Jan. 5, 2025
Lech am Arlberg is probably the prettiest ski resort in the Alps, while La Clusaz, France, is an absolute gem. The Zermatt and Chamonix horizons are peerless and Sölden, St Anton, Ischgl and Saalbach-Hinterglemm all eclipse Kitzbühel après ski. But there can be no more complete resort in the Alps than Kitzbühel. Being there, in the resort, is pure magic.
The pedestrianised centre of Kitzbühel is otherworldly – it’s a labyrinth of streets with designer shops, cosy restaurants and grand, colourful hotels that are unmatched anywhere. Kitzbühel is ritzy without being brash. Watches sell for apartment prices, yet neighbouring restaurants serve affordable, and quality food and drink. This is a town where fur coats mingle with Gore-Tex-clad ski guides. It is a very wealthy town, but real people live and work there.
January is the time of year when the eyes of world skiing focus on Kitzbühel. The Kitzbühel Hahnenkamm Race is the most fearsome ski race on the planet. The illuminated Kitzbühel Chamois on the slopes above the resort is a constant reminder that Kitzbühel is the most significant town in world skiing. The Hahnenkamm Race is the equivalent of the Monaco Grand Prix, but unlike Monaco, it delivers pure action and drama. Some big-name resorts lack a story – Kitzbühel is steeped in skiing history and all meaning.
There are resorts with headline-grabbing prices and 7-star accommodation. Kitzbühel is upmarket and a regular celebrity hangout. Some of its hotels are superb, but Kitzbühel is also grounded. It is rare to feel things are overpriced or underdelivered. This is a resort where you can ski, shop, spa or stroll, and all pursuits make life seem extra worthwhile.