World's Toughest Ski Race Installs Snow Retention Nets On Steepest Slopes

The Hahnenkamm Races are an imposing and prestigious set of alpine tracks located in Kitzbühel, Austria. These FIS World Cup races -- set to be hosted this January -- are renowned for their steepness, particularly the "Streif," a downhill course.

To ensure that snow remains on the steepest portions of the Hahnenkamm race courses, organizers shared that they were installing snow retention nets on October 24th.

From the (translated) caption:

"So that the snow does not simply slide down in the steep terrain between Hausberg and the cross-country road in winter (especially in the case of stresses such as a slope caterpillar), 300 kilogram snow retention nets will be laid out and mounted at each time. A solid job for our team involved around Peter Widmoser. But the current weather favors preparations for the 84. Rooster comb races both on and on the track. Because who likes to work in rain and wind?"

The netting shown here was being applied to the ever-imposing Streif.

Here's a look at this course featuring American ski racer Lindsey Vonn.

For context (and a little comedic relief), here's a video that features regular skiers attempting to make their way down the Streif.

Yep. It's that steep. If you're not rocking race skis with razor-sharp edges, you might as well not bother.

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