I am going to be in a smaller town near Kitzbuhel, Austria in August. What is appropriate (female) daytime dress?

Thanks! Jean

Whatever you feel happy and comfortable in.

Are you planning on hiking or just hanging around the town?

Hiking:
Capri pants or zip off trousers.
Sport socks
T-shirt or button up shirt
Cap
Tennis shoes, walking shoes or hiking boots, depending on the trails you choose
Backpack for water bottle, rain gear
and provisions
Bandaids for blisters caused by hiking in new or tight boots

Thanks, quokka and schuler. Sorry to take so long to reply. Yes, I have a pretty good idea about the hiking gear. Happily, my boots are broken in and extremely "comfie". I just wonder about what's typical in smaller towns ...shorts, jeans, capris, skirts? Is there a way to look less "touristy"? And what's daytime weather around town?

when hiking in alpine regions pay attention to a little detail:
in higher regions, sunshine will not be felt that much, as a breeze might cool you. nevertheless, cover your skin. so you prevent sunburn.

Thanks. I plan to use sunscreen with SPF 55 for the first time in my life.

Capris, jeans, skirts, shorts: it's all quite informal.

The ratio of tourists vs. locals in and around Kitz must be 20:1 during high season. Almost everyone you will see there, is there on vacation. Dress is casual, yet Kitzbühel itself is a bit of an upscale place.

Kitzbühel is as "alpine" as Spokane, WA. Both are on appr. 2,400ft elevation. You only need more powerful sun protection when you hike to higher destinations into the mountains.

You are in a mountain resort where people spend their holidays. The majority will be wearing practical hiking gear or very casual clothing. If you see a woman in a dirndl she is either a waitress working in one of the tourist restaurants or an American trying to 'blend in'.

Anything that is appropriate for the current weather conditions will be suitable. High heels look ridiculous in the mountains, as does being caught by sudden rain in a light summer dress.

Dressing practical and being prepared is the point. The weather changes quickly, never set out without a rain jacket. If you go up into the mountains take an additional sweater - temperature diminuishes by (rule of thumb) 1°C per 100 m altitude. If it's 25°C down in the valley you're at 5-10°C on the mountain tops.

Sturdy shoes, soles with a good grip are essential for hiking. Sandals and tennis shoes are ok in town but a no-no on mountain trails.

Can anyone tell me some local useful phrases? I understand the German spoken in Tirol is quite different from that in Germany and elsewhere in Austria. Are there some amenities to be observed to be polite?

Gruss Gott!

The standard Austrian greeting. It makes me smile a bit because it's literally translated to: Greetings to God!

Schuler wrote: "The standard Austrian greeting. It makes me smile a bit because it's literally translated to: Greetings to God!"

That's not correct.

"Grüß Gott" is an abbreviation of "Sei gegrüßt mit Gott" literally means "Be greeted with God".

Same with "Tschüss" which comes from "Adieu" in French = à dieu.

I had trouble with Tschuss (no umlaut sorry). I could never get the pronunciation quite right. The closest I came was a lot like saying choose in english. Any hint on how to say it properly?

Gruss Gott grrr,

Just did a bit of research and the origin of "grussen" is the same as "segnen", therefore the original meaning is: God bless you.

The Swiss "Gruezi" originates from the above as well.

Grüß Gott, Schuler (Schüler?),

I'm glad it will not make you smile because you think it's ridiculous.

I hope it will make you smile because it is meant as a benign wish.

By the way, don't you say "Bless you" if someone sneezes? Would be "Gesundheit" (Wish you health) in German.

Pfüat Di Gott (Behüt' Dich Gott, May God take care of you)!

Hi Grrr,

"Pfüat Di Gott" was something my Mom used to say to me before going on a long journey. It's a saying that's going sadly out of style in Switzerland.

Thanks, all. I just sneezed. In any case, I'll use Grüß Gott to greet people. I appreciate you passing it along to me. What is the use of Tschuss or is that the proper spelling of the ski term? Any other amenities to suggest?

Tschuess is prussian, informal but frowned upon by Tyroleans/Bavarians, however since others are using it, you sometimes find yourself answering with a "Tschuess".
Now city folks here frequently use Tschau (ciao) or "Tschau Tschau" in informal situations.

Formal would be "(Auf) Wiedersehen". So never address you boss saying Tschau .

However, since you're a tourist, nobody cares what you do anyway, as long as you leave your money.

Na servus ;-)

Those country folks