Some even say that skiing was born in this Tyrolean enclave and, although there are no documents attesting the truthfulness of rumours, the legend of this sport has undoubtedly been forged below the shade of the Hahnenkamm.
During just under two minutes of adrenaline on the Streif, there are many memorable and familiar snapshots to enthusiasts. Ready, set, go, throw yourself into the void: after a few seconds it is already time to fall into the mousetrap. The Mausefalle is an icy jump that throws athletes into an 80m flight, where the stomachs contract and the knees cushion a landing which could easily send skiers straight into the nets.
After proving your courage, it's time to put your technical skills to the test with the double steep curve of the Steilhang that leads to the Buckenschuss road. Here you cannot lose speed and equipment becomes critical. That’s why Sepp Zanon, Domme's trusted ski-man, maniacally prepares the skis that will be thrown down from the Streif, where every hundredth of a second can make a difference.
Crossing the arrival arch is a memorable human challenge all along, where behind dark glasses even a Terminator like Arnold Schwarzenegger cannot help but cheer in admiration. He is not the only VIP to populate Kitz’s parterre, but to be true, the jetset that animates the Streif’s stands is merely a supporting actor to the real heroes: athletes.
Turning on the green light in Kitzbühel is said to be worth more than an Olympic gold, holding the golden ibex in your hands is the adrenaline rush that pays off an entire career’s sacrifice. Seeing your name adorn the yellow cabins that go up the track is a collective memory to remember the heroes of the Streif.