Austria

2) Kitzbühel

Kitzbühel prides itself on the title "The best of the Alps"  it is a big claim, and a little ambitious - especially in mountain bike circles. The mountain biking is still being developed but they are working to improve the facilities to riders with each summer season.

Nearest airport to Kitzbühel: Salzburg, 75km

An emerging mountain bike scene with a wealth of singletrack at a place best known for the scariest downhill ski race on the World Cup circuit. No matter if you prefer easy trails in the valley bottom or challenging routes in high alpine regions, Kitzbühel offers an infinite number of cycling paths and mountain bike trails within the surrounding holiday resorts of Reith, Aurach and Jochberg. 750 km of signposted trails lead across picture-book landscapes and lush green meadows. Those in search of an adrenaline kick should head to the alpine pasturelands and the mighty Kitzbüheler Horn peak.  The region has not taken to downhill and freeride as much as other areas, but the range of lifts available to bikes means that going down is never going to be a problem.  The area is best suited to those with trail bikes who enjoy putting in some miles, which opens up endless possibilities.

One of the highlights is the panoramic Bike Safari, a loop trail in the Hahnenkamm area. Stunning views of the alpine scenery include the Hohe Tauern mountains, the Großglockner peak and the Wilder Kaiser massif.

What does Kitzbühel have to offer?

Cross Country	Beginner, Intermediate & Advanced
Downhill	Intermediate & Advanced
Freeride	Beginner & Intermediate
Cable Car	NO
Gondola	YES
Chairlift	YES
Connected to	-

There are 6 lifts open to riders with miles and miles of unspoilt trail riding. This is a great place to ride XC that has good facilities for young children with a practice parcours designed to help younger children on their bikes and there is coaching available.

DOWNHILL
Kitzbühel has no downhill course and the freeride is very limited.

CROSS-COUNTY
There is 750 km of cycling trails in the area, as well as as many tours using gravel and dirt roads, ranging from open alpine meadows to dense, dark and technical wooded trails. The trails are much more quieter here than some other regions, but offer plenty to trails riders.  You can also rent a GPS unit to take you across even more trails and concentrate on the riding rather than the map, or arrange for a guide for the day from the Tourist Office.

For an easy mountain bike route take the low level Sonnberg Runde, a 10 km loop with much of it on the road.

For something more difficult, try the 32 km Torsee loop; with 1200 m vertical climbing, (expect a ride time of about 4 hours).

FREERIDE
Kitzbuhel mountain bike resort features some small freeride areas with a drop zone, trials section, 4x course, dual slalom and dirt jumps, there is not enough to keep the keen freerider entertained but it does however provide an excellent little extra for the trail riders at the end of the day.

Summer Lifts Open	Lifts are open from 17 May till end Sept
Lift Opening Times	08.30 - 17.00 (always check)
Lift Prices	From 26€ per day / 120 euros season pass

For more information check the Kitzbühel website: www.kitzbuehel.com

or contact the Vallnord tourist office: This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it  This e-mail address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it or telephone: 0043 (0) 5356-777

ACCOMMODATION IN KITZBUHEL...