Streif, Alpine ski piste in Kitzbühel, Austria.
Streif is an alpine ski piste in Kitzbühel, Austria, dropping through steep sections and technical passages with gradients reaching 85 percent. The course runs through varied terrain with tight turns, jumps, and open slopes that present different challenges to skiers.
The course was laid out in the early 1930s for the annual Hahnenkamm race, which quickly became one of the most important competitions in alpine skiing. Over the decades, several sections were adjusted to meet rising speeds and safety requirements.
The name Streif comes from a narrow strip of mountain terrain, referring to the thin corridor of snow that racers follow between rocky outcrops and forest edges. Spectators line the course during race weekends, crowding into natural amphitheaters where the slope opens up and allows views of multiple turns at once.
The season typically runs from November through April, with artificial snow supplementing coverage during milder weather. Skiers should have advanced technique, as the steep passages and tight sections demand quick reactions and control.
In summer, the racing course transforms into a hiking trail with nine interactive stations where visitors can experience the challenges racers face through physical exercises and video recordings. These stations sit at the most famous sections of the course and show perspectives from inside the athletes' runs.
The community of curious travelers
AroundUs brings together thousands of curated places, local tips, and hidden gems, enriched daily by 60,000 contributors worldwide.
