Kitzbühel in Winter 2025: Where to Stay, What to Do & Ski in Style

Kitzbühel has always been one of the Alps’ most iconic ski towns — a place where timeless charm meets a love for adventure. This winter, it’s shining brighter than ever, with new hotels, restaurants, and experiences waiting to be discovered. From stylish mountain retreats and cosy cafés to festive markets and world-class events, Kitzbühel in winter is full of reasons to visit.

Whether you’re here to ski the legendary Streif, explore the snowy streets of the old town, or simply enjoy the views with a cup of hot chocolate, the 2025/26 season brings a fresh energy to this classic Tyrolean destination.

Where to Stay in Winter in Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel has always been synonymous with luxury stays, but this winter raises the bar. The SEEBICHL Hotel & Restaurant, perched above the lake and once home to painter-architect Alfons Walde’s vision, is being lovingly restored. The new design fuses heritage with modern minimalism — think a jet-black façade, a heated open-air pool at 32 °C, and a new Meeting & Yoga Loft for creative retreats. From January 2026, the property transforms into an adults-only sanctuary, perfect for couples and small groups seeking peace and inspiration.

In the heart of the old town, the Löw Chalet Suites breathe new life into a 16th-century townhouse. The three renovated suites combine rustic alpine character with modern design touches — the kind of place where time slows down, and Kitzbühel’s cobblestone charm is right outside your window.

Another favourite, the Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort, offers a stylish blend of modern architecture and alpine tradition, just a short walk from the centre. I stayed there for a few days and found it wonderfully welcoming and warm — the kind of place where every detail feels thoughtful. I loved relaxing in the lounge with the fire crackling in the evening and unwinding in the spa after a day out in the snow. With its mountain views and inviting atmosphere, it’s a perfect base for a winter escape in Kitzbühel.

A Taste of the Alps: Culinary Highlights Not to Miss

After a day on the slopes or the spa, Kitzbühel’s dining scene offers an incredible variety of flavours. Historic and hearty meets refined and global at Schwarzer Adler Jochberg, reopening this autumn after a full renovation. Expect authentic Austrian fare with a focus on regional meats and seasonal specialties.

Meanwhile, the 5-star Hotel Weisses Rössl welcomes back ZUMA Kitzbühel, serving contemporary Japanese cuisine — sushi, robata grill, and the kind of atmosphere that feels straight out of London or Dubai. Seafood lovers will want to book early for Casa Jondal, Ibiza’s famed beach club turned mountain hotspot. Chef Rafael Zafra’s Mediterranean seafood creations bring a dash of sunshine to the snowy Alps.

For something more relaxed, Ristorante Mamma Mia serves up Italian comfort classics — homemade pasta, wood-fired pizza, and family-friendly warmth — while Schilala, perched by the legendary Streif run, continues to make waves as one of the best après-ski spots in town.

Skiing in Kitzbühel

It’s impossible to talk about Kitzbühel without mentioning its legendary slopes. The ski area stretches over 230 kilometres of perfectly groomed runs, connecting the Hahnenkamm, Kitzbüheler Horn, and Jochberg. There’s something for everyone — from gentle beginner pistes to the adrenaline-fuelled Streif, one of the world’s most famous downhill runs.

I loved how easy it was to get around thanks to the modern lift system and well-marked trails. Even on busy days, you can find quiet corners with stunning mountain views and welcoming huts for a hot chocolate or Tiroler Gröstl.

For families and ski beginners, the ski schools are excellent, and the relaxed après-ski scene keeps the energy high without losing Kitzbühel’s refined charm.

Shopping in the Gamsstadt

This season, Kitzbühel’s historic centre feels more like a fashion capital than a ski resort. Global icons Hermès, Ralph Lauren, Fusalp, and Perfect Moment all open new stores, adding international prestige to the town’s luxury mix. For design lovers, Michael Meyer Gallery brings together high-end brands like Prada, Gucci, Saint Laurent, and Dior, all housed in a stunning space by an Italian design studio.

Chocolate connoisseurs should head to the new Läderach boutique — where Swiss craftsmanship meets indulgence — while Studio G10 turns shopping into an art experience, showcasing works inspired by alpine life.

Winter Wellness and Adventure

Beyond skiing, Kitzbühel’s new wellness and fitness offerings make it easy to stay active. The new Reformer Room brings the best of Munich’s Pilates scene to Tyrol, offering daily Reformer classes for all levels. For something slower-paced, join one of the guided winter or snowshoe hikes organised by Kitzbühel Tourism. The new star hikes — on clear alpine nights where up to 3,000 stars are visible — sound especially magical.

And yes, even in winter, golf is alive and well in Kitzbühel. Two indoor simulator centres now let players tee off virtually on over 200 world courses. The latest innovation, PuttView, uses digital mapping to help golfers perfect their short game — precision meets play, Kitzbühel-style.

A Season of Events and Alpine Magic

Kitzbühel Advent Market (19 November – 26 December 2025)

The festive season begins with the Kitzbühel Advent Market: the old town transforms into a winter wonderland with more than 30 stalls, live music, pony rides, and twinkling lights. On 6 December, St. Nicholas makes his grand arrival, followed by two concerts by the Wilten Boys’ Choir on 8 December.

Kitzbühel Mountain Advent (12 & 19 December 2025)

Held at the Hahnenkammbahn top station, this mountain Advent celebration combines carols, candlelight, and alpine charm high above the valley > Kitzbühel Mountain Advent.

New Year’s Eve & Torchlight Walks (30 December 2025 – 1 January 2026)

Ring in the new year Kitzbühel-style with dazzling light installations, street performers, and live music. Don’t miss the torch-lit walks around Schwarzsee on 29 December and 3 January, a magical way to welcome 2026.

Kitzbühel Polo Cup (8–11 January 2026)

The year begins with one of Kitzbühel’s most elegant sporting traditions. This medium-goal polo tournament brings glamour and excitement to the snowy fields of Reith. More info here.

Bendura Bank Snow Polo World Cup (15–18 January 2026)

One of only two snow polo tournaments in the world, Kitzbühel’s event attracts international players and spectators to its dazzling alpine arena.

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Hahnenkamm Races (19–25 January 2026)

The 86th Hahnenkamm Races return with world-class athletes tackling the legendary Streif downhill — one of the steepest and most thrilling ski runs on the planet. The energy in town that week is electric.

KURIER ROMY Awards & Kitzbühel Film Festival (28 November 2025)

For the first time, the Austrian film and television awards move to Kitzbühel, taking place at Kaps Castle with concerts by Spider Murphy Gang and Alphaville. Running in parallel, the Kitzbühel Film Festival will showcase Austrian and European cinema.

Sound | Escape Festival (27–29 March 2026)

Kitzbühel’s boutique winter music festival returns for its third edition, with live performances on the mountain by day and on the Mainstage and local bars by night — a perfect blend of alpine adventure and nightlife.

Austrian Alpine Open (28–31 May 2026)

Looking ahead to summer, Kitzbühel will host Austria’s largest golf event as part of the DP World Tour. The Austrian Alpine Open takes place at the Kitzbühel-Schwarzsee-Reith Golf Course, bringing stars like Sepp Straka to Tyrol for a truly world-class competition.

A Personal Take: Winter Magic in Kitzbühel

There’s something timeless about winter mornings in Kitzbühel. The air feels crisp and clean, and the snow glows pink under the first light of day.

I remember sipping coffee in the old town as church bells echoed off the mountains, the kind of quiet moment that only an alpine winter can offer. Later, we watched skiers carving down the Streif while families strolled through the Advent Market, mulled wine in hand, laughter carried on the cold air.

What I love about Kitzbühel is how it balances glamour with authenticity — a place where you can spend the day exploring world-class slopes or simply walk beside the frozen Schwarzsee and feel entirely content. It’s more than just a ski resort — it’s a slice of alpine life at its most elegant and alive.

Travel Info: Planning Your Visit

Getting there

Kitzbühel is easily reached by train from Innsbruck, Salzburg, or Munich — about two hours from each. The station is right in town, and local buses and taxis connect easily to the slopes.

Best time to visit Kitzbühel in winter

The winter season runs from late November to early April. December brings the Christmas markets, January is all about the famous races, and March ends the season with sunshine and music festivals — a perfect mix of atmosphere and activity.

Travel tip

Stay within walking distance of the old town for easy access to shops, restaurants, and après-ski spots. I loved wandering through Kitzbühel’s centre in the early evening, when the streets glow with lights and the sound of laughter drifts from cafés. My room at the Hotel Kitzhof Mountain Design Resort had beautiful views of the snow-covered mountains and it is walking distance to the centre of town.

Bonus

If you’d like to see Kitzbühel in a different season, check out our autumn guide: Autumn in Kitzbühel: Hiking, Culinary Festivals & Alpine Wellness.

Marco

Lived in England since 1998 and travelled the world since 2005, visiting over 100 countries on 5 continents. Writer, blogger, photographer with a passion for adventure and travel, discovering those off beat places not yet on the tourist trail. Marco contributes the very best in independent travel tips and lifestyle articles.