The 2025 Hahnenkamm Races are set to thrill ski fans from January 24 to 26, 2025, at one of the sport's most storied venues: Kitzbühel, Austria. This year's races will feature the much-anticipated return of the Super-G, which has not been included since 2021, alongside the traditional downhill race known as the Streif and the slalom event on Ganslernhang. With the event just around the corner, fans and athletes alike are filled with excitement for what promises to be another unforgettable weekend of competitive skiing.
The opening event on the legendary Streif will be the Super-G on January 24, starting at 11:30 AM local time. This iconic course is famed not only for its challenging features but also for its dramatic history, attracting skiing’s elite to go head-to-head. Among the favorites this year is the reigning champion Marco Odermatt, who has yet to win on this prestigious course. He recently demonstrated his prowess by securing victories at various events leading up to the Hahnenkamm weekend.
On the morning of the Super-G, fans will witness athletes tackling some of the most difficult sections of the course, including the notorious Mausefalle, known as one of the steepest drops where skiers often hit speeds over 150 km/h. The excitement of racing down this steep terrain draws crowds not only from Austria but worldwide. The event is expected to welcome over 85,000 spectators over the three days, many of whom are fans itching to see how their favorite competitors fare on this demanding course.
The broadcast coverage will be extensive, with the national broadcaster ZDF airing the event live and providing streaming options via their platform. Eurosport will also cover the races, offering full-length broadcasts on their channels. For fans eager to catch every moment, discovery+ will stream the Super-G live, enabling viewers to witness this spectacular event without missing any action.
Looking back at the history of the races, the Hahnenkamm is more than just another stop on the World Cup tour; it is synonymous with alpine skiing itself. Over the years, it has been the stage for many of skiing's most stunning moments, along with several harrowing accidents, adding to the course's reputation as potentially dangerous. Notably, athletes like Didier Cuche, who holds the record with five Hahnenkamm victories, have become legends, their names forever etched in skiing history.
This year, the Hahnenkamm Races will not only offer the Super-G but also the main event: the famed downhill race on January 25, which will begin at 11:30 AM. The course allows athletes to clock breathtaking speeds and demands unmatched technical skill as well as bravery. The excitement continues with the slalom competition scheduled for January 26, which will include two runs on the Ganslernhang starting at 10:15 AM, followed by the second run at 1:30 PM.
The stakes are high, too, with over one million euros offered as total prize money split among winners across events. Each winner will take home 100,000 euros, making it one of the richest events on the circuit. This financial incentive adds to the competitive edge and the intense desire among racers to claim victory on the hallowed slopes of Kitzbühel.
While the focus remains on triumph, the social aspect around these races is equally compelling. The Hahnenkamm weekend attracts not only sports enthusiasts but also celebrities, including long-time attendee Arnold Schwarzenegger, among other notable figures. The atmosphere turns festive, giving fans the chance to experience ski culture both on and off the slopes.
Ahead of the race, competitors prepare thoroughly, knowing they are about to face not only one of the most fiercely competitive environments but also the very real danger posed by the course. Training runs provide athletes with the valuable insights necessary to gauge terrain and try to perfect their runs under competitive conditions. The risk of injury is significant, and unfortunately, there have been instances where athletes, like Jacob Schramm, have succumbed to accidents during training, highlighting the fine line racers tread upon the Streif.
For those unable to attend, the streaming options are ample, allowing followers to engage with the races fully. Free coverage from ZDF and Eurosport 1 ensures access for many, and streaming service Joyn will provide another way for viewers to watch. This inclusive approach aims to capture the essence of this event, where speed, skill, and bravery culminate to offer what many deem as the pinnacle of alpine skiing.
With everything set, the town of Kitzbühel braces for what promises to be another historic chapter for the Hahnenkamm Races, with memories waiting to be made both on the slopes and within the vibrant atmosphere of one of skiing’s ultimate showcases.