The Hahnenkamm Race
Skiing’s Ultimate Test of Grit and Glory
Every January, the tiny Tyrolean town of Kitzbühel, Austria, transforms into the beating heart of alpine ski racing. Ski fans from around the world flock here to witness one of the most thrilling (and terrifying) spectacles in winter sport: the Hahnenkamm Race.
A Legacy Born in t![]()
he Alps
The Hahnenkamm Races date back to 1931, making them among the oldest World Cup alpine ski competitions still running today. Though alpine racing had been happening around Kitzbühel since the early 1900s, the first officially named Hahnenkamm event took place on March 28–29, 1931
Since then, the event has evolved into the centrepiece of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup calendar, showcasing downhill, slalom, and combined races. The crown jewel is unquestionably the Streif downhill—regarded as the most demanding and dangerous course on the circuit
Why the Streif Is Legendary (and Fearsome)
The Streif isn’t your average ski slope—it’s the benchmark of alpine challenge:
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📏 Steep gradients of up to 85 % (known as the famous Mausefalle section), where racers can launch more than 80 m (260 ft) through the air.
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🚀 Speeds often exceed 140–150 km/h (87–93 mph) on race day.
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🏃♂️ Vertical drops from the start at 1,665 m to the finish at 805 m, packed into a course just over 3 km long.
Fun Facts & Skiing Lore
🎿 “Mister Hahnenkamm”: Austrian Anderl Molterer became synonymous with the event—winning the downhill an astonishing nine times in his career.
📜 Historic triple winners: Only a handful of elite athletes—like Toni Sailer and Jean-Claude Killy—have claimed victory in downhill, slalom, and combined at the same Hahnenkamm meeting.
🌍 Wild carnival atmosphere: Beyond the races, Kitzbühel turns into a winter street party with thousands celebrating, cheering, and reliving every heart-stopping descent.
Dangers That Define the Race
This isn’t just another ski race—it’s a gauntlet that demands respect.
⚠️ The Peril of the Streif
The Streif’s unforgiving terrain has led to some dramatic crashes over the decades:
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Todd Brooker (1987): A lost ski and a full-on crash that is still replayed in alpine lore.
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Brian Stemmle (1989): A high-speed crash that nearly cost him his life and ended with long rehabilitation.
Notable Winners Through History
Over nearly a century, many of skiing’s greats have conquered the Hahnenkamm:
🏆 Didier Cuche (SUI) – Often labeled king of the Streif, Cuche won the downhill an unmatched five times in the modern era.
🏆 Franz Klammer (AUT) – A legend of the sport, Klammer’s fierce style defined a generation of downhill racing (and inspired racers worldwide).
🏆 Dominik Paris (ITA) – One of Italy’s all-time greats on the Streif, proving that raw power and control can still outshine pure speed.
Gear Up with Powderhound
While most of us will never race down the Streif at 150 km/h, we can take inspiration from the courage and adventure it represents. Powderhound’s range of apparel and accessories is built for adventurers who chase thrills—whether that’s on powdery backcountry slopes or urban streets.
Check out some of our favourites below:
👉 Powderhound Resort Ski Mugs – Perfect for hot chocolate after a hard days skiing
👉 Powderhound Snoods – Stay warm without losing style on chilly mountain mornings.
👉 Powderhound Mountain T-Shirt – A subtle nod to the alpine spirit in everyday wear.
Explore the full Powderhound collection for gear that embodies the heart of adventure. 🌨️
