Kitzbühel region: proud heritage, luxury chalets and extensive options for skiers
Like Megève and Gstaad, the Kitzbühel region is as much a lifestyle destination as a ski resort, it has a proud heritage as one of the homes of Alpine skiing, and is a wonderful summer venue. Kitzbühel has a reputation as the most beautiful ski town in Europe. Once a medieval silver-mining town it has historic walls and grand medieval architecture set against a backdrop of the Wilder Kaiser Mountains, it is hard to argue against the claim. During the summer and winter, the cobbled streets are bustling with tourists and locals. This popular Austrian town is refined, discrete and always a pleasure to visit.
The Hahnenkamm run is the famous annual downhill race, held since 1931, attracting tens of thousands of spectators every January. At other times the piste is open to the public. Elsewhere Kitzbühel has a decent range of mainly mellow skiing, and good snowmaking cover. Kitzbühel is of course the hub of the extensive KitzSki complex - this includes some lovely villages such as Kirchberg in Tyrol, Aurach and Jochberg - which make excellent bases for a mountain property. There is a great choice of bars and restaurants for all tastes and budgets.
Property in the Kitzbühel region
Kitzbühel frequently features in the various prime property surveys and research reports and with easy access given three airports within 1.5 hours’ drive, this is “chalet central” in Austria. It also scores consistently well as a dual-season resort. Proximity to Munich, in particular, has been a major positive for demand and price increases. Some beautiful properties finished with traditional materials and more recent chalets with a swimming pool and multi car garages can be found within walking distance of the centre of Kitzbühel and in the surrounding villages. Even further out of town many are priced well into the €5m+ range. A view of the Wilder Kaiser massif is particularly sought after. Property values in Kitzbühel have been resilient, rising gently over many years. A good location, and town centre apartments with parking spaces command a premium attracting those who seek properties to rent out. Foreign ownership regulations have been significantly less restrictive than elsewhere in Austria - this is a hot topic locally, especially during local elections, there is a sense the market may become more restrictive than before.
Average prices for Kitzbühel according to different research reports from international intermediaries are € 14,900/m2 (Savills), €20,100 (Knight Frank) and €17-21,000 (UBS). The picture on the ground is more nuanced: in Kitzbühel itself, a more realistic assessment is € 20,000 and up to €40,000/m2 for the highest quality luxury chalet or a unique location. In the surrounding locations such as Kirchberg in Tirol, Jochberg, Reith and Aurach prices are lower, usually in the € 20-25,000 range but can go above €30,000. In Kitzbühel, two properties next to each other can have completely different per square metre prices, we emphasise that these price ranges are just a guide.
Kitzbühel region ski area
If you’re buying or renting a property in Kitzbühel, you want to know about the ski scene. With 215km of slopes in the KitzSki domain, the 4th largest in Austria, this is one of the most varied resorts in the Austrian Alps with a wide range of skiing options to choose from - the area is big, 17km across from north to south, with over 1,000 snowmaking machines. The longest run is 3km long with a 1,000m vertical. The jewel in the crown is the legendary ‘Streif’ run on the Hahnenkamm. At 3.3km long, the pros can hit speeds of nearly 130kph, which makes it perfect for adrenaline seekers.
If you prefer your skiing to be more relaxed, there is another ski area which can be accessed via Westendorf and with a regional ski pass, the Kitzbühel Alpen AllStarCard lift pass seven further ski areas in the Tryol including the SkiWelt area - that is 400km of ski pistes combined.
The piste map shows around 60 mountain huts for mountain lunch many of which are charming traditional chalets offering table service.
Also, check out our blog - The Uniqueness of Skiing : Downhill race pistes you can ski..
Summer in the Kitzbühel region
Skiing is the main pastime here in the winter, but there are lots of activities to take part in during the summer months including walks in the surrounding mountains which offer spectacular views. Snow can still be on the ground when the huge network of hiking, running and cycling trails are open to the public. The international acclaimed Mercedes-Benz sports park is open all year round too, it has 10 tennis courts, a 17m high climbing wall, and a 100m2 bouldering wall. So there’s fun for all the family regardless of the season.
Don’t forget the stunning views offered by the Alpine lakes such as the beautiful Schwarzsee lake with their clear blue water. They’re great for water sports such as canoeing, or a swim if you prefer to slow things down. Speaking of slowing things down, enthusiastic golfers have 4 golf courses to choose from nearby, and a further 30 or more within an hour’s drive. Kitzbühel has a reputation as a top Alpine cycling destination and there are now over 1,000 km of marked cycle routes across some of the most spectacular scenery in the Alps.
Things you should know about Kitzbühel
Kitzbühel tends to attract an exclusive wealthy clientele, it is a dual season lifestyle destination, yet its property prices are similar to the likes of Crans Montana and Megève but much lower in comparison with Gstaad.
For more details on Mountain Biking in Kitzbühel, check out our blog: Where to go Mountain Biking in the Alps
The ski lifts are also open in the summer, so if you want to go on a biking trail, you can hitch a ride to your starting point.
Innsbruck and Salzburg airports are 70 minutes away and Munich airport is a further 40 minutes. Direct train services run from all three airports, so you’re never far away from a transport hub in this Austrian region.
Other Destinations in the Austrian Alps: