Streif Downhill

The Streif downhill run is known as the world's most spectacular ski run. Every year in January, the best skiers in the world compete at the Streif for a coveted spot on the podium. Except for the Hahnenkamm race weekend, the Streif downhill run is open to the public. Depending on their ability level, skiers and snowboarders can choose from two different variations of this famous run. Go ahead, give it a try!

Thanks to its varied terrain, the "Streif" is known as the ultimate downhill race course. It includes all the elements that characterize a classic race course: steep edges that result in high jumps at high speeds, steep downhill portions, tricky straight downhill racing sections, curves and bends, gliding tracks, undulating terrain and even a short uphill passage right before the Seidlalm jump.

Every Good Skier Can handle the Streif!

In general, all good skiers will be able to ski down the Streif downhill run. The starting point is located at the top station of the Hahnenkamm gondola. The most difficult parts of the run are the straight section at the beginning, the Mausefalle jump, the steep Steilhang slope, the Hausberg edge, the traverse and the final straight section and constitute the "extreme ski route" which is recommended exclusively for expert skiers. Most of the time, the crucial spots are also exceptionally icy, requiring ski edge sharpening after the run.

Family Streif

A unique highlight for both alpine skiers and snowboarders is the Family Streif, which bypasses the most difficult sections of the original Streif downhill course. Thus, this slope becomes a red ski run on Kitzbühel’s ski slope map and is suitable for all skiers.

Closed Ski Slope

Please note that the Streif downhill run is typically closed to the public between late December and the Hahnenkamm Races. The preparation works on the race track can last several weeks. Snow has to be transported to the appropriate spots on the slope, and, if necessary, a part of the terrain has to be rearranged with snow. In addition, the entire race track must be groomed, hardened and frozen. Safety fences and other safety measures, grandstands, and TV broadcasting sites have to be installed in order to guarantee a successful race weekend.

Old Field Name at Hahnenkamm: "Streif"

This world-famous downhill ski run is named after the Streifalm pastures, which are located in the upper part of the race course. These pastures were probably named after a local farmer from Brixen whose last name was "Straiff."

It is said that Toni Sailer Sr., the Austrian skiing legend’s father, came up with the name for the huge jump into the "Mausefalle" (mousetrap), as this difficult section reminded him of an old-school mousetrap. Skiers racing down this extremely steep slope reminded him of a mouse falling into the trap. Skiers have been challenged on this slope since the early 1950s.

• Hahnenkamm-Race 2011

Streif By the Numbers

Altitude of start area	1.665 m	Hahnenkamm top station
Finish area	805 m	Rasmusleiten
Difference in altitude	860 m
Total length	3.312 m
Average gradient	27%
Highest gradient	85%	Mausefalle
Biggest jump	80 m	Mausefalle, final jump
Maximum Speed	145 km/H	final straight section
Average speed	103 km/H
Course record	1.51.58 min	Fritz Strobl 1997
Most victories	Franz Klammer (AUT), Didier Cuche (SUI)	both just 4 times