Walk the Lauberhorn race course - where 160 km/h feels possible on foot

How to Complete

4 steps to experience this fully

1. ⛰️ 1

   Stand at the Hundschopf - Where Racers Go Airborne for 30 Meters

   adventure Free

   The steepest, most terrifying section of the world's longest downhill race

   The Hundschopf jump - 41 degrees of sheer gradient where World Cup racers hit 160 km/h and go airborne for 30 meters. This is the steepest part of the entire 4,480-meter course. In 2013, Johan Clarey set the all-time Alpine World Cup speed record at 161.9 km/h on the Hanneggschuss section just below here. Take the Wengernalpbahn to Kleine Scheidegg, then follow signs for "Lauberhorn-LIVE" trail to reach the Hundschopf one-third down the course from the start house. Walk to the marked Hundschopf viewing area. Look down the fall line - that 87% grade is what racers see at 160 km/h. Time your visit during race week (January 16-18, 2026) to see them launch in person, or walk it in summer when you have the course to yourself.

   🔄 BACKUP: If Hundschopf access is closed, the finish area in Innerwengen (20-minute walk from Wengen station) lets you stand where 30,000 spectators watch racers cross the line after the longest 2.5 minutes in ski racing.

   🍷 Log Memory
2. 📜 2

   Find the 1930 Start House - Where Christian Rubi Won the First Race

   history Free

   The original downhill that started a 96-year tradition

   On February 1-2, 1930, the very first Lauberhorn races were held. Christian Rubi won the downhill. Ernst won the slalom. Bill Bracken of Great Britain won the combined. This became the world's oldest and longest downhill race - 4,480 meters that takes 30-45 seconds longer than any other World Cup downhill. Look for the historic marker or plaque at the top of the Lauberhorn course (accessible via Wengernalpbahn to the start area above Kleine Scheidegg) near the start house documenting the 1930 first race. Ask any local volunteer or race official about "Christian Rubi 1930" - they'll point you to the spot. The start house itself may be modernized, but the fall line is unchanged.

   🔄 BACKUP: If the start area is inaccessible, the finish area museum in Innerwengen displays historic photos and artifacts from the 1930 inaugural race, including timing sheets and winner rosters.

   🍷 Log Memory
3. 🍷 3

   Toast at the Finish with Swiss Chasselas - The Racers' Reward

   wine $

   The wine that pairs with alpine victory

   Chasselas (called Fendant in Valais) - the crisp, mineral white wine that's Switzerland's alpine classic. After 2.5 minutes of racing the world's longest downhill, this is what locals reach for. Light, elegant, with apple, pear, and citrus notes - it's the traditional pairing for cheese raclette, but it's also the celebration drink after conquering the Lauberhorn. Order "a glass of Chasselas" or "Fendant from Valais" at the finish area in Innerwengen, or any of the spectator tents/restaurants around the course during race week (Jan 16-18, 2026). Outside race week, head to a Wengen village restaurant. If they have a local Vaud Chasselas, even better - ask for "Chasselas from Lavaux" for the minerality. Tell them you just walked the Hundschopf. Watch them smile.

   🔄 BACKUP: If Chasselas isn't available, ask for any Swiss white wine. But Chasselas is THE alpine pairing - high acidity cuts through the mountain air and celebrates 96 years of Lauberhorn tradition.

   🍷 Log Memory
4. ⛰️ 4

   Walk the Hanneggschuss - The Fastest Section on Earth

   Optional

   adventure Free

   161.9 km/h - the all-time World Cup speed record, set right here

   The Hanneggschuss is the fastest section of the Lauberhorn - a steep, long, dark straightaway where racers barely touch snow every 10 meters. In 2013, French racer Johan Clarey clocked 161.9 km/h here - the highest speed EVER recorded in Alpine Ski World Cup history. From the Hundschopf viewing area, follow the course downhill to the Hanneggschuss straight in the middle section of the Lauberhorn course, below the Hundschopf jump. Stand at the top, look down the pitch, and picture Clarey's skis making contact with snow every 10 meters while traveling faster than a highway car. Time yourself walking it - then realize racers cover it in seconds.

   🔄 BACKUP: During race week, watch the speed trap display near Hanneggschuss - it shows real-time speeds as racers blast through. Outside race week, any local restaurant will have photos of racers mid-flight through this section.

   🍷 Log Memory