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Kitzbuhel, Austria & Zurich, Switzerland
Date:
Feb 6-15, 2026 Travel OverviewHSC returned to Europe in 2026. Our club organized a trip for 47 members, with 30 participants flying together on United Airlines from Newark to Zurich, while the remaining 17 arranged their own airfare. Some arrived early to acclimatize, and others met the group at Zurich Airport. We had no delays on the overall travel which was pleasant. After everyone gathered, we took a bus to and from Kitzbuhel, which was a journey of almost five hours each way. Fortunately, the bus had a storage area for Ski’s and a bathroom. Accommodations in KitzbuhelWe stayed at the Maria Theresa Hotel, a four-star property located in downtown Kitzbuhel, not far from the main ski lift—Hahnenkammbahn Cable Car. Although the hotel was not ski-in/ski-out and required some walking, the availability of ski lockers, buses, and a bit of effort made the commute manageable. The hotel featured common amenities such as a gym, sauna, and steam room, but did not have a jacuzzi. The rooms were characteristic of European hotels: nice, clean, a little old, but comfortable. Skiing ExperienceKitzbuhel proved to be an excellent destination for skiing. While the snow conditions were not at their absolute best, there was still plenty of skiable terrain. The resort boasted impressive infrastructure, including heated chair lifts, gondolas, and numerous places to dine, relax, and enjoy the mountain. The ski area is expansive, spread across three mountains, offering a variety of runs and experiences, making it a place worth visiting again. The combination of the town, the ski area, and the infrastructure contributed to a fantastic overall ski experience. Although we aimed to avoid spring break, the last two days saw heavier crowds at the lifts, and we encountered a couple of slushy afternoons at lower elevations. Nevertheless, the mountain was large enough to accommodate everyone comfortably.
CLUB MEMBERS HAVING FUN
Day Trips Some of our members took a day off to visit cities close by. One group got a bus to take them to Salzburg and spend the day touring Salzburg, while another group took the local trains to spend a day touring Innsbruck. A good day off and a visit to historical cities in Europe.
Dining and CommunityMeals were provided at the hotel, with breakfast buffets each morning and four-course dinners (including vegan options) accompanied by a salad buffet each evening. The Maria Theresa Hotel featured an elegant fireplace lounge and bar, creating a welcoming atmosphere. The staff, notably international, were attentive and accommodating, handling special requests with care. Shared spaces such as the lobby bar and lounge area allowed our group to gather, relax, and enjoy meals together fostering a sense of community that makes our club more than just a ski group.
Zurich City VisitOn the return journey, we arrived in Zurich in the early afternoon on Saturday before heading home. Despite rainy weather, we took advantage of the opportunity to walk around, sightsee, and appreciate the lakeside city, which has recently seen a surge of innovative bars, restaurants, and shops. We enjoyed dining at several excellent restaurants, including one renowned vegan establishment—though Swiss prices were certainly noticed! Our group spent the night at the centrally located four-star Hotel Glockenhof. Looking AheadWe now look forward to planning our next adventure in the coming year.
Raghu and Andrew would like to thank all the club members for a great vacation.
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