HKR Kitzbühel

HKR Chronicles

The 1930s - The Birth of a Myth

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
193128.-29. MarchFirst “International Hahnenkamm Races"FleckalmHahnenkamm
193219.-20. MarchFirst ladies’ race (until 1961), Combined Triple with ski jumpingSticklbergEhrenbachhöhe
193325.-26. MarchPlanned, but not announced (political reasons)  
193424.-25. MarchPlanned, but not announced (political reasons)  
193523.-24. MarchSki jumping as an additional discipline (“Silver Gams Trophy”)SticklbergHahnenkamm
193607.-08. March4 Combined DisciplinesPengelsteinEhrenbachhöhe
193719.-21. March

"Streif" & "Ganslern” classic racecourses used for the first time, Combined with 4 disciplines, first Streif course record set by Thäus Schwabl from Kitzbühel: 3:53.1

StreifGanslern
  1938 - 1945: World War Two interrupts the Hahnenkamm Race series  
Thäus Schwabl (AUT, Kitzbühel)
Journalist
First slalom course at Ehrenbachhöhe.

The 1940s - K.S.C. knows what to do

yeardateremarks

race course downhill

race course slalom
194602.-03. MarchFirst races after the 2nd World WarStreifGanslern
194707.-09. MarchSki jumping as an additional disciplineStreifGanslern
194813.-14. MarchSpecial Downhill as an additional raceStreifGanslern
194905.-06. FebruarySki jumping as an additional discipline, races moved to the month of February.StreifGanslern

 

Karl Koller, first winner (combined) after the war, 1946.
Prize 1948
The Austrian Thäus Schwabl won 1937 and 1946 the Downhill.

The 1950s - things are looking up!

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
195011.-12. MarchSpecial Downhill as an additional race, last ladies winner from Kitzbühel (Rosi Sailer)StreifGanslern
195107.-09. FebruarySpecial Downhill as an additional race, prize for the "Philips Cup". Course record set by Christian Pravda (AUT, Kitzbühel) of 2:57.0 - breaking the three-minute mark for the first time.StreifGanslern
1952 race not organised (concerning International Nordic Wintersportweek)  
195317.-18. JanuaryFirst FIS TD and first FIS approval of the Streif, races moved to January, "FIS-A" championship races held for the first time. StreifGanslern
195419.-24. January3rd International FIS Alpine Ski Week (Combined Triple)StreifVorderganslern
195515.-16. JanuaryThe 15th HKR mark the “50 Years K.S.C.“ anniversary.StreifGanslern
195614.-15. JanuaryFirst start bib sponsor for the men (Ovomaltine), services of the Austrian Army are used for the first time. StreifGanslern
195719.-20. JanuaryOvomaltine also sponsors the ladies’ races.StreifGanslern
195817.-19. JanuaryAnderl Molterer is the last racer from Kitzbühel to win the Downhill.StreifGanslern
195917.-18. JanuaryFirst live broadcast by ORF with four cameras.StreifGanslern
Der Ganslernhang in den 1950er Jahren. Foto: © copyright!
Bereits in den 1950er-Jahren gab es viele Zuschauer am Ganslernhang. Foto: © copyright!
Erster "Kaffeebus". Foto: © copyright!
Anderl Molterer. Foto: © copyright!
Niskin. Foto: © copyright!
Foto: © copyright!

The 1960s - the World Cup is born, the French are in the lead

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
196015.-17. January Streif

Ganslern

196121.-22. JanuaryLast women’s racesStreif

Ganslern

196220.-21. JanuaryNew start modus for the Slalom. Downhill rated in accordance with groups, not results.Streif

Ganslern

196319.-20. January Streif

Ganslern

1964 Races announced, but cancelled due to lack of snow.  
196522.-24. JanuaryAnniversary races, “25th Hahnenkamm Races”, introduction of a new winner’s emblem (HKR triangle). First digital race analysis by IBM (Böblingen, Germany).Streif

Ganslern

196622.-23. January Streif

Ganslern

196721.-22. JanuaryFirst race in the World Cup Series. Killy achieves perfect score of “0” in the Combined.Streif

Ganslern

196820.-21. JanuaryBan on sponsorship by the FIS! US team in attendance for the first time.Streif

Ganslern

196918.-19. January Streif

Ganslern

Eintrittskarte. Foto: © copyright!
1961, Slalom am Ganslern. Foto: © copyright!
Slalom am Ganslern. Foto: © copyright!
1967 gab es erstmals Weltcup-Punkte. Foto: © copyright!
Die Franzosen waren unschlagbar: Guy Perillat, Adrien Duvillard, Charles Bozon. Foto: © copyright!
Anzeigentafel in den 1960ern. Foto: © copyright!

The 1970s - Hinterseer is the last Slalom winner from Kitzbühel

yeardareremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
197017.-18. JanuaryDownhill cancelled, Giant Slalom and Slalom are held and rated as a Combined. European premiere of the "Downhill Racer" movie with Robert Redford in Kitzbühel. Racers are invited to attend. 

Ganslern

197123.-24. JanuarySupplementary Slalom, Downhill held in Mégève (FRA) due to lack of snow. Combined results: Downhill Mégève & Slalom Kitzbühel. Ganslern
197214.-16. JanuaryDue to snow conditions, Hausberg is bypassed and the Downhill course set over the Vorderganslern. The racecourse is therefore 200 metres longer.Streif via VorderganslernGanslern
197327.-28. January StreifGanslern
197426.-27. JanuaryHansi Hinterseer is the last Slalom winner from Kitzbühel. “Steilhang” bypass is created for skiers for the first time (Family Streif).Streif

Ganslern

197518.-19. January StreifGanslern
197624.-25. JanuaryHeavy snowfall causes programme changes. The Slalom is held on Saturday, the Downhill on Sunday.StreifGanslern
197715.-16. January StreifGanslern
197820.-22. JanuaryHigh-safety A-Nets used for the first time. Two winners in the Downhill, Josef Walcher (AUT) and Sepp Ferstl (GER) ski a tie finish with a time of: 2:07.81StreifGanslern
197920.-21. JanuaryEight cameras on the Streif for the first time. ORF planned to send images of all sections of the race route to the jury, a project that is vetoed by the jury.StreifGanslern
Hansi Hinterseer siegte 1974 am Ganslern. Foto: © copyright!
Roland Collombin (SUI). Foto: © copyright!
Foto: © copyright!

The 1980s - the Hahnenkamm gets harder

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
198012.-13. January Streif

Ganslern

198117.-18. JanuaryFinal training run and the Downhill in one day.Streif

Ganslern

198215.-17. JanuaryFirst use of flex poles in the Slalom, Harti Weirather (AUT) is the first ever to finish the race in under two minutes in the supplementary Downhill: 1:57.2 (new course record) "Willybags" used for the first time instead of straw bales.Streif

Ganslern

198321.-23. JanuaryFirst use of artificial snowmaking machinery. 80,000 shillings invested into water supplies alongside the racetrack. The Steilhang could be partially groomed with a slope groomer (attached by winch).Streif

Ganslern

198421.-22. JanuaryAdditional snowmaking machinery used. US TV station ABC broadcasts the entire Downhill Race to the United States.Streif

Ganslern

198512.-13. JanuaryFirst "celebrity race", ski legend Alfred Matt (AUT), wins just ahead of Formula 1 racing driver, Ricardo Patrese (ITA).Streif

Ganslern

198618.-19. JanuaryToni Sailer appointed as Chief of Race.Streif

Ganslern

198724.-25. JanuaryDue to fog on Saturday, both the Downhill and Slalom races are held on Sunday.  For this reason, there are only two athletes in the Combined rankings.Streif

Ganslern

198816.-17. JanuaryRaces announced: cancelled - due to lack of snow.  
198914.-15. JanuaryNew safety nets are mounted at the Steilhang exit, four split times are installed.Streif

Ganslern

Paul Frommelt und Andreas Wenzel (Liechtenstein)
Franz Heinzer (SUI), Pirmin Zurbriggen (SUI), Peter Wirnsberger (AUT)
Erwin Resch (AUT), Pirmin Zurbriggen (SUI)

The 1990s - a modern era begins

JahrDatumAnmerkungenRennstrecke AbfahrtRennstrecke Slalom
199020.-21. January"KitzKiri Ski" is the name of the anniversary races on the occasion of the 50th HKR. Ladies’ races are planned, but cancelled. Due to snow conditions, the race starts at "Alten Schneise”. A Sprint Downhill is held for the first time with two runs. Hausberg Vorderganslern is bypassed in the Downhill.Streif via Vorderganslern

Ganslern

199112.-13. January Streif

Ganslern

199217.-19. JanuaryIn accordance with FIS regulations, a limited sum of prize money is paid out at the Hahnenkamm Races in the form of gold coins.Streif

Ganslern

199316.-17. JanuaryRaces announced: cancelled - due to lack of snow.  
199415.-16. JanuaryAfter cancellation of the 1993 races, new artificial snowmaking facilities are installed on the Streif and Ganslern in summer. The Combined is rated for the first time according to finish times (previously based on scored points). Seidlalm Jump is constructed, providing the Streif with another key section.Streif

Ganslern

199514.-16. JanuarySupplementary Downhill (replacement for St. Anton), a Super-G is held for the first time (replacement for Flachau). Heavy snowfall on Friday means there are two Downhill runs on Saturday. The start-gate is moved to the Steilhang. Super-G is held on Monday.Streif

Ganslern

199613.-14. JanuaryA Sprint Downhill is also announced, but cancelled. A Legend Race is held again.Streif

Ganslern

199724.-26. JanuaryHahnenkamm-Bahn cable car resumes operations after renovation works in summer 1996, its gondolas bear the names of the winners. The Hahnenkamm shuttle train service celebrates its premiere, transporting visitors to the event grounds free of charge. 56,000 visitors take advantage of this service in its inaugural year. The large car parks in Oberndorf and Kirchberg are free. Fritz Strobl (AUT) sets a new course record: 1:51.58.StreifGanslern
199823.-26. JanuaryA supplementary Slalom race takes place on Monday, the Downhill is held on the Vorderganslern, the planned ladies’ races are cancelled and the new Zielhaus used for the first time.Streif über Vorderganslern

Über Vorderganslern ins Abfahrtsziel

199922.-24. JanuarySpectator record broken: 99,000 fans in attendance, 53,000 at the Downhill alone.Streif

Ganslern

1990 - 50th HKR
finish area 1995
Jure Kosir
from left to right: Jure Korsir (SLO), Alberto Tomba (ITA), Ole Kristian Furuseth (NOR)
Pepi Strobl (AUT)
Thomas Sykora (AUT)
Alberto Tomba (ITA)
Austrian's racer Mario Reiter won the Slalom 1997, Alberto Tomba was desperately disappointed
Foto: © copyright!

The 2000s - capricious weather and much innovation

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
200021.-23. JanuaryDownhill start-gate: Mausefalleboden due to heavy snowfall, Super G is included in the HKR Programme for the first time, some historic races.Streif

Ganslern

200119.-21. JanuaryNew start slope for the Super G, now located next to the top terminal of the "Streifalm 1” lifts. International Junior Races hosted for the first time. New “Airfence” mats installed at the Mausefalle.Streif

Ganslern

200218.-20. JanuaryAn additional reservoir for artificial snowmaking operations was built on the Ehrenbachhöhe during the previous summer. Food colouring is used to draw blue lines along the racecourse for improved visibility.Streif

Ganslern

200324.-26. January“100 Years Kitzbühel Ski Club” jubilee is celebrated. A gala evening and legendary races round off the programme. Start times for the Downhill and Super-G are brought forward to 11hrs in order to provide all athletes with comparable lighting conditions.Streif

Ganslern

200422.-25. January"Best 5th HKR”. New start time for the speed event: 11:30 hrs. Supplementary Downhill (replacement for Bormio) is held. ORF uses two super-slow-motion cameras and reporters provide race coverage from a helicopter.Streif

Ganslern

200521.-23. JanuaryDownhill cancelled, Super-G postponed until Monday, no Combined results. 

Ganslern

200620.-22. JanuaryStart line lowered to the Mausefalle due to strong winds.Streif

Ganslern

200726.-28. JanuarySuper-G and Downhill cancelled. Hurricane Kyrill destroys the speed courses overnight, two Slaloms held instead.StreifÜber Vorderganslern ins Abfahrtsziel
200818.-20. JanuarySlalom course over the Vorderganslern laid down in the programme, strong winds in the upper sections result in the start-gate being relocated to the Mausefalle.StreifÜber Vorderganslern ins Abfahrtsziel
200923.-25. JanuaryReturn to the classic Ganslernhang hill, SL start-gate moved uphill, the new Ganslernbahn chairlift opens. Super G start at the "Alten Schneise”.Streif

Ganslern

start area 2007
Red Bull coaches zone Hausbergkante 2002
Hermann Maier (AUT) with his coach
Hermann Maier (AUT)
2004, Stephan Eberharter (AUT), with Daron Rahlves (USA) and Ambrosi Hoffmann (SUI)
Stephan Eberharter (AUT). Foto: © copyright!
2004 Siegerehrung Abfahrt. Foto: © copyright!
Stephan Eberharter (AUT)
2002, spectators

The 2010s - the classic Alpine Combined no longer exists

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
201022.-24. JanuaryOrganizers, Race and Press Offices move to the new “Wirtschaftskammer” Chamber of Commerce premises.Streif

Ganslern

201121.-23. JanuarySeidlalm 2 reservoir for snow production completed in 2010, snowmaking equipment for the racecourse is optimised and construction of the Parallel Streif completed. Super G receives a new start line, just below the Seidlalmkopf. Full HD TV.Streif

Ganslern

201220.-22. JanuarySuper G is cancelled due to heavy snowfall. A massive weather front forces relocation of the Downhill start-gate to the "Alte Schneise".Streif

Ganslern

201325.-27. JanuaryThe entire Race Week performed as planned (for the first time since 2002). Classic Alpine Combined held for the last time.Streif

Ganslern

201424.-26. JanuaryDespite bringing snow in from external sources, there are still insufficient levels at Hausberg. Due to weather conditions, the Slalom is held on Friday, Downhill on Saturday and Super G, as well as Combined Slalom, on Sunday. AC ratings for the first time (Super G and Combined Slalom with one run).Streif über Hinterganslern

Ganslern

201523.-25. January

75th Anniversary Hahnenkamm Races. Downhill start-gate relocated to the Seidlalm Jump due to thick fog.

Streif

Ganslern

201619.-24. JanuaryAxel Naglich appointed new HKR Chief of Race. Challenging weather conditions. The race is abandoned after start number 30, although ratings are established.Streif

Ganslern

201715.-21. JanuaryA European Cup is held for the first time at the start of Race Week. The young athletes start at the Mausefalle and the finish line is at Oberhausberg. The European Cup and Juniors are to be held on alternate years. For this reason, the EC takes place every two years. HKR: No Combined rankings for the first time.Streif

Ganslern

start hut with the energy station, 2011
International Junior Race
"Guggamusik"
Didier Cuche (SUI)
Fans
2011 - Super-G from left to right: Georg Streitberger (AUT), winner Ivica Kostelic (CRO), Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR)
Eric Guaye (CAN)
Aksel Lund Svindal (NOR)
combined slalom
finish area
left to right: Valentin Giraud Moine (FRA), Dominik Paris (ITA), Johan Clarey (FRA)
Feuerwerk bei der abendlichen Siegerehrung. Foto: © copyright!

The 2010s - the classic Alpine Combined no longer exists

yeardateremarksrace course downhillrace course slalom
201022.-24. JanuaryOrganizers, Race and Press Offices move to the new “Wirtschaftskammer” Chamber of Commerce premises.Streif

Ganslern

201121.-23. JanuarySeidlalm 2 reservoir for snow production completed in 2010, snowmaking equipment for the racecourse is optimised and construction of the Parallel Streif completed. Super G receives a new start line, just below the Seidlalmkopf. Full HD TV.Streif

Ganslern

201220.-22. JanuarySuper G is cancelled due to heavy snowfall. A massive weather front forces relocation of the Downhill start-gate to the "Alte Schneise".Streif

Ganslern

201325.-27. JanuaryThe entire Race Week performed as planned (for the first time since 2002). Classic Alpine Combined held for the last time.Streif

Ganslern

201424.-26. JanuaryDespite bringing snow in from external sources, there are still insufficient levels at Hausberg. Due to weather conditions, the Slalom is held on Friday, Downhill on Saturday and Super G, as well as Combined Slalom, on Sunday. AC ratings for the first time (Super G and Combined Slalom with one run).Streif über Hinterganslern

Ganslern

201523.-25. January

75th Anniversary Hahnenkamm Races. Downhill start-gate relocated to the Seidlalm Jump due to thick fog.

Streif

Ganslern

201619.-24. JanuaryAxel Naglich appointed new HKR Chief of Race. Challenging weather conditions. The race is abandoned after start number 30, although ratings are established.Streif

Ganslern

201715.-21. JanuaryA European Cup is held for the first time at the start of Race Week. The young athletes start at the Mausefalle and the finish line is at Oberhausberg. The European Cup and Juniors are to be held on alternate years. For this reason, the EC takes place every two years. HKR: No Combined rankings for the first time.Streif

Ganslern

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