The Hahnenkammrennen held annually at Kitzbühel, Austria is one of the most anticipated Ski Races. It is where the best of the best in the sport best each other and try to best the mountains if they can. Below is all you need to know about the prestigious event.
What is the Hahnenkamm?
The Hahnenkamm is actually a mountain in Austria. It is located south of Kitzbühel, in the Kitzbühel Alps. It is also the name of the part of the ski resort in Kitzbühel that hosts the annual World Cup Alpine Ski Races, the Hahnenkammrennen. Its classic downhill course is legendary for many reasons. The Streif is known as the most technically demanding course in the World Cup circuit. Many of the turns on the course have little to no visibility, adding to the challenge and danger.
When is the Hahnenkamm Race Held?
Originally, the races were held in March when they first started. There were a couple of times, in 1949 and 1951, where the races were held in February. Since 1953, the races have always been held mid to late January. This coming season will be the 76th and will be held on January 19-26, 2016.
Where is the Hahnenkamm Race Held?
The Hahnenkamm Race is always held in the small medieval ski resort town of Kitzbühel, Austria.
Hahnenkamm Race Slopes
The slopes at Hahnenkamm have a total length of 3,312 meters. With jumps of up to 80 meters and steep slopes with 85% gradient the average speed at which ski champions go through the slopes is at 103 km/h. However, speeds have been known to reach as much as 140 km/hr. There is an 860m height difference between the starting point and the finish.
Kitzbüheler Ski Club (K.S.C.) Trivia
The Kitzbüheler Ski Club (K.S.C.) has been organizing the Hahnenkamm Races since the early 1930’s. The club itself has been in existence since 1902 and is one of the most prestigious, oldest, most traditional and most successful ski club in all of Europe, if not the world. The Ski Club’s top athletes have bagged a total of 53 medals from several Olympic Games and World Championships.
Hahnenkamm Race Events
Over the course of the weekend, the Hahnenkamm races will be divided into different disciplines. The Super-G event will be on Friday on the Streifalm. The world infamous Downhill will be held on Saturday at the Streif and the Slalom will be held on Sunday at the Ganslernhang.
Tips for Finding Accommodations
Athletes and fans of the sport will be flooding Kitzbuhel during the weekend so it is best to plan your visit ahead of time. Some locals will suggest staying out of Kitzbühel altogether. A cheaper area to stay in is north of Kitzbühel in Ellamau. When it comes to boutique hotels Kitzbühel and surrounding areas will have plenty so you will have a lot to choose from. Boutique hotels, Kitzbühel o\r otherwise, will have accommodating staff who are ready to help you navigate the buses and other public transportation in and out of Kitzbühel so you don’t have to worry about that.
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