Kirchdorf - Overview
Kirchdorf in Tyrol, Austria, is a picturesque Tyrolean village with a stunning backdrop of the Kitzbüheler Alps. With a tranquil river flowing through its centre, it's an excellent place for beginners to learn to ski or snowboard, offering a charming and serene setting. Unlike other resorts, 100% of the ski piste area is covered by snow-making machines, guaranteeing you a great day skiing, no matter the weather. Even the neighbouring town of St. Johann has 80% of the pistes with snow cannons.
This picture-perfect Austrian village is nestled between some of the best ski resorts in Austria.
Kirchdorf has a cosy ski scene, with just a few kilometres of trails, but a wide variety of resorts also surrounds it. Located just a few kilometres from the well-known St. Johann in Tyrol and a mere 10 km (6 miles) from the world-famous Kitzbühel, it’s perfectly positioned for adventure. Alternatively, by buying a 3 Länder Freizeit Arena ski pass, you can visit the Waidring slopes on Kirchdorf's other side. For those who are looking to explore more of the Kitzbühel Alps, you can purchase a Superskicard, which allows you to explore over 2,750 km (1708 miles) of pistes across Tyrol, Salzburg, Styria, Upper Austria, Carinthia, and Bavaria.
Kirchdorf has carved out a cosy niche by embracing its stunning natural beauty and rustic looks with a quality not-quantity mentality. Imagine a charming village with classic wood and stone chalets in an endless valley in the Wilder Kaiser mountains. Its small, budget-friendly ski area is perfect for beginners, while its prime location means seasoned skiers can easily hit the more extensive slopes nearby or try out a new winter sport such as snowboarding or snooc skiing. Families will love Kirchdorf's children's programs, especially Murmi’s Kinderland, a 1,200 sqm indoor playground that's a hit with the little ones.
Kirchdorf – Ski Resort Highlights
Ski Resort Highlights
Kirchdorf - Ski Map & Pistes
Kirchdorf's ski area is perfect for beginners. Four lifts, including a quad chair, T bar and a magic carpet conveyor lift, serve 5km of nursery slopes. The low altitude range (640m to 720m) makes it ideal for those getting an initial taste of skiing, and snow cannons along all the pistes ensure a great powder experience.
For intermediates and advanced skiers, hop on a bus to St. Johann or Waidring for more challenging trails. St. Johann, just 10 km from Kirchdorf, boasts 23 pistes of wide-open blue and red trails, a terrain park, and cosy on-mountain lodges over 43 km of slopes. Expert skiers can tackle the thrilling 3.5 km black trail with stunning views. The highest point here is Harschbichl at 1,600m, accessible by three different lifts and home to the exciting Fun Slope with kickers, banked runs, and turns. Enjoy long reds and blues back to the village, including the Lacknerabfahrt run from Jodlalm, plus powder fields and off-piste opportunities. The black Penzing run down to Oberndorf is long, steep, and bumpy.
Intermediates will enjoy St. Johann's varied terrain and the nearby resorts on multi-area passes. Waidring, in the opposite direction, offers a small, accessible ski area, while the higher Steinplatte area features 14 lifts serving 45 km of pistes up to 1,860m. Most slopes are accessible, with some challenging red and black runs for advanced skiers.
Lifts and Queues
Kirchdorf has a selection of lifts, such as a quad chair, two magic carpet conveyor lifts, and one drag lift, making it accessible to all levels. Having a selection will allow beginners to experience all forms of getting around the piste.
As Kirchdorf is one of the smaller resorts in the Kitzbüheler Alps, the queueing time is often relatively short, ensuring more time on the slopes. The majority of visitors are children and adults in ski school.
Its neighbouring villages have even more lifts for adventure seekers. St. Johann has a total of 9 lifts, and Waidring has 14. Queues tend to be a bit longer in these two towns as they attract more tourists. However, they are still incomparable to some of the larger ski resorts in the French Alps.
Special features
As a family-friendly resort, you will find many attractions, such as Murmi’s Kinderland. The 1,200 sqm indoor playground is perfect for the little ones to continue entertainment off the slopes.
Other activities, such as ski touring, cross-country skiing, and night skiing, are available for the more adventurous types or parents looking to have a day to themselves. Kirchdorf also offers snooc skiing; an alternative to skiing for more advanced levels. You can even try telemarking, the old way of skiing, which will give you a new challenge on the slopes.
Skimap of the 3 Freizeit Arena Kirchdorf, Tyrol in Austria. Click on the link below to see the interactive map.
Kirchdorf - Off-Piste, Backcountry & Ski Touring
Kirchdorf is an excellent place for adventurers looking to try something other than skiing. There is a great variety of alternative activities, and cross-country skiers will find over 170 km (105 miles) of trails in the Kirchdorf region, covering St. Johann, Oberndorf, and Erpfendorf.
For beginners looking to try ski touring, Kirchdorf is the best place to start, as the level is beginner, with not too much incline. But adrenaline seekers should head to St. Johann for the more advanced epic trails.
Off-piste skiing
There is very little off-piste skiing in Kirchdorf. However, you will find the opportunity to go off-piste in St. Johann. It is always recommended to have appropriate equipment and even consider taking a guide for off-piste activity. You should also be aware that in some regions of Austria, off-piste skiing is forbidden in an attempt to protect and preserve forestry. So, make sure you are following the resort rules.
Backcountry skiing
The St. Johann region is renowned for backcountry and cross-country skiing, attracting hundreds of visitors annually to this sport. Over 170km of trails are available across the four resorts, including 1km in Kirchdorf. Use of the trails is free of charge, and the trails are well-maintained. The region has been awarded the Tyrolean cross-country ski trail quality seal. There are various difficulties, from short trails along the valley floor to more challenging inclines in the Hinterkaiser and Bichlach areas.
Cross country skiing
Kirchdorf is the perfect location for families to try cross-country skiing. Four trails start in the village, starting with the Kramerhof Trail at 1.2 km (0.7 miles) long and ending with the Kirchdorf Sonnen Trail at 9.5 km (5.9 miles). They are all suited to classic and skating forms of cross-country skiing, so why not take a day off the slopes to explore the beautiful valley?
Guided tours
Kirchdorf has a unique range of guided tours, from the usual cross-country and ski-touring routes to a Ski Safari! Starting in St. Johann, you can embark on a 3-6 day Ski Safari to conquer the Big 5 of the Kitzbüheler Alps. This is a fantastic opportunity to be guided through the region and experience several pristine ski resorts.
If you prefer to stay in Kirchdorf or the surrounding towns, you can enjoy snowshoeing tours, cross-country excursions and more.
Kirchdorf – Safety measures
At Kirchdorf, you are in safe hands. The regularly maintained slopes ensure everyone has fun and stays safe. As a family-friendly and beginner-friendly resort, you can rest assured that your children will have plenty of space to practise in a welcoming environment. The resort boasts some of the most highly trained ski patrols with mountain rescue training, so no matter what happens on the slopes, there will always be help.
Environmental Measures Implemented by Kirchdorf Resort
Austria is trying to make its ski resorts as sustainable as possible, and there is a significant focus on how they can improve. So far, Kirchdorf has several sustainable practices to protect the local environment, such as recycling programs across the village. Kirchdorf is also invested in energy-efficient snowmaking, essential for this resort as all the trails have snow machines.
Kirchdorf - Family Skiing
Kirchdorf is rated as one of the best resorts in Austria for families with beginners due to its range of easy slopes. It is centred around children, making an enjoyable and smooth experience for parents who want to give their little ones a memorable time.
The ski resort offers a variety of lessons for children and families, from beginner to more advanced, for groups and one-to-one. This means you can tailor the experience to suit your family's needs, creating an unforgettable holiday. Yappy’s Winterland, located on the slopes, is a fantastic place for kids to let off steam and get used to being on skis. Take them to this kid-friendly zone to get in their first turns.
One of Kirchdorf's most appealing aspects for families is Murmi’s Kinderland, offering endless play for children aged 2 to 10. The inside area consists of trampolines and play areas that encourage climbing, running, sliding, and more. This is a great place to take children who want a break from the slopes.
Skislope with Skiers in Fieberbrunn in Tyrol, Austria. Photograph by Marijn Van Der Marel, Unsplash.
Kirchdorf - Restaurants, Bars & The Town
Restaurants
Most restaurants in Kirchdorf are in hotels, offering a great selection of traditional Tyrolean dishes. If you are looking for a high-end dining experience, you must book at Jagdschlössl Hotel. The hotel restaurant, awarded 84 out of 100 by the Falstaff Restaurant Guide 2024, will give you a taste of the region and a meal you will never forget.
For a casual meal, check out Scotty’s Genuss ImBiss just across the river in Jageregg for burgers and comfort foods or Muzy’s Kebap Ecke for a passing snack.
St. Johann also offers a variety of places to eat, so you can hop on a bus and take a 6-minute ride to explore the neighbouring village. There is more of a selection here and an opportunity to broaden your experience of traditional dishes.
Trying some of the local cuisine is essential when in the Austrian Alps. Tyrol is renowned for its farm-to-table approach, using local produce from the valley. You will find a fantastic selection to feast on, from homemade honey to cheese, local meats, and more. Here are some of the best places in St. Johann to add to your itinerary.
- Hotel Gasteiger Jagdschlöss
- Scotty’s Genuss ImBiss
- Landgasthof Mauth
- Fink’s Restaurant
- K-essen Tiroler Diner
- Max Pub Restaurant
Après Ski
Whilst you can find a handful of bars in Kirchdorf, it is a bit limited regarding après-ski. As a family-friendly resort made up of a collection of quaint rustic hamlets, you will find smaller, more low-key places to drink. Some of the smaller bars become lively, creating a more intimate après ski experience.
The best places to visit for an apres-ski vibe are Dorfstadl Bar and Landgasthof Mauth, as these have significant outdoor seating areas and a wide variety of drinks.
You can also visit St. Johann for a more exhilarating night on the town. Cubo Skylounge, Post Bar, Max Pub, and Rogis Café Bar are the best places here. A fantastic apres-ski bar on the slopes of St. Johann is called Webern Ski & Board Bar. This is where you will experience an energetic après ski.
Kirchdorf - Accommodation Options
Kirchdorf offers many accommodations, such as quaint mountain chalets, hotels, and B&Bs. One of the best places to stay in the area is Gut Krammerhof, a beautiful hotel located just 3km from Kirchdorf.
It is better to stay in ski resort accommodations, as they offer convenience and family-friendly options, giving you a ski-in, ski-out experience. However, if you want to stay close to Kirchdorf but in a livelier area, you should consider staying in St. Johann at Hotel Fischer. This will allow you to be centrally located but only a 6-minute bus ride from Kirchdorf.
If you are looking for sustainable accommodation options, then make sure to head over to Exploreo.
Activities in Kirchdorf
Considering its size, Kirchdorf offers various tours and excursions, from cross-country skiing to tobogganing and snooc skiing. Kirchdorf is a fantastic place to start for non-skiers or those looking to learn something new, as the snow machines guarantee fresh powder every day.
If you want to book your sustainable adventure, book your tours with Exploreo.
Other Activities
Kirchdorf has a variety of activities beyond the slope. As mentioned before, for children, there is Murmi’s Kinderland, a fantastic indoor play zone with everything from slides to trampolines. There are also various childcare options in the resort, so you can enjoy some time while the kids have a great time making new friends.
Many hotels have spa areas and swimming pools, making it the perfect setting to unwind from being out in the snow. Why not enjoy a relaxing massage or visit the Wellness Center Kaiserquell for a meditative experience? After a long day in the snow, nothing is better than enjoying a sauna to warm the body and soul. Panorama Badewet's indoor pool and sauna are the best-suited swimming pools for families and children, with a small children's pool and slide.
If you prefer to find an activity for the family, you are in luck, as Kirchdorf and the surrounding resorts have some great entertainment. Kirchdorf hosts a night ski event from the T-bar lift once a week during peak season, which gives an excellent opportunity to ski under the stars on a well-lit ski trail. Other slope activities include tobogganing, a traditional local activity everyone can enjoy.
For the foodies, make sure to visit the Wilder Käser cheese dairy. You can even take a guided tour with cheese tastings.
Make sure to pick up the St. Johann Card from your accommodation. This will give you free access to the buses that connect the resorts in the area and discounts at local restaurants and bars.
Ski Rental Services in Kirchdorf
Kirchdorf has a handful of ski rental shops, but don’t be put off by the limited choice. The ski rental stores have some of the best equipment, offering unique items such as snooc skis and telemarking skis, which are rare in larger resorts. It is more common to rent directly from the ski schools in the area, so consider booking in advance, as booking on the day in peak season can be difficult.
Kirchdorf - Ski Schools
Kirchdorf has two ski schools: one is better suited for children and families, and the other for beginners, adults, and teens. Kirchdorf Ski School offers a variety of tours and lessons for all the family. Whether you want one-on-one sessions or group lessons, you will find what you need through them.
Alternatively, if you are a beginner adult and prefer a more mature experience, RocknRoll Alpine School offers a more adult experience. They also will book lessons for children and teens too.
Both schools have highly skilled instructors with relevant qualifications to make your experience unforgettable.
Kirchdorf - Ski Tickets
Buying tickets for Kirchdorf can be a little confusing as it is part of a collection of resorts. This means you can get ski passes for the region, covering three resorts, or buy tickets separately in Kirchdorf. The best place to buy tickets is from the Kirchdorf ski lift, near the rental shops, or directly from your hotel.
Due to its size, Kirchdorf offers a variety of passes for its lifts and magic carpets. An average day pass starts at around 23 euros at Kirchdorf or 58 euros for St. Johann. If you are taking lessons, it is best to speak with the ski school, as lift tickets are often included with lessons. For ticket prices, visit the Tyrol ski resort website here.
If you plan on visiting neighbouring resorts, purchasing a ski pass for a larger area, such as the 3 Länder Freizeit Arena ski pass or Super-ski Pass, can be more beneficial.
Kirchdorf – In Closing
Kirchdorf Resort is an authentic Austrian ski resort offering some of the best conditions for beginners and families. Although this may not sound appealing to advanced skiers, it is still a fantastic location to stay. You are in the heart of Tyrol, surrounded by several ski resorts just a stone's throw away.
On a scale of 1-10, Kirchdorf's overall rating would be 6. Due to its central location in the Kitzbüheler Alps, it is easy to access a wide variety of surrounding resorts. The resort is fantastic for families and beginners, whether you are new to skiing or want to try a new winter sport such as Snooc skiing. Or, for a more advanced adventure, you can hop on a bus to the next resort, where you will find more challenging trails. However, this could feel somewhat limiting to those looking for a more vibrant town and lively après ski experience.
So why not book your next sustainable ski holiday with Exploreo!
Please know that the latest details on restaurants, bars, ski hire, ski schools, and guided tours may change. We recommend checking their official websites or contacting them directly for the most current and up-to-date information.
Have an unforgettable time in Kirchdorf!