Vertical Up Race: Streif your limit

The Vertical Up race in Kitzbühel takes participants on a grueling ascent up the infamous Streif, one of the most legendary and challenging downhill ski courses in the world. Unlike the skiers who race down its treacherous slopes during the annual Hahnenkammrennen, competitors in the Vertical Up reverse the journey, climbing from the base to the summit under their own power. The route spans 3,312 meters (approximately 3.3 kilometers) in length and features a punishing vertical gain of 860 meters, testing the endurance, strength, and willpower of every participant.

Starting at the Hahnenkamm finish area near the Red Bull/Rasmusshof in Kitzbühel, the race kicks off with a mass start, often under the glow of headlamps as it’s held at night. The course follows the original Streif downhill track for those in the Speed Division, tackling the same steep and unrelenting terrain that skiers bomb down at breakneck speeds. The initial section begins with the Ganslernhang, a steep slope that sets the tone for the climb ahead. From there, participants push upward through a series of demanding pitches, including sections like the Mausefalle (Mousetrap)—known for its near-vertical drop during the downhill race, which translates to an exhausting uphill slog—and the Steilhang, a notoriously steep and technical stretch.

The route winds through the twisting, narrow paths of the Streif, with its punishing inclines and uneven snow-covered terrain. Competitors encounter flat gliding sections that, in the downhill context, allow skiers to pick up speed, but here demand sustained effort to maintain momentum on the ascent. The final push leads to the Hahnenkamm start house at the summit, perched at 1,665 meters above sea level, where the finish line awaits—a hard-earned reward after conquering one of the most formidable uphill challenges in endurance sports.

For those in the Rucksack Division, an alternative route via the Familienstreif (Family Streif) offers a slightly less brutal path, bypassing some of the steepest sections while still covering the full vertical distance. Regardless of the chosen course, the Vertical Up transforms the Streif’s fearsome reputation into a battle of human resilience, with every step a triumph over the mountain’s relentless rise.

We had a blast….. Congratulations Torsten & Jo