Dani from the ALPS RESORTS marketing team had “one hell of a hike”: He laced up his mountain boots and got to hike the legendary Streif in Kitzbühel with ski world champion Hannes Reichelt.
The Streif Hike: Where does it begin?
Dani and Hannes agree to set out from the base station of the Hahnenkammbahn. It becomes quite apparent that Hannes Reichelt is well-known in Kitzbühel the moment they arrive at the lift station: the cableway staff are delighted to see the 2014 downhill champion again and give him a warm welcome.
“We made sure to wait for gondola number 17, since it was dedicated to Hannes after his Streif victory,” Dani shares, already fascinated by the view during the ride up on the Hahnenkammbahn: “You’re at eye-level with the Wilder Kaiser and Kitzbüheler Horn, while Kitzbühel and the Schwarzsee lie there at your feet.”
The world-famous Streif run is part of the Hahnenkamm, which in turn belongs to the Kitzbühel Alps in Tyrol. In just a few minutes, the hikers easily rise more than 850 meters in elevation before gliding into the Hahnenkammbahn mountain station at 1662 meters above sea level.
First Highlight: The Streif Start House
“Good common sense actually makes you ask: Should I really being doing this?”, Hannes reveals about hearing the starting signal at the start of the race.
On the steepest start in the Ski World Cup with a 50% gradient, the pros accelerate to 60 km/h in less than 3 seconds. “It demands full concentration and sheer determination,” the Streif champ explains. That’s why he always entered the starting house only shortly before he was due to start.
Of course, Dani can’t resist taking a look inside the start house – it's actual open in the summer months from 10:00 am to 4:00 pm: “Insane! You really realize for the first time how steep it drops off.”
Hiking via the Streif Landmarks
They set off and pass by the Mausefalle, Steilhang, Gschöss, Hausbergkante – and all the other key spots. The landmark points on the Streif along the hiking trail are each marked with gates. “Each gate provides information about the gradient and the maximum speeds reached during the racers’ descent. Some really jaw-dropping stats,” Dani remarks.
“There are also info screens where you can marvel at highlights of the Streif’s history. Like Kristian Ghedina’s unforgettable spread-eagle jump in 2004 – at a speed of around 150 km/h!”
Besides the magnificent panorama, the following facts and figures really excite our marketing manager during his Streif hike on the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel:
- Streif start: 1,665 meters
- Streif finish: 805 meters above sea level
- Length of the course: 3,312 meters
- Steepest gradient on the course: 85% at the Mausefalle
- Ski races have been staged on the Streif in Kitzbühel since 1937.
- The racers reach top speeds of around 140 km/h.
- The course record is still held by Fritz Strobl at 1:51.58 minutes.
Refreshment Break at the Seidlalm: Moosbeerschmarrn on the Sun Terrace
“The path next to the Streif is very steep in parts, so good footwear is definitely essential.” After 2 hours of hiking on the Streif, Hannes and Dani reach the Seidlalm. This hut is located right next to the course at about 1,200 meters above sea level, and the view from the sun terrace is simply splendid.
Every bit as splendid is the Moosbeerschmarrn which is served there, a dessert which Dani had been looking forward to ever since their ride up on the Hahnenkammbahn. Refueled and reenergized, the hikers now drop the rest of the way down the mountain, in some cases taking to a forestry road, and ultimately returning to Kitzbühel in about one hour.
Interesting side fact: Hansi Hinterseer, a well-known schlager singer, actor, and himself a former ski racer, spent much of his childhood at the Seidlalm. The Seidlalm is also considered the "cradle of the World Cup": The realization of Serge Lang's idea for a Ski World Cup was decided right there in 1966.
Dani’s Final Thoughts about the Streif Hike on the Hahnenkamm
"Simply imposing: From the panorama to the incredible performances the ski racers have to deliver out on the race course. There’s no way you could get me to set one foot on the Streif in winter.
That also goes for the red-rated Streif (intended for families), where the most difficult spots are bypassed and which is suitable for ‘regular’ skiers. That’s why the hike on the Hahnenkamm in Kitzbühel was a great opportunity for me as more of a summer kind of guy to get to know the Streif a little bit better."
FAQs: Frequently Asked Questions about the Streif Hike
The Hahnenkamm, Kitzbüheler Horn, and the other grassy mountains around Kitzbühel are a true hiking paradise – for more laid-back hikers as well as avid summiteers and trail runners. Detailed tour information and guided hikes can be found on the Kitzbühel Tourist Office’s website. Our Tyrolean ALPS RESORTS in the Kitzbühel Alps serve as excellent starting points for your hikes.
In the summer months, guided hikes and walks on the Streif are offered several times a week by KitzSki.
The trail is definitely doable with older children. Please wear appropriate hiking boots. You should possess a basic level of fitness and be surefooted – the path is very steep in parts.
The Streif Summer Experience with 9 activity stations, modeled on key spots along the course, offers families with children an exciting 2 km excursion covering 100 vertical meters.
You can find the dates for upcoming Hahnenkamm races here.
Photo materials © ALPS RESORTS
Verena J.
Marketing Specialist at ALPS RESORTS
Millennial with a passion for solitary mountains and compelling stories, always on the lookout for exciting destinations and experiences.
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