It’s that time of the year again – the second annual ski trip with my Peaches crew. Last year we went to Garmisch Partenkirchen and this year we’ve decided to step it up and visit Kitzbuhel, Austria. Known as one of the top ski destinations in Europe, we chose Kitzbuhel because it offered a variety of slopes and breathtaking views that were sure to make this trip unforgettable.
Kitzbuhel is located in the Tyrol region of Austria and is well-known for its charming medieval architecture, lively après-ski scene, and of course, its ski slopes. The town is nestled in the heart of the Alps, surrounded by the snow-capped peaks of the Kitzbuheler Horn and the Wilder Kaiser mountains. This makes Kitzbuhel an ideal destination for skiers and snowboarders of all levels, from beginners to experts.
One of the highlights of Kitzbuhel is the famous Hahnenkamm downhill race, which luckily was taking place the weekend we were in town! The race is one of the most challenging ski races in the world and attracts skiers from all over. If you’re feeling adventurous, you can even ski down the same course as the racers!
I decided to make my way to Kitzbuhel by taking a train. It ended up being a convenient and comfortable way to travel, offering stunning views of the snow covered German and Austrian landscapes along the way. Traveling by train is a great option for those who want to avoid the stress and expense of flying, and it offers a relaxed and scenic way to get to your destination. The trains were well-equipped with comfortable seating, ample legroom, and plenty of space for luggage. My trains also offered onboard dining options, making it easy to grab a meal during the journey.
Arriving in Kitzbuhel by train was an exciting experience, as it allows you to step off the train and into the heart of this picturesque ski town. From the train station, it’s easy to get to your hotel or rental property, either by taxi, bus, or on foot. Others on the trip travelled by train from Dusseldorf, Frankfurt and Cologne. Some even flew in from the US! It was a long travel day for some, but the train delays made the reunion even more special.
One of the favorite parts of group trips is definitely eating dinner together. It’s a time when everyone can come together, share stories, and reflect on the experiences of the day. The laughter, conversation, and camaraderie that come with dining together create a warm and welcoming atmosphere that makes everyone feel right at home. We kicked off night one with a taco night that surpassed all of our expectations and set the bar for the rest of our group meals.
During group meals I also love to go arond and play Rose Bud Thorn. It’s a great way to end the meal on a positive note or kick off conversations in a large group. This activity involves each person sharing their “rose” or the best part of their day, their “bud” or something they’re looking forward to, and their “thorn” or a challenge they faced. It’s a way to acknowledge both the positive and negative aspects of the day, and to provide support and encouragement to each other.
One of the best things about skiing in Kitzbuhel is the variety of slopes available. From scenic slopes through the forests to thrilling black runs, there is something for everyone. You can also take a break from skiing or snowboarding and try cross-country skiing or take a scenic sleigh ride through the mountains. On day one of our trip up the lift we decided to traverse the entire mountain range and ski as many slopes as we could hit from West to East. It was a thrilling and exhausting day that lead us off the mountain at 5pm with an hour bus ride back to our starting point.
After a long day on the slopes, we split our time relaxing at the apartment sauna and enjoy the lively après-ski scene in Kitzbuhel. With a variety of bars, restaurants, and nightclubs, there was something for everyone. Whether you’re looking for a cozy spot to enjoy a hot chocolate or a wild night out, Kitzbuhel has it all.
One of my favorite things that we did post skiing was sitting in our sauna until we couldn’t think and then running from our in house sauna outside to jump in the snow. On one day of the trip we must have made the sauna to snow trek atleat 7 times. Laying in the snow after a sauna was a great way to soothe sore muscles and relieve tension post ski days. The combination of heat and cold helps to increase blood flow, reduce inflammation, and improve circulation, making it probably the best post-ski activity we could have chosen.
Kitzbuhel is a winter wonderland that offers breathtaking views, exciting ski slopes, and a lively après-ski scene. Whether you’re a seasoned skier or a beginner, this beautiful town is sure to leave you with unforgettable memories of your second annual ski trip with friends. So grab your skis, pack your bags, and let’s hit the slopes in Kitzbuhel!