Official Opening of the 86th Hahnenkamm Races
The Province of Tyrol, Kitzbühel Ski Club and the Austrian Ski Federation hosted a reception on Thursday evening to mark the official start of the 86th Hahnenkamm Races. A special focus was placed on the event’s sporting and economic significance, as well as on the efforts of around 1,500 people who work both in front of and behind the scenes to ensure the success of this traditional fixture.
A weekend of sporting excellence, powerful emotions and impressive images – characterised by Tyrolean hospitality and a spirit of peaceful coexistence: the official opening of the 86th Hahnenkamm Races took place in Kitzbühel on Thursday evening. As in previous years, Tyrolean Governor Anton Mattle, together with Kitzbühel Ski Club and the Austrian Ski Federation, invited guests to the official reception hosted by the Province of Tyrol. The event was given a ceremonial setting with a traditional Tyrolean welcome, provided by the Kitzbühel Schützenkompanie, Kitzbühel Town Band and representatives of the town’s traditional associations.
Leading figures from the worlds of politics, business, security services and sport gathered in Kitzbühel’s historic ‘Vorderstadt’ to mark the start of this annual sporting highlight. Around 100 invited guests gathered at the ‘Goldene Gams’ to herald the start of the ski festival, including the President of the Austrian Ski Association, Roswitha Stadlober; the President of Kitzbühel Ski Club, Michael Huber; ÖSV Sports Director Mario Stecher; former skiing greats such as Leonhard Stock; Kitzbühel's Wonder Team members Hias Leitner and Ernst Hinterseer; slalom ace Fabio Gstrein; Minister of Agriculture Norbert Totschnig; State Secretary Elisabeth Zehetner; Kitzbühel's Mayor Klaus Winkler; and Kitzbühel's Tourism Director Viktoria Veider-Walser.
Governor Anton Mattle stressed: “The Hahnenkamm Races exert a magical allure and are characterised by sporting excellence and joie de vivre. They also represent what defines Tyrol: ambition, courage, hospitality and solidarity. In this way, we promote Tyrol as a land of sport and tourism – and the Hahnenkamm Races embody this charismatic role once again this year. These images are experienced live by 85,000 fans and broadcast around the world. Above all, it is thousands of helping hands and excellent organisation that set this sporting event apart: a highlight of the sporting year and an important economic driver for Tyrol. I wish all spectators thrilling races, the athletes every success and safe skiing, and the entire organising team and everyone involved another memorable sporting festival.”
Philip Wohlgemuth, Provincial Councillor for Sport and Deputy Governor, also paid tribute to those working largely behind the scenes: “The performances delivered by the athletes this weekend command my utmost respect,” he said, extending his thanks to the many support staff, coaches and physiotherapists, who contribute so much to the event’s success.
Anton Mattle also highlighted the economic significance of the races and thanked the organising team: “Total revenues in the Kitzbühel region alone are estimated at almost 50 million euros, securing around 600 full-time jobs. The economic impact is enormous and a key contributor to prosperity in our region. My thanks also go to the 1,500 people who are on duty during the race days, some of whom on a voluntary basis. They all deserve our gratitude – without them, the Hahnenkamm Races simply would not be possible.”
Photo © Land Tirol/Sedlak
