The resort of Kuhtai in Austria dates back to the 15th century. This is when some serious hunting was undertaken by the likes of Emperor Maximillian. It is the highest winter sports village in Austria and is known as 2020 because of its altitude. It has 40km of Alpine ski runs although it does not link directly with any other resort.

Hotels in this resort

• Alpenrose
• Astoria
• Chalet Hotel Elisabeth
• Hotel Alpenrose
• Hotel Mooshaus
• Hotel Mooshaus - Esprit
• Sporthotel Kühtai
• Sporthtl Kuhtai

Kuhtai Guide

There are 12 lifts and there are plans to build a new gondola to take skiers to Pirchkogl at 2828m, this will then offer a black piste leading to a highly challenging red piste which then leads straight back to the resort. The snow is guaranteed way into May. For those who love exclusive skiing this resort ticks all the boxes.

In the resort of Kuhtai there is one main street. On either side of the street you will find hotels, bars, restaurants and shops. For uphill transport you do not need to walk great distances as on both sides of the road there are four seat chairs and drags are a plenty.

Kuhtai is ideally suited to independent travellers rather than those on a package holiday as it is not found in many British tour operator’s brochures. If you can arrive by car the choices are by Innsbruck or the Arlberg Pass. There is an airport within two hours drive, so for ski weekends and snowboard breaks it is ideal. Innsbruck Airport is just an hours drive away, so you could be on the piste in no time.

There are a total of 37km skiable terrains. For the advanced skier there are three black runs to enjoy and because of the height of the resort, there are excellent off-piste opportunities. For intermediate skiers the resort has many red runs and as it is set at over 2000m, there is usually excellent powder conditions at village level.

The ski terrain in Kuhtai is ideal for beginners and learning to ski could not be easier. Kuhtai centre is where the Ski School meets, right next to the beginners lift and within walking distance of all the hotels. With four chairlifts and seven tow-lifts there are no waiting times as they have an uphill capacity of 16000 people per hour. You can enjoy some night skiing too. The floodlit runs have several thousand vollts powering them up on a Wednesday and Saturday evening for two and a half hours.

Snowboarders will be in heaven here. Kuhtai has more than 40km of really challenging slopes, very fast boarding courses, seven T-bar ski lifts, a double chairlift and two wind protected quad chairlifts. Boarders will also have fun in the park located here.

Families will love this resort. The ski carousel is where kids are introduced to winter sports in a safe but fun way and the baby-lift is where you will find courageous little skiers who are learning how to tackle tow lifts. Parents can spend a day on the slopes whilst the kids venture snow sliding. For families with more experienced kids, the intermediate terrain will not be a problem. One thing families should try whilst here is the floodlit toboggan trail next to slope 11, great fun for everyone.

Accommodation

Accommodation in Kuhtai varies, but all hotels are of a high standard and are within walking distance of the lifts. Three and four star hotels can be found here plus a few guesthouses where you can rent apartments. You may struggle if you are looking for small, budget type accommodation in Kuhtai. However, if you want something more luxurious, you won’t be short of choice.

The four star Alpen-Residenz Mooshaus hotel has a large lobby with bar, a conservatory/lounge with panoramic mountain views, a non-smoking restaurant and an indoor pool for families and children. Within the spa area, you have access to a sauna, steam room and a jacuzzi and indoor pool is for adults only. There is also wi-fi internet access at the hotel and a lift. The Hotel Elizabeth Kuhtai is a smaller three star hotel which offers bed and breakfast accommodation.

You can enjoy lively apres ski at traditional cafes such as the ‘Yellow Umbrella’ or ‘Yeti Bar’, or at weekends you might like to join in with the larger crowds that have travelled in from Innsbruck to party. A good restaurant to try is the ‘Graf Ferdinand Hut’ which is open seven nights a week.

There is an illuminated toboggan run close by which is a great way to finish your day. Another really popular choice is the trip up to the ‘Kaiser Maximilian Hut’. This is taken by chairlift. Enjoy a warming Jagatee and take in the fantastic village views here.