Long after the Bronze Age the first reference to the hamlet, Kitzbühel, is in 1165. Later in the 15th century it grew due to silver mining. Today its thirteenth-century walls still encompass this now world-renown ski resort surrounded by its spire like peaks. Kitzbühel was pretty in the Bronze Age and certainly is even more so today. Its car-less cobbled center bustles with lovely shops, cafés, hotels, and restaurants. Compactly developed, everything is walk-able; but for the truly fatigued a bus stop is always nearby. Carrying on with tradition, tea dances are part of an après ski leading to a sparkling nightlife for those with the stamina to enjoy it!

In 2004 Kitzbühel realized a decades-long dream building the unique 1.5 mile long tri-cable gondola connecting the Hahnenkamm/Pengelstein and Jochberg areas. In 05-06 the new Westendorf lift linked Kirchberg. Since 07-08 snowmaking now totally covers the seven ski areas above nine villages, each part of the original Ski Safari. Today Kitzbühel has 57 lifts and 60 mountain restaurants, surpassing Zermatt’s 56! All the improvements have brought the resort into the 21st century. Those brave enough can try the extreme Sedlboden and Hahnenkamm runs, they are two of the places I’ve ever seen danger warning signs. To top choices off, there are 106 miles of off-piste terrain. No wonder their late hometown Olympic hero, Toni Sailer’s renowned ski school has 230 instructors aspiring in his footsteps. Storybook Kitzbühel – always a popular place to ski! This winter Kitzbühel added the Ikon pass for five or seven days of skiing depending on the type of pass one has.