Kitzbühel Alps

The Kitzbühel Alps form a mountain range in the Central Eastern Alps, surrounding the town of Kitzbühel in Tyrol. They stretch about 80 kilometres east to west and 25 to 35 kilometres north to south. Two-thirds lie in Tyrol and one-third in Salzburg province. The range borders the Ziller valley and Tux Alps in the west and the Saalach river and Zell am See in the east. To the south, the Zillertal Alps and High Tauern separate it from the Salzach River, while the Inn River and Northern Limestone Alps lie to the north. The Kitzbühel Alps are recognised for their gentle slopes and rounded peaks, making them ideal for walking and skiing. The highest summit is the Kreuzjoch at 2,558 metres, with other notable peaks including the Western Salzachgeier, Kröndlhorn, and Kitzbühler Horn. The range is divided by the Kitzbüheler Ache into the Glemmtal Alps in the east and the Kelchsau Alps in the west. Popular destinations on the edge of the Inn valley include the Pölven and Gratlspitz. Visitors find well-managed Alpine pastures, inns, and numerous mountain huts belonging to Alpine clubs. The area is known for its ski resorts, including the famous Kitzbühel, which hosts the Hahnenkamm race. The Pinzgau Ridgeway and Saalach Valley Ridgeway run through the range, offering scenic walking routes. The landscape features smooth mountain tops, green slopes, and alpine meadows, with occasional limestone and dolomite rock formations. The contrast between the slate and limestone rocks is particularly striking near Schwaz and Brixental.