The 2012 Hahnenkamm Races

The 72nd Hahnenkamm Races came to an end today with an exciting Slalom. The weather conditions represented a special challenge for the Organizers this year. The event could not have been staged successfully without the tireless efforts of a total of 1,500 members of staff. They contributed both directly and indirectly to the fact that thousands of ski fans throughout the whole world will remember this year’s Hahnenkamm Races as being another exceptional ski party.

The slope teams, in particular, have done an excellent job over the last few days in order to prepare the Streif and Ganslern slopes in time for the Races.  About 300 volunteers worked in spite of snow, rain and storms, thus making the Races possible. Countless members of the Red Cross and mountain rescue teams add to the list of people who were on duty 24 hours a day.

After two successful training sessions, the Jury decided to cancel the Super G scheduled for Friday, in order to preserve the race course for Saturday’s Downhill. In the end the Downhill, which was witnessed by a crowd of 30,000 enthusiastic ski fans, took place on a shortened course. Sunday’s Slalom on the Ganslern Slope was followed by 18,000 ski aficionados. 

Sporting, economic and media rarity

Despite the many social highlights this week, the focal point was primarily on performances delivered by the alpine athletes. For example, the best young skiers from seven nations were given the opportunity on Wednesday to showcase their talents at the „Hahnenkamm Juniors Race“ in memory of Toni Sailer. Social responsibility was also on the agenda: For the umpteenth time, Harti Weirather invited prominent guests to take part in the „KitzCharityTrophy“ after the Downhill Race, which generated € 130,000 Euro for needy Tyrolean farming families. 

The economic value of the Hahnenkamm Races is enormous and benefits the entire region. The event generates a turnover of 35 million Euros in Kitzbühel alone. The region also benefits from being in the global media spotlight. About 500 journalists were here to report live from the Hahnenkamm Races. 

The shuttle service provided by the ÖBB (Austrian Rail) was very well received again this year. Thousands of ski fans took advantage of this free service and left their cars at home or at one of the free outer lying car parks, from where they were transported in 15 minute intervals direct to the finishing arena of the Hahnenkamm Races.

The Kitzbühel Ski Club, organizer of the Hahnenkamm Races, would like to take this opportunity to thank all those involved and is already looking forward to next year’s races.