Festivals & Events In Kitzbühel
Renowned for its ski slopes and yearly Hahnenkamm downhill event, Kitzbühel is a historic town in the Tyrol area of Austria. The town is particularly well-known for its active and varied cultural scene, which presents events all year long.
Hahnenkamm Race
Held yearly in Kitzbühel, Austria, since 1931, the Hahnenkamm Race is among the most elite and difficult events in the Alpine Ski World Cup. Held on the slopes of the Hahnenkamm mountain, sometimes called as the “Rooster’s Comb,” the competition comprises three disciplines: the downhill, the slalom, and the super-G. Every year, the race draws thousands of fans and media officials as well as top skiers from across the globe vying for the glory and the cash.
History of the Hahnenkamm Race
Held in 1931 under the International Ski Federation (FIS) schedule, the first Hahnenkamm Race Initiated by the Kitzbühel Ski Club, established in 1902 and remains the event’s organizer. Originally a combined event including a downhill and a slalom course, the race was Completing the course in 4 minutes and 37 seconds, Austrian skier Ferdl Friedensbacher was the inaugural champion.
World War II halted the race, but it started once more in 1946 with the inclusion of the super-G discipline. The race also evolved into a feature of the recently founded FIS Alpine Ski World Cup in 1967 and acquired increasing relevance and reputation over years.Among the many great skiers and unforgettable events in the race are the first triple victory by French skier Jean-Claude Killy in 1967, the first victory by non-European skier Canadian Ken Read in 1980, the record-breaking six victories by Austrian skier Franz Klammer, and the dramatic crash and comeback by Swiss skier Daniel Albrecht in 2009 and 2011.
Given a festive and energetic program including the opening ceremony, draw of the start numbers, award ceremony, and fireworks, the event is also well-known for its customs and ambiance. Many celebrities and VIPs join the event and the festivities in the town and the clubs, so the race also draws Considered the climax of the ski season, the race is a must-see event for every skier.
Course of the Hahnenkamm Race
Held on the 1,700-meter-tall Hahnenkamm mountain, 1,700 meters above sea level, the race is on its slopes. Held on separate courses, the three disciplines of the race are downhill, slalom, and super-G; but they share some areas. Featuring steep grades, hairpin bends, jumps, bumps, and ice, the race is well-known for its difficulty and risk. The event calls not just ability but also bravery and endurance.
Held on the Streif course, one of the most difficult and breathtaking runs in the world, the downhill is the most well-known and feared discipline of the competition. Comprising 3.3 kilometers, a vertical drop of 860 meters, and an average gradient of 27%, the Streif course Starting at the summit of the Hahnenkamm, the track falls via a number of significant portions including the Mausefalle, the Steilhang, the Hausbergkante, and the Zielschuss.Set by Austrian skier Axel Lund Svittal in 2014, the course’s top speed is 140 km/h and its record time is one minute and 51 seconds.
Held on the Ganslern course, one of the few classic slalom courses worldwide, the slalom is the oldest and most technical discipline of the sport. Comprising 1.2 kilometers, a vertical drop of 200 meters, and an average grade of 17%, the Ganslern route is Starting at the Ganslernhang, the race passes across 65 gates, set by FIS officials.Set by Austrian skier Marcel Hirscher in 2018, the course’s maximum speed is 70 km/h and its record time is one minute and thirty-second.
Held on the Streifalm course—a mix of the downhill and slalom courses—the super-G is the newest and most flexible discipline of the competition. Comprising 2.2 kilometers, a vertical drop of 600 meters, and an average grade of 27%, the Streifalm course Beginning at the Seidlalm, the race veers downhill at the Steilhang before separating to the Ganslern course at the Seidlalmsprung.The Norwegian skier Kjetil Jansrud set the course’s record time of 1 minute and 12 seconds in 2016; its maximum speed is 120 km/h.
Highlights of the Hahnenkamm Race
Featuring many highlights and attractions, the Hahnenkamm Race is not just a ski race but also a spectacle and a celebration.
- The Hahnenkamm Trophy: Awarded to the winner of the combined event, which is computed by adding the times of the downhill and slalom runs, the Hahnenkamm Trophy is the most sought-after and valuable trophy in the ski world. Mounted on a wooden base, the trophy is a silver rooster with names of past winners engraved on it. Designed by Austrian artist Alfons Walde in 1931, the trophy is regarded as emblem of the Hahnenkamm Race.
- The Kitzbühel Downhill: Held on the same track Friday prior to the Hahnenkamm Downhill, this is a unique downhill competition. Introduced in 1995, the race aimed to ease Saturday race congestion and pressure as well as provide more skiers an opportunity to participate on the Streif. Counted for the downhill rankings, the race is also a World Cup event.
- The Kitz Charity Trophy: Held on the Ganslern course Saturday following the Hahnenkamm Downhill, the Kitz Charity Trophy is a charitable race. Celebrities and VIPs who ski in teams of two representing different nations or companies participate in the race. The race generates money for several social and humanitarian projects and is a pleasant and interesting occasion.
- The KitzSkiWelt Tour: Comprising the ski areas of Kitzbühel and SkiWelt, the KitzSkiWelt Tour is a unique journey with 469km of slopes and 145 lifts overall. Along with skiing some of the best and most varied slopes in the Alps, the trip is a fantastic way to see the area and appreciate the beauty. Using a special ticket costing € 66.00 for an adult, the tour can be completed in one day.
Kitzbühel Christmas Market
Renowned worldwide ski resort Kitzbühel in Tyrol, Austria, is a haven for those who appreciate history and beauty in addition to winter sports aficionados. From November 22 to December 26, Kitzbühel changes into a wonderful winter wonderland providing a range of attractions and highlights for guests of all ages during the Advent season.
Visitors should not miss the singular and wonderful Kitzbühel Advent experience. The Advent season presents the ideal mix of modernism and legacy, of thought and pleasure, of society and environment. There is something for everyone to enjoy and value whether it is the Advent market, the Advent music, the Advent activities, or the Advent in the neighboring towns. The Kitzbühel Advent encourages guests to celebrate the most amazing period of the year in Tyrol and to really experience the Christmas attitude.
The Advent Market
The Kitzbühel Advent’s Advent market, which sits in the middle of the ancient town center, is one of the main draws. Daily market hours are two p.m. to eight p.m.; Friday and Saturday markets go until nine p.m. Visitors can meander about the adorned booths here, which provide a selection of regional cuisine, handcrafted goods, presents and mementos. The market also boasts a big Advent wreath, a nativity scene, and a massive Advent calendar revealing a fresh window every day.
Made from local ingredients and presented in a unique Kitzbühel mug, the mulled wine is among the highlights of the market. Apart from being a wonderful beverage, the mulled wine is a worthy cause since the earnings support many local charity programs. The live music is another feature since it cheers the guests and generates a cheerful environment. Traditional brass bands, folk ensembles, choruses, soloists—who play on the market stage or on the balconies of the nearby buildings—are part of the music program.
The Advent Music
A reflective mood during the Advent season is greatly influenced by music. Kitzbühel has a range of musical events meant for many tastes and preferences. The concert of the well-known boys’ choir from Innsbruck, the Wiltener Sängerknaben, is among the most often attended events with a long and rich background. Presenting a choice of classical and contemporary Advent carols, the choir performs on December 8, 2023, at the parish church of Kitzbühel. Though donations are encouraged, the concert is free of cost.
Every Sunday at 5 p.m., the Advent singing occurs in the parish church and consists of local musicians, choirs, and bands. Celebrating the Advent season in the traditional and real manner, the Advent singing allows the audience to participate in the singing. The Advent performance, scheduled for December 15, 2023, at the K3 KitzKongress, involves the Kitzbühel Youth Choire, the Kitzbühel Symphony Orchestra, and the Kitzbühel Choir. A musical feast for the ears, the event features a range of classical and contemporary works.
The Advent Activities
Apart from the market and the music, Kitzbühel presents a variety of events for guests during the Advent season. Among the events, the pony riding, the petting zoo, the carol singing, the storytelling, and the nativity scene exhibition are particularly meant for children. These events take place at the Rasmushof Hotel, close to the Hahnenkamm cable car station, on Saturdays and Sundays from 2 p.m. to 6 p.m. At the Advent market, the youngsters can also visit the Christkindl post office, open daily from 2 p.m. until 8 p.m. Here youngsters can create and forward their wish lists to the Christkindl, the Austrian counterpart of Santa Claus, and get a little present in exchange.
Starting from the Hahnenkamm parking area, guests can also participate in the St. Nicholas procession, scheduled for December 5, 2023, at 6 p.m. St. Nicholas, joined by his angels and assistants, the Krampus—scary-looking animals punishing the mischievous young people—particles through the procession. Attracting a lot of viewers, the procession is a display of lights, noises, and costumes. St. Nicholas gives the youngsters sweets and gifts at the Advent market, where the procession finishes.
The Advent in Reith, Aurach, and Jochberg
Tyrol celebrates the Advent season at Kitzbühel among other locations. Worth a visit are the Christmas markets and activities held by the surrounding communities of Reith, Aurach, and Jochberg. About five kilometers from Kitzbühel, Reith organizes its Advent market at the village square on December 1, 8, 15, and 22. Along with live music and a children’s program, the market offers local goods, handcrafts, and cuisine specialties. About 7 miles from Kitzbühel, Aurach organizes its Advent market on December 7 and 8, at the Gasthof Hallerwirt. With traditional cuisine, beverages, and crafts as well as a nativity scene and a fire display, the market presents a rustic and comfortable environment. About ten kilometers from Kitzbühel, Jochberg has its Advent market at the Dorfwiese on December 14 and 15. Apart from musical events and a lantern walk, the market offers a range of regional and organic items.
Kitzbühel Spring Games
Every year between mid-March and mid-April, the Ski Resort Kitzbühel, a well-known destination for winter sports aficionados in the Austrian Alps, hosts the Kitzbühel Spring Games, a sequence of activities. The competitions provide players of all ages an opportunity to compete and have fun on two boards, therefore honoring the pleasure of sport in nature. Along with parties, live music, and gala dinners, the activities comprise several contests on mogul slopes, bag jumps, water slides, and ski-golf combos. Inspired by the great James Bond writer Ian Fleming, who spent three years in Kitzbühel in the late 1920s, the events have a throwback look and a 007 flare.
Starting with the 11th Fireball on March 10 and 11, an event honoring Ian Fleming, visitors will compete for the famous Fireball award for Her Majesty’s best secret agent. There will be a Fireball Gala, a big slalom race, and a Black Jack competition among other events. The annual anniversary motto is “Diamonds Are Forever”.
Participants in the next event, Bumps and Jumps from March 17 to 19, will test their ability on an airbag and a mogul slope. The most amazing leaps into the airbag and the ranking for the greatest performance in the bumps will define the highlight.Additionally available are seminars and ski exams.
On March 25, the Wedelcontest Spring Swing will take place whereby participants will conquer the mogul slope in the most exquisite retro ski sweaters and ensembles from the 1980s. Teams or alone will compete in the contest; the finest costumes and performances will be honored.
The major feature of the Kitzbühel Extreme – 80’s Spring Party on April 1 will be the pool slide contest, when contestants will strive to wow the jury with their original 80’s styles or freestyle talents.DJ sets, beverages, and appetizers will also be part of the event.
On April 15, the Masters of the Swing ski and golf tournament will mark the last event of the Kitzbühel Spring Games; players will have to master two giant slalom runs and 9 holes at the Eichenheim golf course.The occasion will mix the elegance of golfing with the excitement of skiing.
The Kitzbühel Spring Games are a distinctive and creative series of events highlighting the appeal and variety of Kitzbühel as a winter sports venue. Together with the social and cultural features in the valley, they provide a fantastic chance for visitors to savor the ideal spring weather on the mountain.For further details, go to Kitzbühel’s official website or travel page.On the element3 website, you may also learn further about the background and guidelines of the Kitzbühel Spring Games.
Kitzbühel Alpine Rally
Renowned ski resort Kitzbühel in the Austrian state of Tyrol is known for its elegant surroundings, difficult slopes, and glitzy atmosphere. Considered as one of the most elite and demanding ski contests worldwide, the annual Hahnenkamm race takes place there. Kitzbühel also offers sledding, ice skating, snowshoeing, and cross-country skiing among winter sports.
Kitzbühel is a destination for antique vehicle buffs as well as a refuge for winter sports aficionados. Usually in June, Kitzbühel is hosts the annual Kitzbühel Alpine Rally, one of the most exquisite and sophisticated classic car events in Europe. Participants and onlookers from all around the world join the march to value the historic vehicles and enjoy the amazing mountain surroundings.
The Kitzbühel Alpine Rally is a style and elegance gathering. Drivers may run for the Sports Trophy or the Classic Trophy, which provides a leisurely ride to the finish line. Since the event welcomes vehicles built 1972/1975 or earlier, the starting lineup is assured to be unique and varied. Rare models from companies including Bentley, Bugatti, Lamborghini, Porsche, Ferrari, Jaguar, Mercedes-Benz, Aston Martin, and Rolls Royce highlight a range of the most outstanding historic vehicles from the pre-war and post-war eras.
The march covers about 600 kilometers of the most beautiful alpine routes, going through small towns, verdant valleys and magnificent mountains. Drivers are faced with the difficulty of negotiating tight passes, steep turns, and changing weather while nevertheless enjoying amazing views and a pleasant environment. Along the road, the gathering also includes several pauses and festivities including a gala dinner, a concours d’elegance, an awards ceremony, and a welcoming reception.
Apart from a thrilling and enjoyable event for the participants, the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally provides a show for the public. The crowd cheers in the middle of Kitzbühel, where the demonstration starts and ends as the automobiles are on show. The public can see the gathering online via a live stream or along the road. The event attracts celebrities from the domains of auto-moto sports, show business, business, and athletics as well, therefore adding even more excitement and glitz.
Combining a love of vintage automobiles and winter activities with the beauty and appeal of Kitzbühel and the Alps is made perfect by the Kitzbü hel Alpine Rally. It is an occasion that honors the history, culture, and way of life of the area while also bringing people equally driven about adventure, elegance, and enjoyment together. For those that appreciate the art of driving and the art of life, the Kitzbühel Alpine Rally is a fantasy come true.
Kitzbühel Music Festival
Renowned ski resort Kitzbühel in Austria’s Tyrol area is well-known for its world-class winter sports events, picturesque alpine scene, and old-fashioned appeal. The Hahnenkamm-Race, a renowned downhill ski event with thousands of spectators annually and the top skiers in the world, is among the highlights of the Kitzbühel winter season.
Still, Kitzbühel is more than just a place for skiers. Particularly in the summer, it provides a strong cultural and musical programme all year long. The Kitzbühel Music Festival, an outdoor performance series including local and worldwide musicians from several genres, is among the most well-liked events. With the Styrian celebrity Andreas Gabalier as the major attraction, the celebration honors its tenth anniversary in 2024. Combining current pop and rock elements with traditional Austrian music, folk rock musician GabalierKnown for his vivacious and dynamic performances, he boasts a devoted following both inside and outside of the German-speaking nations.
August 16 and 17, 2024, in the tennis stadium in the Gamsstadt—the moniker for Kitzbühel—the Kitzbühel Music Festival Gabalier will showcase his 10th anniversary show on the first day, which looks to be a unique event with guests and surprises. He will keep on his DIRNDL-WAHNSINN trip on the second day, including his best hits and fresh tunes. Tickets are available online at Ö-Ticket, Ticketorganizer and Kitzbühel Tourism; VIP tickets through Kitz Musik.A lot of music enthusiasts are expected to attend the event, who may also take advantage of Kitzbühel’s hospitality and stunning surroundings.
The official website of Kitzbühel Tourism provides further information about the lodging, activities, and events should you be interested in visiting for the Music Festival or any other occasion. For any inquiries or demands, you may also get in touch with them via phone or email. Kitzbühel is a place where one may uniquely enjoy the pleasures of sport, culture, and lifestyle. The Gamsstadt will satisfy your search for amusement, leisure, or adventure as well as relaxation.
