The most spectacular ski race followed by the biggest party in the mountains – the Kitzbuhel Hahnenkamm race weekend
A wall of ice: the top section of the Streif, Hahnenkamm, Kitzbuhel - image © skiingaustria.co.uk
Despite the Austrians failing to win for the second successive day on the revered Hahnenkamm race course the Austrians still waved flags, sang and celebrated the greatest ski race on the winter calendar. Coming 2nd and 3rd, the Austrians surrendered the win to their fierce rivals Switzerland on day of drama, superb weather and an outstanding race course. Complete with a press pass around my neck I ventured into media section of the finish area and watched US racer T. J. Lanning take down a large section of the safety nets before the race returned with Hermann Maier sending the crowd wild to take top spot from a start bib of 7. Didier Defago eventually won for Switzerland with Michael Walchhofer 2nd and Klaus Kroell 3rd for Austria. The after race celebrations match the spectacle of the race with thousands of visitors drinking and dancing in the heart of what I think is the most complete ski holiday resort in the Alps. For those who have yet to see a Kitzbuhel Hahnenkamm race weekend then add to the ‘to do’ list – it is without doubt the most incredible winter sports event in existence.
The post-race Hahnenkamm, Kitzbuhel party is legendary- image © skiingaustria.co.uk
Unlucky for the Austrians….how was the atmosphere in the press enclosure ? Possibly a little more sedate than the carnival all over the hill side !
The atmosphere was pretty amusing actually, I was in the ‘photo media zone’ and discovered photographers are some of the less well mannered individuals I have come across, they kept standing in each others way and getting frustrated with each other. My camera was considerably ‘out-lensed’ and I just let them get on with their battle. Great spectacle as usual - there really is nothing quite like it anywhere.
Having just watched the video of Matt trying to film going down the Hahnenkamm Streif, I am guessing he won’t be helping any british contention!! Listen carefully once he’s put it up, you can hear a slight “aghhhh”! ( Although I am impressed anyone can go down it once they have made it into sheet ice!
It is true that today I skied the Hahnenkamm and yes the audio is classic, not X rated but certainly betraying a definite fear. I was on some old skis on the barely touched Mausefalle carrying 3 cameras, two tripods and a helmet camera when my controlled descent hit the deep, perfectly managed race track ice and the controlled descent became a straight line with the next stop the steilhang! Made it one piece though