Kirchberg
Ski Resort

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.

Kirchberg Strengths & Weaknesses

+ 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