Five Top Chalets and Hotels in Kitzbuhel Luxury Skiing
Having been an avid winter sports enthusiast since I was old enough to stand upright without assistance, Austria has long been on my radar during the colder months. And there’s no better destination in the country than Kitzbuhel, the Alpine enclave renowned for hosting the Hahnenkamm.
To clarify, this is the Terminator 2: Judgement Day of downhill races on the World Cup circuit. An event where wheat is separated from chaff, brave from meek, conversely it gives a rather misleading picture of the resort itself. As anyone who has done even the smallest amount of research will already know, Kitzbuhel has abundant intermediate options for skiers, but very few that will challenge those with significant experience. Nevertheless, the town has plenty to entice, from world class restaurants and lively but tasteful bars, to historic roads that have stood proudly for aeons.
Hundreds of years ago, this was the silver-mining centre of Austria, and the wealth that industry generated is still clearly visible- hence its reputation as the prettiest and best- preserved resort in the Alps, if not the whole of Europe. The central streets are encased in buttress walls, frescos adorn many interiors, and the best hotels occupy old coaching houses and castles, adding to an old world ambience that’s difficult to compare with anywhere else on the piste I’ve been lucky enough to visit. Coupled with dramatic views to the Wilder Kaiser Mountains that envelop the lot and it should go without saying you need to pack a good quality camera to make the most out of a stay here.
Which brings us to one of the most difficult decisions visitors face- where exactly should you stay whilst in town. After putting a good number of the options to some rigorous testing, I’ve come up with five, described below in brief, which will guarantee satisfaction, even for the most demanding of visitors. Without further ado then…
Schloss Labenberg
Type: Hotel
From: £707 half-board
What you need to know: This old stately home is now an equally distinguished 5* residence. It’s 20-minutes from the resort, but a courtesy car service is offered. Some rooms are housed in the listed tower, offering an air of medieval chivalry, others are in more modern sections of the complex. The restaurant has won several awards for its cuisine, and the 48m rooftop pool is truly spectacular.
chalet Comtesse
Type: chalet
From: £57,886 p/week (seven bedrooms)
What you need to know: The definition of Alpine architecture, Comtesse is a wooden- clad lair within walking distance of the slopes. Pine runs throughout the building, aside from the marble floors, bathrooms, 15 metre indoor pool, sauna and steam room. Large entertaining areas make hosting a breeze, and an absolute pleasure, whilst open fires add a sense of cosy homeliness.
Weisses Rossi
Type: Hotel
From: £1,015 half board
What you need to know: During the 16th Century, anyone travelling from Innsbruck to Salzberg would likely pass through Kitzbuhel, and the Bichlwirt coaching in, now the Weisses Rossi hotel, was a popular stop off. The charming building hasn’t been ruined with the passage of time, making for the number one luxury hotel in town. Private dining in the old wine cellar is an absolute must, the spa could rival the best on the planet, and even the food in the main restaurant is renowned across the globe.
chalet Victoria (pictured)
Type:chalet
From: £13,523 per week (four bedrooms)
What you need to know: In terms of facilities it’s difficult to judge where we should begin. State of the art comes as standard here, with abundant iPhone docks, flat screens and other gadgets throughout. The whole place is heated from the natural warmth of the ground, improving your carbon footprint, and there’s even a bio-light spa and sauna just in case the waterfall shower with ice hose and side jets isn’t enough. Oh, and did we mention you can fell your own Christmas tree in the forest outside?
luxury villas: https://edgeretreats.com/
