Kitzbühel Highlights Tradition, Glamour, & Sporting Highlights For This Winter

Kitzbühel continues to shine as one of the world’s most iconic winter destinations—recently voted the second best ski resort in Europe in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers’ Choice Awards. Renowned for its perfect balance of alpine tradition, luxury, and sporting excellence, Kitzbühel is preparing for another unforgettable winter season.

Nestled in the heart of the Austrian Alps, Kitzbühel is one of the world’s most iconic ski destinations, offering an unparalleled blend of alpine charm, top-tier facilities, and breathtaking scenery. With 233 kilometres of perfectly groomed downhill runs, 10 free practice lifts in the valley, 60 welcoming mountain huts and restaurants, and 58 state-of-the-art lifts and gondolas, Kitzbühel provides the ultimate skiing experience for beginners and experts alike. This unique combination of tradition, luxury, and adventure makes it a must-visit destination for winter sports enthusiasts from around the globe.

Kitzbühel, the legendary sports town of the Alps, once again presents a winter season filled with unforgettable events that combine alpine tradition, sporting excellence, and cultural highlights. With its unique blend of heritage, glamour, and international flair, Kitzbühel continues to set the standard for alpine experiences, recently voted the second best Ski Resort in Europe in Condé Nast Traveller’s Readers Choice Awards. 

Keep reading to discover some of this seasons highlights.

• Magical Start to the Season – Kitzbüheler Advent (19 November – 28 December 2025).  The winter season begins with the enchanting Kitzbüheler Advent, when snow-covered alleyways and the historic old town glow with festive lights, traditional crafts, and culinary delights. The Christmas Market in the Hinterstadt and Stadtpark is open every Wednesday to Sunday from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on 8 December from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm, on 24 December from 10:00 am to 2:00 pm, and on 25 and 26 December from 2:00 pm to 8:00 pm. A magical start to winter in Tirol awaits all visitors.
• KURIER ROMY Awards (28 November 2025).  For the first time, the prestigious KURIER ROMY Awards, Austria’s most celebrated film and television honours, will take place in the Alps. The KURIER ROMY Gala 2025 will take place on 28 November 2025, with several other events take place during the week.
• Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup (15 – 18 January 2026). January sees Kitzbühel transform into the global capital of snow polo. The Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup Kitzbühel welcomes top international teams to compete on snow, framed by the breathtaking alpine scenery, a highlight on the world’s equestrian calendar.
• 86th Hahnenkamm Races (19 – 25 January 2026).  A true classic follows: the 86th Hahnenkamm Races, where the world’s best skiers face the legendary Streif downhill. Renowned as one of the most challenging and prestigious races in alpine skiing, this event draws thousands of fans and global attention to Kitzbühel every January.
• Sound Escape (27 – 29 March 2026).  The season concludes with Sound Escape, an innovative music and lifestyle festival that merges electronic beats with the mountain atmosphere. This unique alpine experience brings together music lovers, locals, and visitors for an unforgettable celebration of culture and sound.

Kitzbühel’s skiing season begins on 7 November 2025 at the Resterkogel, with progressive openings leading to a fully connected ski area by mid-December. The schedule includes:

• 7 November 2025 – Season opening at Resterkogel (Mon–Fri training, Sat–Sun open to the public)
• 22–23 November 2025 – First ski weekend in the Hahnenkamm–Fleckalm area
• From 28 November 2025 – Extended skiing in the Hahnenkamm–Fleckalm core area
• 12 December 2025 – 6 April 2026 – Full ski connection open: Hahnenkamm–Fleckalm–Pengelstein–3S-Bahn–Jochberg–Resterhöhe
• 6 December 2025 – 23 March 2026 – Skiing and winter adventures at the Kitzbüheler Horn with panoramic views
• 7–12 April 2026 – Season finale with spring skiing around the Hahnenkamm
• The Easter period offers particularly enjoyable skiing, with excellent snow conditions, sunshine-filled slopes, and a relaxed family atmosphere, the perfect time to combine alpine adventure with springtime charm. Families are especially welcome: children born in 2020 and younger ski free in Kitzbühel, making it an ideal destination for young families discovering the joy of winter in the Alps.

With its combination of tradition, culture, sport, and lifestyle, Kitzbühel once again confirms its reputation as the most legendary sports town in the Alps and as an unmissable destination for the winter of 2025/26.