Kuhta, nestled in the Austrian Alps, holds the title of the highest ski village in Austria and is also one of the highest ski resorts in Europe. Even though not many people outside Austria know about it, it is one of the most popular among the locals. Before our recent ski trip to Innsbruck, we knew little about the Kuhtai ski resort. Yet, every local we met insisted we had to try Kuhta, and we're glad we did.
Kuhtai is one of the best and most beautiful ski resorts in Innsbruck, situated just 35km from the airport. This means you can hop on a flight from London and, in roughly 3 hours, find yourself skiing in the Austrian Alps.
If you're planning a ski holiday in Austria and are interested in experiencing Kuhtai, you're in for a treat. In this article, I share everything you need to know about skiing in Kuhtai. For a more visual exploration and to enhance your understanding, feel free to watch our detailed Kuhtai video.
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Kuhtai Ski Resort
Kuhtai ski resort is situated over 2000 metres above sea level, which means that snow here is guaranteed from early December to late April.
Interestingly, Kuhtai is a relatively small and lesser-known ski resort making it one of Austria's best-kept secrets. Yet, it's a favourite among locals, so expect it to be busier on weekends. But if you're here from Monday to Friday, you'll find the slopes much quieter allowing for a more relaxed and enjoyable skiing experience.
Piste type Number of runs
Easy 13
Intermediate 13
Difficult 7
Kuhtai offers a variety of ski slopes suitable for all levels from beginners to advanced skiers, but it is an absolute paradise for intermediate skiers and snowboarders. The ski area covers over 46 kilometres of marked runs and 500 meters of vertical descent, most of which are red. There are 9.3 km of blue runs, 26.8 km of red terrains and more than 10.8 km of black runs.
If night skiing excites you, Kuhtai is the perfect destination. The resort welcomes skiers for night skiing sessions on Wednesdays and Saturdays.
Ski Pass for Kuhtai and Hochoetz
One of the highlights of skiing in Kuhtai is the affordability and flexibility of the ski pass options available. The standard ski pass for Kuhtai is priced at €52, which gives you access not just to Kuhtai but also to the neighbouring Hochoetz ski area. Combined, these two areas offer 88 kilometres of ski runs, catering to a wide range of skill levels.
Piste type Length of runs (in Kuhtai and Hochoetz)
Easy 21 km
Intermediate 48,5 km
Difficult 12 km
For those who wish to combine their ski holiday with cultural experiences, the multi-day Ski Plus City Pass could be a great option. This pass not only allows you to access multiple ski resorts around Innsbruck, including Kuhtai and Hochoetz, but also grants admission to several museums and attractions in Innsbruck city.
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Where to stay to ski in Kuhtai
Kuhtai, with its charming alpine ambience and prime location close to Innsbruck, is an excellent choice for skiers looking for ski-to-door accommodation. The village offers a range of hotels. Below are some top picks for accommodations in Kuhtai that offer direct access to the slopes:
AlpinLodges Kühtai
This 4-star property sits right at the ski slope's base, offering guests immediate access to the skiing area. The AlpinLodges Kühtai features apartments with traditional Tyrolean wooden furniture, creating a cosy and inviting atmosphere. Each apartment boasts a spacious, sheltered balcony that's perfect for relaxing after a day of skiing.
Hotel Jagdschloss Resort
Experience a piece of history at the Hotel Jagdschloss Resort, a 17th-century hunting lodge located at the Kühtai Saddle mountain pass entrance. This unique accommodation combines historical charm with modern amenities, including a restaurant with a panoramic terrace and direct slope access. Its spa and wellness centre provides a serene escape for rejuvenation.
VAYA Kühtai
This 4-star hotel offers luxury and convenience with its slope-side location. The VAYA Kühtai offers extensive spa facilities, including a large indoor pool with stunning views of the Stubai Alps. Its contemporary design and attention to detail ensure a memorable stay for guests seeking comfort and elegance.
Sporthotel Kühtai
Right next to the Kuhtai ski resort, Sporthotel Kühtai is another excellent 4-star option that promises an unforgettable ski holiday. The hotel features rooms and an indoor pool, both offering panoramic mountain views. Guests can enjoy a range of spa services, such as a sauna, herbal steam bath, solarium, and infrared cabin, designed to soothe and relax after a day in the snow.
How to get to Kuhtai
Reaching Kühtai is straightforward, thanks to its accessible location and Austria's well-organised transport network. Whether you're flying in from an international destination or travelling from within Austria, there are several convenient options to bring you to this ski resort.
For international visitors, the nearest major airport is Innsbruck Airport (INN), situated just about 35 kilometres away from Kühtai. Upon arrival, you have a few options to complete your journey:
Airport Shuttles: Several shuttle services operate directly from Innsbruck Airport to Kühtai, offering a hassle-free transfer to your final destination. It's advisable to book your shuttle in advance.
Car Hire: Hiring a car from the airport gives you the flexibility to travel at your own pace and explore the surrounding areas. The drive to Kühtai is scenic and well-signposted, taking approximately 40 minutes. To secure the best deal on car hire, it's advisable to compare options on platforms such as Rentalcars and DiscoverCars. These websites aggregate deals from various car rental agencies, allowing you to choose the most suitable option for your needs and budget.
Public Transport: Kühtai is also reachable by public transport. Buses run regularly from Innsbruck to Kühtai, providing an economical and environmentally friendly way to travel. Ensure you check the current schedules and routes before your trip.
Tips for your journey to Kuhtai:
Based on my personal experience, if you're staying in Innsbruck, taking a local bus to Kühtai is a convenient option, with services running every hour. Many hotels in Innsbruck provide a Welcome Card, which makes bus travel, including ski buses, free of charge. This can significantly ease the cost of transportation to and from the ski resort.
However, a word of advice: the 9 am bus tends to be the busiest, as most people aim to start their ski day around the same time. To avoid the rush and ensure you get in, consider heading to the main bus station in front of the train station early. The journey to Kühtai involves more than 40 stops and takes over an hour. I witnessed firsthand that some passengers couldn’t board the bus due to it being full and had to wait for the next one. To circumvent this, the following day we opted for the earlier bus at 8 am, which was considerably less crowded. This decision paid off, as we arrived at the ski resort just as they were opening, allowing us to maximise our time on the slopes.