Six reasons why Kitzbühel is the best ski race in the world

Kitzbühel is not a normal World Cup location. Fans and athletes have been looking forward to this for weeks Hahnenkamm weekend there. Understandable, because there is more at stake in Kitzbühel than victory and defeat. It's about prestige, courage and a lot of money. Six reasons why the Kitzbühel weekend is the best in the World Cup circus.

1. The Streif myth: Eternal respect and a gondola

Beaver Creek is brutally icy, Val Gardena is tough, the Stelvio slope in Bormio is incredibly steep and Wengen is extremely long. But Kitzbühel is everything in one – and even more. Everyone agrees: the Hahnenkamm downhill run is the most extreme race that exists in the alpine ski circuit. Even more: the Streif is surrounded by a myth. Whoever wins here will not only be guaranteed a gondola with their name on it, but also the eternal respect of thousands of ski enthusiasts.

2. The Hausbergkante: The landmark of the Gamsstadt

When you come to Kitzbühel, it is the first thing you see. The Hausbergkante towers over the Gamsstadt like a monument. And she is feared. Most recently, the two Austrians Georg Streitberger, Hannes Reichelt and Aksel Lund Svindal were hit in 2016, followed last year by Beat Feuz - all four, absolute world-class skiers. Nevertheless: If you want to win in Kitzbühel, you have to attack the Red Bull Arch on the edge of the Hausberg. Otherwise the traverse will fail and time will be gone.

3. The prize money: 74.000 euros for a World Cup victory

Winning in Kitzbühel is worth it. A total of 550.000 euros in prize money will be distributed on the World Cup weekend. Downhill and slalom wins are paid equally. The first place winners will receive 74.000 euros. The second place gets 37.000 euros, third place is rewarded with 18.500 euros - gross, however. The Super-G is less lucrative. But here too, the winner still receives 55.500 euros. Not bad, right?

4. The glamor factor: free drinks from the downhill winner

Kitzbühel is also the ski resort of the rich and beautiful. Anyone who is self-respecting – and has the necessary change in their pocket – can attend the legendary Weißwurst party in the Stanglwirt. Arnold Schwarzenegger and Niki Lauda are regular guests and everyone else who is famous meets at the Hahnenkamm World Cup weekend. By the way: The downhill winner is often behind the bar in the pub “The Londoner” on Saturday evening – free drinks are guaranteed.

5. The audience: cheese fondue & expensive canned beer

Up to 100.000 ski fans make a pilgrimage to the Hahnenkamm races every year. The descent in particular, with up to 45.000 spectators, is a crowd puller. The fans come up with a lot of ideas: from live bands to plush unicorns to Swiss cheese fondue - there is always a lot going on in the audience seats. And when the beer stands eventually run out of supplies, the coveted canned beer pallets are sold at a high price. Nothing is possible for less than 90 euros per pallet. But whatever, Kitzbühel only comes once a year.

6. The golden chamois: the handle pot for skiers

What the Champions League trophy is to footballers is the golden Kitzbühel chamois to a skier. Especially since there is no other World Cup race where the award ceremony is celebrated like it is in Kitzbühel. Standing on the balcony on Saturday evening and being cheered on by thousands of fans in front of the TV cameras - a very special feeling that makes the Hahnenkamm races even more special.

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Six reasons why Kitzbühel is the best ski race in the world

In the men's ski circuit, things happen quickly. After the longest downhill race in the world in Wengen, the most difficult one is now ahead: Kitzbühel.

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