Hahnenkamm: The legendary local mountain of Kitzbühel
The Hahnenkamm is inextricably linked to the Streif – one of the most challenging downhill runs in alpine skiing. At the same time, it is much more than just a World Cup stage: In winter, the local mountain of Kitzbühel Sporty slopes, free practice lifts in the valley, and family-friendly areas. In summer, the mountain transforms into a hiking and biking area with panoramic trails and interactive stations. The Hahnenkamm cable car connects the center of Kitzbühel directly to the mountain station at approximately 1,650 m.
Short info:
- What is the Hahnenkamm? A mountain in Tyrol. The Hahnenkamm is a prominent peak southwest of Kitzbühel. It rises 1,712 m above sea level; the highest point is the Ehrenbachhöhe at 1,802 m.
- Where is he? It is the local mountain of Kitzbühel
- How do you get up there? How do I get up there? The modern Hahnenkamm cable car starts at Hahnenkammstraße 1a in Kitzbühel (Valley station: 786 m). It takes you to the Hochkitzbühel mountain restaurant at 1,650 m in about 10 minutes. The cable car operates daily from 8:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. in the summer, from the beginning of June to the beginning of November. During the peak season, it runs until 11:00 p.m. on Friday evenings (end of June to mid-October) and an hour later on Saturdays until 6:00 p.m. In winter, skiing usually starts in mid-December and continues until the beginning of April. During the premium period from December 21st to March 14th, skiing is guaranteed thanks to snow conditions.
- How much does it cost? Here are the current prices.
- When do the ski races take place? Usually at the end of January. Friday is dedicated to the Super-G, on Saturday the downhill skiers battle for victory on the Streif, and on Sunday the slalom is on the program at the Ganslernhang.
- What is on offer? In winter, you can expect perfectly groomed slopes, freeride descents, a winter hiking trail, and a children's area. In summer, the Hahnenkamm is a paradise for hikers, families, and mountain bikers – with the Streif summer experience, the Hahnenkamm circuit, flow trails, and numerous mountain huts.
Hahnenkamm – World Cup racecourse, family area and winter start right in the center of Kitzbühel
The Hahnenkamm is inextricably linked to the Streif – one of the most challenging downhill runs in alpine skiing. At the same time, it is much more than just a World Cup stage: In winter, the local mountain of Kitzbühel Sporty slopes, free practice lifts in the valley, and family-friendly areas. In summer, the mountain transforms into a hiking and biking area with panoramic trails and interactive stations. The Hahnenkamm cable car connects the center of Kitzbühel directly to the mountain station at approximately 1,650 m.
Racecourses and wide carving slopes
- Streif downhill run: The infamous racecourse begins at an altitude of approximately 1,665 meters. From the starting gate, the course immediately leads over the Mausefalle (Mousetrap) and through steep sections such as the Karussell entrance and the Brückenschuss (Bridge Shot). Top speeds of over 100 km/h make the Streif one of the most challenging World Cup downhill courses.
ATTENTION: Not all parts of this race are open for normal operation for safety reasons. - Varied slopes: Around the Hahnenkamm, wide carving slopes, intermediate valley runs, and off-piste terrain await freeriders. Together with the neighboring mountains, the KitzSki ski area offers over 230 km of groomed slopes and 58 lifts.
- Snow reliability: A modern snowmaking system with 1,260 snow cannons covers approximately 90% of the slopes. Guaranteed for the 2025/26 season. KitzSki, that a spacious ski area will be available from December 21st; in case of insufficient snow, part of the ticket price will be refunded.
Family and beginner offers
- Spieli-Kinderland: The Spieli-Kinderland children's area is located right next to the valley station at Hahnenkammstraße 1a. Little skiers learn to glide playfully on a magic carpet (conveyor belt). On Friday evenings from 4:30 pm, the area transforms into a fun tobogganing party. Ski schools and rental shops offer their services in the immediate vicinity.
- Free practice lifts: For those first turns, several free practice lifts are available in the valley, including Mocking, Rasmusleiten, and Ministreif. These lifts are ideal for beginners and families.
- More magic carpets: At the Hochkitzbühel mountain station there are additional practice conveyor belts (e.g. Streiteckmulde) that offer children and beginners a safe practice area.
Winter hiking and nature experience
- Panoramic circular route: A groomed winter hiking trail starts at the Hahnenkamm cable car mountain station and leads around the newly created mountain lake. The circular route offers impressive views of the Wilder Kaiser mountain range, the Kitzbühel Horn, and the snow-covered valley.
- Ice skating on the mountain lake: From mid-December to March, the mountain lake transforms into a natural ice surface under suitable conditions – a special experience for families.
Events and tips
- Hahnenkamm Race: The Ski World Cup takes place on the Streif at the end of January, featuring Super-G (Friday), Downhill (Saturday) and Slalom (Sunday). Numerous spectator zones will be set up along the course for the public.
- Parking and arrival: Ample parking and electric vehicle charging stations are available at the Hahnenkamm cable car valley station. A dense network of ski buses and the included Streifzug train connection ensure a stress-free journey.
The cockscomb in summer
Hiking between alpine pastures and panoramic views
When the snow melts, the Hahnenkamm reveals its gentler side. Barrier-free walking paths and scenic hikes begin right at the mountain station. Particularly popular are:
- Hüttenrunde #23 to Ehrenbachhöhe The circular tour takes about two hours and leads across alpine meadows and through light forests to rustic mountain huts such as the Berghaus Tirol, the Hahnenkammstüberl, and Hochkitzbühel near Tomschy. The Ehrenbachhöhe, at 1,802 m the highest point of the Hahnenkamm, offers a 360-degree view of the Wilder Kaiser, the Kitzbühel Alps, and the Hohe Tauern.
- Descent via the StreifThose wishing to experience the legendary slope in summer can hike from the mountain station down the racecourse to the valley. The trail markers follow the key sections of the downhill run; information panels explain the history and technology of the races. Sure-footedness is required.
- Summer experience Streif: This 1.7 km long adventure trail is ideal for families. Nine interactive stations are modeled after the famous sections of the Streif downhill ski run: from the start, past the Mausefalle and Steilhang, to the Hausbergkante. Balancing elements, climbing equipment, and an adventure playground near the Seidlalmsprung make the trail a fun experience for children. The barrier-free course starts and ends at the mountain station and takes about 45 minutes.
- Historic miners' trails: Copper and silver were mined on the Hahnenkamm mountain in the past. Relics such as tunnels and mine workings can be discovered along old mining trails. Especially near the Ehrenbachhöhe, field names like Kupferplatte (copper plate) are reminders of this era.
Mountain bike and flow trails
The Hahnenkamm is part of the KitzBike Trails network. With a valid Gravity Card or KitzSki With the Bike Card, you can use all trails. Particularly noteworthy are:
- Hahnenkamm Trail: A family-friendly flow trail, 7.2 km long with an 850-meter descent. It starts at the mountain station, runs down the left flank of the Hahnenkamm mountain, and primarily utilizes natural features. Playful banked turns, wooden bridges, and small rollers make the trail suitable for beginners; more advanced riders will enjoy the speed and the views.
- Fleckalm Trail: With a length of 7.1 km and almost 1,000 meters of descent, it is one of the longest singletrack trails in Tyrol and has been awarded the "Great Trail" designation. Root sections, jumps, and banked turns demand both fitness and technical skill.
- Gaisberg Trail: This 2.3 km long downhill classic below the Gaisberg chairlift has a 450-meter vertical drop and an S3 difficulty rating. Jumps and drops make it a challenge for experienced riders. Chicken runs are available for less experienced bikers.
- Future project Flowtrail Kirchberg: By 2026, the trail network will be expanded to include an 8.5 km long flow trail between Hahnenkamm and Kirchberg. The project extends the Fleckalm Trail to the mountain station and creates additional singletrack sections.
Away from the trails, panoramic paths invite you to leisurely e-bike tours. Kitzbühel offers over 80 signposted mountain bike and gravel routes; the combination of train ascent and bike descent saves energy and opens up varied tours.
Places to eat & services
In both summer and winter, several huts and restaurants provide Tyrolean hospitality:
- Hochkitzbühel near Tomschy: Located directly at the mountain station, known for regional cuisine and sun terrace.
- Hahnenkammstüberl: A quaint hut on the hiking trail, ideal for a snack with a view of the valley.
- Berghaus Tirol: Traditional mountain inn at Ehrenbachhöhe, popular with hikers and skiers.
- Seidlalm: Historically significant alpine pasture on the Streif, where ski pioneer Sepp Koller once ran his hut – it can be reached via the Streifweg trail.
Parking, ski and bike rentals, and other services are available at the valley station. Public buses (Hahnenkammbahn stop) and the cable car (Hahnenkammbahn station) provide convenient access to the starting point.
Conclusion
The Hahnenkamm is far more than just the backdrop for the spectacular World Cup race. As Kitzbühel's local mountain, it combines alpine myth, scenic beauty, and modern infrastructure. With its diverse slopes, hiking trails, child-friendly attractions, and state-of-the-art bike trails, the mountain offers a varied experience in every season – for families as well as ambitious athletes. Kitzbühel Anyone going on holiday should not miss this alpine highlight.
Rate us and Write a Review
| day | opening hours |
|---|---|
| Monday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Tuesday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Wednesday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Thursday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Friday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Saturday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
| Sunday | 08:30 – 17:00 |
Close by
Kitzbühel Horn – the family-friendly ski resort
- Hornweg 23a, 6370 Kitzbühel
Reith near Kitzbühel
- Kirchweg 7, 6370 Reith near Kitzbühel
Stanglwirt Organic and Wellness Resort
- Kaiserweg 1, 6353 Going am Wilden Kaiser
