Streif

Streif is a World Cup downhill ski course in Austria, located on Hahnenkamm mountain (Kitzbühel Alps) in Kitzbühel, Tyrol, and has hosted the Hahnenkamm Races since 1937.

It runs on natural terrain (pasture in summer) with minor modifications done over the years, adjacent to the "Ganslern" slalom course.

With 50,000 people attending, the Streif is the most visited ski event each year, with many famous people having attended, including Arnold Schwarzenegger.

History

From 1931 until 1936 it was held on the nearby courses "Hahnenkamm" and "Ehrenbachhöhe". Since its inception in 1937, the Hahnenkamm slalom is held on this course (Ganslern).

In 1954, one time exceptionally no Hahnenkamm Trophy was awarded, they were competing on the so-called "Vorderganslern" at Austrian International Winter Sports III competition.

In 2006, morning fog at the top forced organizers to lower the start 115 m (380 ft) to the middle of the "Karusell", below the "Mausefalle". This shortened the length of the course by 347 m.

The downhill races were cancelled in the 1964, 1970, 1971, 1988, 1993, 2005 and 2007 seasons due to weather conditions, mostly due to lack of snow, and were held at other venues.

In 2008, strong upwinds at the "Mausefalle" caused race officials to lower the start 50 m (160 ft), shortening the course by 100 m (330 ft). This eliminated most of the "Startschuss" and its instantaneous speed; the "Mausefalle" was accordingly altered to a speed-inducing pitch, rather than a formidable jump and compression. Though Didier Cuche won the race, the 2008 edition is likely best remembered for the high-speed crash of Scott Macartney on the "Zielsprung", seconds before the finish, as well as Bode Miller tying for second with Mario Scheiber after riding the safety fencing in the "Steilhang" exit to "Brückenschuss" section.