Cold temperatures and falling snow don’t mean that your dog can’t travel with you! Forget leaving your furry buddy at home – your dog’s next winter vacation is in Kitzbühel, Austria’s most fashionable winter resort.
WHERE TO STAY
1. Relais Chateaux Hotel Tennerhof
The Tennerhof has near everything: charming architecture, cozy decoration, extremely nice staff, delicious food, a spa, an indoor pool, and a very spacious room. We were treated like part of the family! Every night, I was treated to a wonderful 5-course gastronomic dinner at the hotel restaurant where Max & Louise were welcomed as well.
WHERE TO EAT ON THE MOUNTAIN
Despite its status as a ritzy snow resort, Kitzbühel offers a variety of dining options to suit every budget. All options “on the mountain” are very close to the main cable line, so you can go easily down Kitzbühel to bring your dog back to the mountain at a dog-friendly Austrian restaurant.
1. Hahnenkamm Stabber
Located about 5 minutes from the top of the famous Hahnenkamm, the Hahnenkamm Stüberl has top-notch service, great food with reasonable prices (for up mountain), views to die for and the best of all: pets are allowed inside and outside! Max and Louise do prefer outside tables especially when it’s a sunny. Don’t forget to taste one of the best Austrian desserts ever: the Kaiserschmarrn! They have one of the best I have ever tried!
Located along slope 36, very close to the main cable line down to Kitzbühel, Berghaus Tirol is more like a restaurant than a typical canteen that you’d usually find on the slopes at ski resorts around the globe. A perfect spot to have great traditional food with good service, and best of all, pamper your dog. Dogs are treated very well with bowls of water and lots of cuddles. It’s a perfect place to have a big lunch after a morning ski.
3. Sonnbühel
Sonnbühel is one of the best restaurants in Kitzbühel, is dog friendly, and completely un-be-lie-va-ble! It is located on slope 18, in an Austrian chalet. Music played on the terrace, champagne waited for us inside, and tables were dressed beautifully. Some of the meals you’ll encounter: veal carpaccio with fresh avocado, fresh lobster linguini, florentine steak (my recommendation!), amazing Austrian desserts, and home made ‘white coffee’ ice cream. More, Max and Louise, sat calmly under my table with their water bowl, relaxing after a morning ski with dad. To end my meal, the waiter brought me a… Bombardino! No words to describe such an experience.
WHERE TO EAT IN THE RESORT
1. Centro Café Bar Restaurant
Probably the best value restaurant is “Centro” in the town center. This is an amazing place for people watching where all dogs join their humans for a drink or to eat. It’s all about Italian cuisine in a dog friendly and vibrant atmosphere here. Wood-fired pizzas are delicious with incredibly reasonable prices. Centro is the perfect spot for drinks, snacks and of course pizzas. If you fancy fine dining this is not the place to go.
2. Kupferstube
Located in the Hotel Tennerhof, where we were stayed in, Kupferstube has the best cuisine in town. Tennerhof Chef Stefan Lenz was the Chef of the Year in 2015! As I mentioned before, the 5-course gastronomic dinner was unforgettable: you must try the gooseberry and buttermilk soup with baked lobster. It ain’t cheap, but it is delicious you’ll feel you’ve had value for money. Dogs are allowed at the restaurant and the staff is very dog friendly at the Hotel Tennerhof.
WHAT TO DO
1. Go Skiing in Hahnenkamm
Hahnenkamm is the Super Bowl of skiing, the most legendary ski race in the world. It has been on Max’s bucket list for a while and finally he ticked it off! All the hills are dog-friendly!
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4ELPTT_TEXA
2. Play In The Snow
Before lunchtime on the mountain, Max and Louise played in the snow next to one of the restaurants mentioned before.
3. Just take in the view
Hiking or walking through beautiful landscapes is a wonderful way to experience the winter season in Kitzbühel. On our way to the restaurants, we stopped many times just to admire the Austrian mountain scenery. It was a perfect moment to make memorable photos of our winter adventure in Austria.
WHERE TO PLAY
1. Neighboring Gardens
Very close to our hotel we found this garden with a breathtaking view where Max and Louise were able to play every morning before my heading to the ski slopes. Wherever you’re staying in Kitz, you’ll inevitably find a place to play with your dog. There are many green areas in Kitzbühel for your pups to enjoy!
2. Downtown Kitz
Don’t let your dogs miss downtown! Each house has a colorful facade and history, pedestrianized streets are lined with boutiques, luxury hotels and dog friendly bars, restaurants and cafés. All stores allow dogs, so you can easily go shopping at “the mecca” for all shoppers – Kitzbühel medieval town.
3. The Amazing Gardens at the Tennerhof Hotel
During our stay, we had beautiful days of snow. Fresh snow is irresistible to all kinds of animals and Louise, who had never seen snow, went wild! There is nothing better than playing at the hotel garden covered in snow with her sweet Max.
4. Enjoy A Spa Day After A Ski Week (Well Deserved!)
https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=g4vmpS49_Ak
Before flying back home, Max and Louise had a hydrotherapy bath at the hotel room. Looks like they’re enjoying it, don’t you think?