The Frenchman had to be airlifted by helicopter. © APA / EXPA/ JOHANN GRODER

Helicopter rescue: Serious fall in Kitzbühel

The second downhill training run in Kitzbühel was overshadowed by a serious crash. A Frenchman had to be airlifted to the hospital.

21 January 2026

From: det

The Streif in Kitzbühel is considered the most famous downhill course in the world – but it is also one of the most brutal. A serious accident occurred during the second training run on Wednesday. The victim was Frenchman Ken Caillot.

What happened? The skier from Val d'Isère was traveling at high speed on the Streif course when he made a mistake before the Mausefalle section. This caused the 27-year-old to be launched into the air. After the hard impact, Caillot initially lay on the slope, but after the rescue team arrived, he was able to sit up and communicate with the paramedics.

All clear in the evening

The Frenchman, who has competed in twelve World Cup races so far, was subsequently airlifted to the hospital. Fortunately, the all-clear was given that evening: after extensive examinations, it was determined that Caillot had not suffered any serious injuries.

Still particularly tragic: How the portal The Dauphine As reported, Cyprien Sarrazin was a spectator in Kitzbühel and witnessed the crash and the anxious scenes on the slope firsthand. The ski superstar had suffered a serious fall in Bormio in December 2024, sustaining a severe head injury and surviving only by sheer luck.