Kühtai Ski Resort

In Kühtai, the slopes end at the altitude where most ski resorts top out – welcome to Austria’s highest ski area. 46 kilometres of runs are waiting to be explored in the zone 2,000 m above sea level. Kühtai is not only popular with families but has also made a name for itself as a hotspot for freeride fans. By virtue of its altitude, the ski area is blessed with ideal conditions right through into the spring.

Beginners can practice their first turns next to the Babylift, magic carpet lift and Sonnenlift, while the Follow Me ski school also functions as a ski kindergarten for very young visitors. Here, there is child minding from the age of two and the youngsters can experience all sorts of fun in the snow.

There is certainly plenty of choice for advanced skiers in Kühtai, as the majority of runs here are rated red. There are numerous enjoyable groomers down from the Alpenrosenlift, Dreiseenbahn and Hochalterbahn lifts, as well as black-marked runs from the Wiesberglift and Gaiskogellift for experts. The black-marked trail no. 14 down from the Hohe Mut Bahn lift is really tough and not for the fainthearted. If you love taking to powder, Kühtai offers up numerous options for finding untouched freshies away from the runs. The ski area is particularly popular with fans of ski touring, and the tours to Pirchkogel (2,828 m) and Sulzkogel (3,016 m) are highly recommended.

Freestyle fans will find everything they need to throw down some tricks in the K-Park. There are various features here, well-suited to a range of skill levels from beginners to experts. In addition to the rail and jib line as well as various jumps, there is also a huge super pipe.

By the way, it is worth noting that the ski pass also allows access to the neighbouring Hochoetz ski area. A free ski bus departs towards Ochsengarten every half-hour. As a result, the ski pass provides access to 85 kilometres of runs.

Four lodges in the heart of the ski area provide a good selection of food and drink. Graf Ferdinand Haus has breath-taking views over the surrounding mountains, and the Gasthaus zum Kaiser Maximilian also offers an exhilarating panorama. The 3Seen Hütte and Dorfstadl are authentic and cosy options for taking a break.

The black-marked run no. 14 is a must for all advanced skiers.

Bombing down a sled run is fun for both young and old alike, so don’t miss the 2.5-kilometre course down into the valley from the Graf Ferdinand Haus. The climb up to the start takes around one hour on foot, or you could opt for the Rodelexpress if you want something a little quicker.

Snowshoes are perhaps the best way to uncover some incredibly remote locations in the backcountry. The wide soles of the snowshoes ensure that you do not sink into the deep snow, allowing you to walk more effortlessly and quickly through the landscape.

Alternatively, you could go for a conventional winter hike on the beautifully-prepared winter walking paths. The Franz Josef Weg is particularly worth a visit, leading through an idyllic stone pine forest. And if you’re in the mood for something slightly unusual, husky and igloo workshops are also on offer here.

The Dorfstadl is already open from lunchtime onwards. You can then continue the après-ski fun in town at Loisl’s Schirmbar, the Eisbar at Hotel Edelweiss, in Kaos at Hotel Tyrol or in the Heineken Iglu-Bar.

You can even eat like a king at the Jagdschloss Kühtai or in the Kühtaier Schlössl – expect Tyrolean specialities and top-notch international cuisine. Hotel Silzerhof is also well known for its excellent food.

By car:

If you are travelling from Munich, head towards and then past Innsbruck. Carry on towards Arlberg before turning off the motorway at the Zirl-Kermaten exit. From here, it’s around another 30 minutes to Kühtai. The ski area is well signposted. From Ulm, drive towards Füssen/Reutte and then take the Fernpass towards Imst before joining the Inntalautobahn until the Ötztal exit. You can then reach Kühtai via Oetz.

Public transportation:

By train, you can either head for the station in Innsbruck or Otztal. From there, you can take a scheduled bus or taxi to the ski area. The nearest airport is in Innsbruck, around 60 kilometres away. From here, you can take a bus, taxi or shuttle service provided by local hotels to the ski area.