That was the Hahnenkammrennen 2025

What a great week in Kitzbühel. Following the invitation of the Kitzbühel Ski Club to the Hahnenkamm race goes without saying. It was my first time as a spectator in the Gamsstadt. And what I experienced during the days here, I would never have thought possible before!

Right after my arrival I was greeted so warmly by Rainer Lienher and his entire team from the Kitzbühel Ski Club welcomed me, simply incredible. After we watched two jumps at the Schattenberg ski jump, we moved on to the start house tour. Impressive how they plummet down! And the behind-the-scenes look that the KSC granted me was more than interesting. I am incredibly grateful for this experience.

The very next day the races started. I am still overwhelmed by the atmosphere and the setting. I have already attended many major events, but what goes on here in Kitzbühel is hard to beat. We even dove into the melee two hours before the race to make sure we wouldn’t miss anything. I think we were the first in the stands, which wasn’t a big deal. The waiting time was a real pleasure and we were top entertained. Parachutists, celebrities (Thanks Ernst Hinterseer for the pleasant exchange) and a lot of fans who created an immense atmosphere.

The Salettl Stammtisch in the Rasmushof as well as the podium ceremony in the evening were the cherry on top of day 2.

The next day the show continued with the complete who’s who from politics, sport and society. After I thought the previous day would be hard to top, I was proven wrong today. Besides the sporting action, there were especially many nice encounters at the center stage. It started already at breakfast with a pleasant exchange with ÖSV Sports Director Mario Stecher and Alpine Chief Herbert Mandl.

Afterwards we went up to the honour tribune, where I could hardly believe my eyes right at the start. Arnold Schwarzenegger, Bernie Ecclestone and as they all introduce themselves, walked around, in the midst of them my wife and I. These are truly experiences, I tell you! Especially for one encounter I am deeply grateful today. The KSC President Michael Huber came up to me, greeted me and thanked us again for our great collaboration. It is something very special when you are so appreciated by certain people. That definitely sweetened the day for me – besides a extremely exciting race and many more acquaintances.

The last day was the conclusion of a wonderful week full of action, adrenaline and nice encounters. Even if the weather wasn’t as beautiful, every minute we stood in the rain and cheered was worth it!

Unbelievable the way athletes glided down the Gansernlfang on pure ice. It was like the skating rink, just on skis.

Besides outstanding athletic performances, I also had extremely good conversations with nice people on the last day. ÖSV General Secretary Christian Scherer for example, with whom I had a great far-sighted conversation. Or KSC President Michael Huber, with whom we sat again at the regulars’ table. After such eventful days you only realize at the end, when things calm down and the stress drops, how happy you are. We headed home with physically drained batteries, but a head full of impressions, pictures and memories.

Besides all the glamour, Kitzbühel for me is above all about one thing: the pleasant encounters with people from various backgrounds who come peacefully together, enjoy sport at the highest level and celebrate together. It’s these encounters that stay in memory for a long time and are so valuable to me.

Thank you, Kitzbühel, for an unforgettable race weekend! And THANK YOU to the KSC, who made all of this possible!

Yours, Peter Riedel