitzSki area, which boasts 170km of pistes, including the famous Hahnenkamm downhill. But that is just part of the skiing on offer, because 10 minutes’ drive down the road is Brixen im Thale, which is part of SkiWelt – an even larger lift-connected ski areas that includes ski resorts like Elmau, Soll and Westendorf. You can almost ski into it from Kirchberg: a short ride in a ski bus connects the KitzSki lift at Skirast with the SkiWelt lift at Ki-West. There are several different lift passes to choose from so less enthusiastic skiers don’t have to pay for ski areas they don’t intend to visit. For really keen skiers, however, the Kitzbüheler Alpen AllStarCard gives access to all the areas mentioned above plus St Johann in Tirol and the Saalbach Hinterglemm Skicircus.
Although much of the skiing in and around Kirchberg is suited to intermediates, the extent of the skiing means there is something for all abilities, with plenty of gentle runs for beginners and ski touring options for advanced skiers looking to test themselves. And there are also good ski schools for those who want to learn or improve.
With a base altitude of just 800 metres, and all its skiing below 2000m, Kirchberg can’t be regarded as snowsure, but a huge investment in snowmaking facilities has ensured that even in bad seasons most pistes remains skiable. In fact the resort often opens up some runs as early as November. Only in a warm spring does the lack of altitude really affect the runs.
Although Kirchberg has a well deserved ‘family- friendly’ reputation, the après ski bars on the run back down the mountain can get quite lively, and in the village there are more bars and restaurants, plus a handful of clubs, for those looking to make the most of the evening. And there are plenty of more wholesome activities, including night skiing on the Gaisberg, tobogganing, ice climbing, snowshoe hiking and skidooing. The village is generally attractive and has good value hotels and apartments, most graded 3 stars or better, and many with wellness facilities. Kirchberg is also easy to reach, being accessible from three main airports.
Ski Equipment Rental in Kirchberg
There is a reasonable choice of equipment rental shops in the resort, but generally they won’t give discounts if you just walk into them when you arrive. ALPINRESORTS.com work with several ski and snowboard hire shops in Kirchberg and some more in the surrounding villages and towns, and can secure discounts of up to 35% if you book online in advance. Click here to see shop locations and discounts available.
SKISET also has an outlet in the resort and it too gives discounts if you book online in advance via this link.
Kirchberg Pros & Cons
+ Big ski area (and an even larger one nearby).
+ Good intermediate skiing
+ Modern efficient lifts
+ Impressive artificial snowmaking
+ Good value for money
– Limited advanced skiing, unless ski touring
– Low resort and low mountains
– We prefer natural snow to artificial snow
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
Jochberg-Pass Thurn
Kitzbüheler Horn
Kirchberg Ski Lifts & Lift Passes
Kirchberg is well-served by a modern and efficient ski lift system. The ski areas are well-connected and skiers have the option of purchasing the extensive All Star Card which gives access to ten different ski areas across the Kitzbuhler Alps and a total of more than 1,000km of pistes.
Kirchberg Ski Lifts
There are 54 lifts across the KitzSki area, including the impressive 3S cable car and a number of high-capacity heated chairlifts. There is a good mix of high speed cable cars and chairlifts, many of which carry four or more people, meaning lift queues are only really a factor during peak holiday periods. There are also Wi-Fi hotspots at most lift stations - a simple but useful feature when trying to get in touch with friends elsewhere on the mountain.
From Kirchberg, there are two main lifts providing access to the KitzSki. The Maierlbahn cable car is based in town and takes skiers up to the Ochsalmbahn base station, while the Fleckalmbahn is located slightly higher up - a short bus ride from town - and takes skiers to the top of the Ochsalmbahn. From there, skiers can head over to Hahnenkamm or towards Steinbergkogel and the rest of the ski area. The Fleckalmbahn can often be closed in windy conditions - an inconvenient start to the day if you are planning to use it but the pain is relatively short lived thanks to free and regular shuttle buses to the Maierlbahn during the core part of the season.
The lift system is less contemporary in the discreet Kitzbüheler Horn section of the ski area, though with fewer skiers to contend with, lift queues are rarely too much of a problem.
Kirchberg Lift Passes
There are two main options when it comes to buying your ski lift pass in Kirchberg, though we think theres only one logical choice for the keen skier.
The Bergbahn Kitzbühel pass is the lift pass for the KitzSki ski area, and is priced at €233 for a 6 day pass in the 13/14 season (€116.50 for children). This provides access to 170km of pistes, and includes an evening trip up the Gaisberg lift for those keen on good mountain food and tobogganing. Daily & other multi-day passes are also available.
The better option, however, is the All Star Card, which gives access to ten different ski areas and more than 1,000km of pistes. At €49 per day, or €241 for 6 days, the pass is only slightly more expensive than the Bergbahn Kitzbühel option and gives access to an exhaustive range of skiing.
Parents and novices should note that there are some lifts across the ski area which are free for beginners. These can change according to the time of season so visitors should ask the pass office for more information.
Kirchberg Beginner Skiing
Kirchberg offers a range of good skiing for beginners able to tackle easy blues. While the provision of nursery slopes for novices and children is more limited, beginners in ski school can be expect to make good progress.
Beginner Skiing in Kirchberg
Novices and children can learn to ski on gentle nursery slopes accessed by the new Ubungslift t-bar, for free. While handy for the village, the area is the opposite side of town to the main ski area, making it less convenient.
Although some of the ski schools also have their own nursery areas for small children which are nearer the main slopes. The ski schools tend to progress to the area at the top of the Ochsalmbahn chairlift, in particular runs 16 and 18 providing gentle open runs for beginners to gain their confidence.
For improving beginners there are a good number of excellent cruisy blues providing interesting routes down to the village through the trees. Piste 26 underneath the Maierlbahn is a great run but as one of the main routes down it can get very busy in the afternoon – best enjoyed first thing in the morning while the snow is still fresh and before the ski schools arrive.
The Pengelstein area is also an excellent playground for beginners progressing to easy blues. Pistes 27, 30 and 31 are long, undulating runs which are great fun and tend to be slightly quieter than the area around the Ochsalmbahn and Maierlbahn.
The nearby villages of Aschau and Reith also have nursery slopes which are generally free to access.
The Kitzbüheler Alpen tourist board sometimes offers ‘Learn 2 KitzSki Packages’ in Kirchberg, designed for beginners or rusty skiers who need to regain their confidence, offering discounts on accommodation, ski-pass, tuition and ski hire.
Ski Schools & Ski Lessons in Kirchberg
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Kirchberg Intermediate Skiing Kirchberg is an excellent destination for intermediate skiers with 170km of well-groomed pistes in the KitzSki ski area, and easy access to a total of more than 1,000km of pistes across ten ski areas locally. All covered by the All Star Card lift pass.
Nearly half of the KitzSki area is comprised of intermediate red runs, and wide open pistes are a common sight throughout the region. With the good lift system, it is easy to cover a lot of ground in this vast ski area, particularly outside of peak holiday periods, and there is an enjoyable concentration of pistes beneath the Wurzhöhe and Bärenkogel peaks such as the red 60 run which will stimulate intermediates.
From Kirchberg, the Fleckalmbahn and Maierlbahn provide access to the heart of the Kitzski ski area, giving competent skiers the opportunity to experience skiing in the famous Hahnenkamm area, while there are a number of long blue runs around the Ochsalmbahn and Steinbergkogel lifts which give less experienced intermediates an opportunity to gain confidence.
The long blue runs (25 & 26) back down to the village can unsurprisingly become busy with ski school groups and late in the day as skiers return home, but there are plenty of alternatives including the network of blue runs beneath Pengelstein and the enjoyable reds beneath Bärenbadkogel, 62 & 65 in particular. Worth noting, however, that the runs by Bärenbadkogel can get slushy in the afternoon.
Although discreet, the Kitzbüheler Horn area should not be discounted, offering a nice circuit of pistes as well as the option to test your speed on the guest race piste.
While substantial, skiers really wishing to cover some ground have the option to ski any of the nine other areas using the Kitzbüheler Alpen All Star Card, with the SkiWelt offering a proximate alternative to the KitzSki area.
Kirchberg Advanced Skiing While there is a huge amount of skiing accessible from Kirchberg, including some steep and testing runs, advanced skiers and boarders visiting the KitzSki area are unlikely to be sustained by the pistes alone, but ski touring with a guide allows access to more challenging terrain.
Just 24km of the 170km piste network is classified as advanced, meaning expert skiers would benefit from having an appetite for ski touring or a willingness to spend part of their visit exploring the neighbouring ski areas to avoid repetition.
The Hahnenkamm area - famous for the annual downhill race - is often the first port of call for advanced skiers, offering a number of challenging black and red runs including the Streif race course - the only marked run in the KitzSki area to be marked as very difficult - and a testing mogul section on the 21a Waldehang/Seidlalmhang run.
Most of KitzSki's other advanced pistes are accessed from the Steinbergkogel lift, with the top section of the 38 Direttissima black run perhaps the most demanding of these thanks to its steepness. Local guides also speak highly of the Schwarzkogel run down to Aschau, providing there is enough snow.
The resort is investing to improve access to some of the area's expert territory, with work ongoing during the 13/14 season to complete the lift at Hochetzkogel which will give lift access to routes currently reserved for ski tourers.
There are a number of other areas only accessible by ski touring, including beneath the Kleiner Rettenstein and Schwarzkogel peaks, while local guides also favour the off piste beneath the 3S-Bahn and in the Alte Wacht area.
Kirchberg Boarding & Freestyle The KitzSki area has two snowparks, including one of the largest in Austria, and some good opportunities for riding off-piste, although visitors staying in Kirchberg will have to travel some distance to get to them.
Coupled with this the area does have a number of flat sections which less experienced boarders may struggle with, in particular the large open area between the Pengelstein, Steinbergkogel and Ehrenbachhohe peaks. Beginner boarders would also do well to avoid the long Gauxjoch t-bar (F8) in the Barenbadkogel area. Intermediate boarders will, however, enjoy the good range of cruisy blues and reds.
The snowpark on the Kitzbüheler Horn, near the Brunellenfeld chairlift (B5) is built on natural snow, providing some nice conditions. It offers a range of kickers as well as a few boxes and rails, while the Horn Mini Park provides a gentle introduction to freestyling for beginners and ski schools.
In comparison the huge Hanglalm Snowpark in the Resterhohe area (near chairlift G5) has an excellent range of jumps, rails, and boxes for all levels although more advanced boarders and skiers are best catered for. More recently the addition of a huge gap jump has attracted a number of pros and fearless amateurs.
Both the Kitzbüheler Horn and the Resterhohe offer opportunities for good powder riding, including through the trees when the weather’s bad. Locals also favour the off-piste around Pass Thurn, Alte Wacht and Schwarzkogel, although most of the best routes down are away from the pistes so a guide is recommended.
Kirchberg Mountain Restaurants Kirchberg and the KitzSki ski area have plenty of traditional Tirolean mountain restaurants, with a range of options to suit either a quick pit stop or a long mountain lunch. There are 60 mountain restaurants in total, and friendly service, large portions and Schnapps are all par for the course.
With so many restaurants to choose from, you won't have a problem finding a restaurant in any section of the ski area. There are a concentration of huts and restaurants accessible from either the Hahnenkamm cable car or Ehrenbachhöhe lift, though the easy access from Kitzbühel can mean these can become quite busy, particularly during holiday periods.
Closer to Kirchberg, the Ochsalm hut is a popular option, particular for families, for whom the sun terrace, close proximity to the Maierlbahn and easy access for beginners are a welcome bonus to the good food. The restaurants around Steinbergkogel and Ochsalm typify the good value that can be found in Kirchberg, with the traditional Schutzhütte Steinbergkogel and Fleckalm notable examples. There are also a number of après ski huts on the run down to Kirchberg, including the Schneebar Oberkaser, Maierlalm and Schi-Alm,
Local guides also speak highly of the mountain restaurants closer to Aschau, singling out Gauxerstadl and Usterwies as good lunchtime stop-offs with a cosy & rustic feel.
Elsewhere in the area, the Kitzbüheler Horn boasts some scenic views from its sun-blessed huts, and an evening meal on the Gaisberg is highly recommended. The Obergaisberg is an excellent location for an evening meal, offering superb traditional dishes and a break from the floodlight tobogganing down the mountain.
Kirchberg Village Kirchberg is a modest and traditional Tirolean village at 837m above sea level in the heart of the Kitzbüheler Alps. Situated 6km west of Kitzbühel, Kirchberg does not share the same exclusive feel (or pricing) as its more illustrious neighbour, but there is enough going on for it to be considered a worthy ski destination in its own right.
Literally translated, Kirchberg means “Church Mountain”, giving a sense of the traditional history of the town. The church remains a focal point, and there are a number of sports and clothing shops for visitors to enjoy after a good day's skiing. For later in the evening, there are a number of bars and pubs around the town, from quiet hotel bars to lively pubs and late night clubs.
Perhaps the most prominent feature of the town, however, is the large number of apartments and pensions lining the streets. There is a seemingly endless number of guest houses, to the extent that the town's 9,000-strong population is nearly doubled during peak holiday periods.
For non-skiers visiting later in the season, there are other sports facilities closer to Klausen - a short walk from Kirchberg, including tennis courts and a swimming pool.
Visitors to Kirchberg should also plan a trip to nearby Kitzbühel. Although expensive, it is a stunning and charming town and can be reached very quickly if hiring a car.
Kirchberg Apres Ski Bars & Restaurants
Kirchberg punches well above its weight on the après ski front with a good selection of lively on- and off-mountain bars and discos cater for groups looking for fun. There’s also a number of quieter bars and restaurants so those who prefer a more relaxing ski holiday won’t be disappointed.
Kirchberg Après Ski Bars
With over 30 bars to choose from, Kirchberg is known for its lively après ski and is particularly popular with Dutch visitors, who know how to party! Although compared to some of the bigger Austrian resorts such as St Anton and Ischgl it is relatively tame, Kirchberg has a good selection of bars located right on the slopes which run down into the village, which provide an enjoyable way to end a hard day’s skiing!
Cafe Bar Jederzeit (+43 650 5159856) on the main street in Kirchberg is a fantastic little bar with live music most nights. It can get quite packed but this generally adds to the atmosphere. The only drawback is it can get smoky when busy.
Eis Bar (+43 664 553 3149) is a perennial favourite for lively après ski, particularly popular with Dutch visitors. Open until midnight it often has a queue of keen party-goers stretching down the street outside.
Kracherl (+43 664 6488652) is a popular après ski bar which often features live music, and also has a pool table, darts, and table football.
Maierl-Alm (+43 5357 2109) has a large terrace which gets packed when the sun shines. With reindeer-skin covered seats and heaters, this is the next level in après ski comfort, but with a resident dj outside this isn’t just a place for relaxing after a long day skiing.
Schneebar Oberkaser (+43 699 10228822) is a small but lively après ski bar, within the same group as the Fuchslochl, located right on the Kaser piste (26). A great place to stop for a schnapps or a beer on the last run home, it has an ice bar outside – the perfect spot to catch the last of the rays.
Schi-Alm (+43 5357 3282) is another alternative (or addition!) for après ski drinks on the piste before heading home. It is on the right hand side of the Kaser piste (26) and also serves food all day, with choices including Austrian specialities, pizzas and salads.
Vis a Vis bar (+43 5357 4422) is a cosy, pub-style bar which can get quite lively and is open until 03:00 most nights. Its nearby ‘Dreick bar’, a typical Austrian après ski tented bar, is open from 13:00-22:00 and is the perfect place to warm up for a night out in Kirchberg.
Kirchberg Restaurants
There are a similar number of restaurants in Kirchberg, mostly offering traditional Austrian cuisine although more international tastes are also catered for.
Asado’s Steakhouse (+43 5357 2973) does what it says on the tin. Generally gets very good reviews for the food on offer, although service can be slow.
China Restaurant Aurora (Tel: +43 5357 35005) offers an alternative to the ubiquitous Austrian cuisine.
Hotel Bechlwirt (Tel: +43 5357 2205) has a restaurant serving traditional Austrian fare. It’s not the most atmospheric restaurant in town, but the food is very reasonably priced and they do an excellent goulash soup. It’s also a favourite with locals.
Kupferstub’n (Tel: +43 5357 2335) is frequented by locals as well as visitors and one of the best restaurants in town although still reasonably priced. The menu offers a wide choice, including a range of Austrian specialities as well as more international, though traditional, dishes. However, it is the service which really sets the family-run Kupferstub’n apart, with a genuinely charming atmosphere created by the owner Hildegard.
Pizza per Tutti (+43 5357 20064) is one of a number of pizzerias in Kirchberg. They’re all relatively similar, but locals recommend this one and the large pizzas can also be ordered for delivery.
Kirchberg Nightclubs
Der Tiroler (+43 69 917 123 917) on the main street into Kirchberg is the biggest night club in Kirchberg and offers fun après ski and late night partying until 04:00.
Fuchslochl (+43 699 1022 8822) is open from 21:30 every day and is popular with locals and visitors alike, featuring a mix of house, electro, chart and live music.
Kirchberg Other Activities
Kirchberg is a well-rounded resort with something for everyone and offering a wide range of interesting winter sports and other activities for less sporty types. Though retail therapy in Kirchberg is limited mostly to sports shops, a few boutiques and souvenir shops, there is excellent shopping and more in nearby Kitzbühel.
Tobogganing in Kirchberg
The Gaisberg toboggan run is a must-do for all families and fun-seekers visiting Kirchberg. While the run, accessed by the Gaisberg chairlift, is open every day (09:00-16:00) it is also open Tuesday-Saturday evenings from 18:30-21:30 and makes a great night time activity for skiers and non-skiers alike. A single ride is included in the ‘Kitzbuhel area’ ski pass, but it is well worth the extra few euros for an evening pass. Toboggans can be hired at the bottom of the lift and tobogganing can be combined with a hearty dinner at either of the excellent mountain huts on the Gaisberg – the Gaisbergstuberl at the top of the lift, also accessible to non-skiers/tobogganers, or the Obergaisberg half way down the toboggan run.
Night skiing in Kirchberg
For those who can’t put their skis away, the Gaisberg chairlift is open Thursday and Friday evenings offering floodlight skiing – although limited to a single short red run.
Ice Climbing in Kirchberg
The Gaisberg also hosts Kirchberg’s ice climbing park offering the opportunity to climb one of the biggest ice climbing towers in Europe and an ice-climbing wall. Beginners can have a go at scaling the ice every Friday evening (18:30-21:30).
Snowshoe hiking in Kirchberg
Snowshoe hiking offers the possibility of getting ‘off the beaten piste’ and experiencing parts of the landscape around Kirchberg which would otherwise be inaccessible. The tourist office in Kirchberg offer guided snowshoe hikes for a range of abilities.
Skidooing and quadbiking in Kirchberg
In winter visitors can rent skidoos and try out the 800m professional course. Alternatively try an ATV (quad bike) – which are also available for kids. For more information contact Local Motion - www.locationmotion.at.
Horse drawn sleigh rides in Kirchberg
Traditional horse-drawn sleigh rides are offered in the winter, offering a magical way to see the landscape and including a cosy meal at the Skirast Inn. Rides can booked at the tourist office in Kirchberg.
Swimming and Spa facilities in Kirchberg
The KitzSki pass offers 50% discount at the fantastic Aquarena Spa Centre in Kitzbuhel, which offers indoor pools with water slides, steam room, saunas, solarium and massage. For more information contact Aquarena Kitzbühel.Closer to home a number of hotels in Kirchberg provide access to their indoor pool and sauna facilities. Calling in advance is recommended.
Shopping in Kirchberg
While Kirchberg has a number of small boutiques and tourist shops it is well worth the short trip to Kitzbuhel to experience the charm of this historic town and the excellent opportunities for retail therapy!
Kirchberg Tourist Office
For more information on activities in Kirchberg contact the tourist office: