The Streif Downhill
The Streif is arguably the most difficult downhill run in the Ski World Cup. The international Hahnenkamm Race in Kitzbühel is where things get tough! Here are the quick facts about the Streif Downhill:
- Start: 1,665 m
- Finish: 805 m
- Elevation difference: 860 m
- Course length: 3,312 m
- Maximum gradient: 85%
- Average gradient: 27%
Starting at an altitude of 1,665 meters, the race heads into the 160-meter-long, 51%-steep start slope. The alpine ski racers reach the Mausefalle in just 8.5 seconds.
The first and longest jump awaits the ski racers in the Mausefalle. Athletes fly up to 80 meters on the steepest section of the Streif. Speeds increase to up to 120 km/h in the Mausefalle.
This is followed by the Carousel and the technically demanding Steep Slope.
Next, the athletes race into the Brückenschuss and the Gschöss with as much speed as possible. This is followed by a short jump into the sloping "Alte Schneise" with a lead-up to the Seidlalmsprung.
The Seidlalmsprung is located in the middle of the Streif race course. The athletes ski in a crouched position toward the Seidlalm jump, unable to see what comes next. Here, the entry to the long Seidlalm curve must be timed precisely.
Then comes the Lärchenschuss (larch shot). An energy-sapping "S" awaits the ski racers. After jumping over the Hausbergkante (edge of the Hausberg), the racers enter the difficult Hausberg Querfahrt (cross run) at the Hahnenkamm Race.
At the end comes the finish jump, and the athletes race to the finish of the Streif downhill run in Kitzbühel.
The Hahnenkamm Race in Kitzbühel
The first Hahnenkamm Race took place in Kitzbühel in 1931. It is one of the world's largest winter sporting events. The Hahnenkamm Race, with its legendary Streif downhill and the slalom on the Ganslern slope, is a classic in the Ski World Cup. Countless visitors flock to Kitzbühel every year for the Hahnenkamm Race.
Your Streif experience in winter!
In winter, you can also venture out on the Streif! On the "Family Streif" all skiers and snowboarders can ski the Streif themselves. This slope is a less challenging version of the Streif, where the difficult cruxes are safely avoided. You can still experience the Streif feeling like you do at the Hahnenkamm Race! ;)
Only experienced skiers are allowed on the original Streif race course! The slope is marked as the "Ski Route Extreme" and is no longer groomed after the Hahnenkamm race.
As a beginner, you can practice on the "Mini-Streif" at the foot of the Hahnenkamm, and it's even free! All practice lifts in the valley can be used without a ski pass.
Your Summer Streif Experience
In summer, activity courses for the whole family await you on the Streif! Along the Panorama Trail on the Hahnenkamm, there are nine activity stations for experiencing the Streif up close. Based on the key points of the Streif downhill run, the various stations require skill, endurance, and balance.
The 9 stations of the Streif adventure course in Kitzbühel:
- Start House: A slackline and a climbing net lead to the start house and down a tube slide.
- Mousetrap:Individual balance obstacles must be overcome.
- Carousel:Can you manage the colorful climbing course?
- Steep Slope:A large climbing net awaits you!
- Bridge Shot:A narrow suspension bridge that requires courage and balance.
- Seidlalm Jump:Halftime! A playground with a giant swing, trampoline, climbing station, wooden hammocks, and water feature invites you to linger.
- Hausbergkante: A giant swing takes you to lofty heights.
- Traverse: A wobbly affair! You overcome bumpy obstacles step by step.
- Finish Jump: You glide rapidly to the finish line on a tube slide, just like the ski racers at the Hahnenkamm race!
In summer, you can also conquer the Streif on foot! At the Streif Viewing, you'll find four state-of-the-art infotainment LCD screens in Kitzbühel. TV images show the fascination and challenge of the Streif race track. You can find the screens here on the Streif:
- Hausbergkante
- Steilhang
- Mausefalle
- Starthaus
The start house for the Streif downhill run in Kitzbühel is open from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. during the summer season.
