A picturesque Austrian town and world-class ski resort, Kitzbühel is all candy-coloured medieval buildings, stylish boutiques and alpine glamour. Just a couple of hours’ drive from Munich, Kitzbühel is the perfect winter destination for an excursion.
Home to the legendary Hahnenkamm downhill race and with 179km of immaculately groomed pistes, it’s no surprise that Kitzbühel is consistently awarded the accolade of ‘best ski resort in the world.’ Visit in January to witness the exhilarating Hahnenkamm spectacle; a perilously steep course (named the Streif) with daredevil drops, twists and turns. The town comes alive with dazzling events and parties over the course of the week-long race climaxing on 21st January 2018.
Whether you’re piste perfect or an enthusiastic amateur, why not take to the slopes yourself? Kitzbühel has 200 days of skiing per year, stunning terrain for all skill levels and there are ski schools and ski hire aplenty. So far in 2018 skiing conditions are good with a snow depth averaging 94cm.
Aside from gliding down slopes back-dropped by Tyrolean mountains, you can discover Kitzbühel’s show-stopping surroundings on foot along scenic hiking trails when the snow has melted.
As well as exhilarating winter sports, Kitzbühel also offers charm in abundance. Explore its gothic churches and pretty cafes, and shop for labels like Gucci and Dolce & Gabbana at the chic Helmut Eder store. For some après-ski dining, you’ll find every kind of cuisine at Kitzbühel, from rustic local cheese and wurst in cosy timber lodges to fine dining affairs like Gasthof Auwirt and Neuwirt.
The Charles Hotel in Munich makes a fantastic base from which to visit Kitzbühel and discover Munich’s highlights. Why not combine a stay with an unforgettable trip to the alpine town. Our concierge can arrange every aspect of your excursion. Enquire now info.charles@roccofortehotels.com or call +49 89 544 5550.
Ski Lift Kitzbuhel Austria © iStock/eyerkaufer
Vivacious, glamorous, powerful. Few figures encapsulate the effortless grandeur of the Belle Époque quite like Donna Franca, our Sicilian muse. Famed for her petite frame, thick dark hair and an exquisite fashion sense that has endured for over a century, Franca was the epitome of an era that placed beauty and high fashion at its forefront.
The festive season brings its own kind of sparkle - a flurry of celebrations, feasts, and time with those who matter most. To make gifting simple, we’ve curated a selection of bespoke experiences to delight everyone on your list. From candlelit dinners and Italian wine tastings to tranquil spa escapes and moments devoted to yourself, each experience thoughtfully crafted to offer moments of joy.
Preparations were in full swing at the North Pole - ribbons tied, sleigh bells polished, and lists checked twice - yet Father Christmas kindly agreed to pause his busy schedule for an interview. We met him at SCOTCH at The Balmoral, just as the famous clocktower struck 12:03 - it stands watch over Waverley Station, running three minutes fast, so no one ever misses a train. Settled into a deep armchair with a favourite dram in hand, he shared his most treasured places to pause, indulge and unwind across Europe every festive season.
