The Countdown to the Four Hills Tournament in Innsbruck Begins
As the first half of the 74th Vierschanzentournee (Four Hills Tournament) concludes in Germany, the eyes of the sporting world are shifting to the heart of the Alps. The “Bergisel” stadium in Innsbruck is preparing to host the third and arguably most dramatic stage of the tour.
For the Austrian “Eagles,” this is more than just a competition it is a homecoming. In this Vienna Times preview, we look at why Innsbruck is the “make or break” hill for the overall title and what fans can expect this weekend.
1. The Bergisel Challenge: A Hill Like No Other
While the tour starts with high-flying action across the border, the transition into Austria’s mountainous states brings a new set of challenges. The Bergisel hill is famous for its “Witch of the Wind.” Because of its unique architectural design and location, unpredictable gusts can change the standings in a matter of seconds.
For many jumpers, Innsbruck is where the dream of the “Golden Eagle” trophy either takes flight or comes to an end. As we noted in our Ultimate Four Hills Guide, the technical precision required here is unmatched.
2. Stefan Kraft and the Austrian Hopes
Stefan Kraft remains the man to watch. Having performed consistently in the German stages, Kraft returns to Austrian soil with the momentum of a nation behind him. However, the competition is fierce. The rising stars of the ÖSV (Austrian Ski Federation) are looking to use their “home-hill advantage” to secure a podium sweep.
3. Fan Information: Getting to the Stadium
If you are traveling to Innsbruck for the qualifying round:
- Tickets: Limited standing room tickets are still available at the gate, but arriving early is essential.
- Safety: Much like the celebrations in Vienna, fans should be aware of the current weather conditions as wind may cause slight delays in the jumping schedule.
- Transport: The “Bergisel-Shuttle” will be running from Innsbruck Main Station.
4. What’s at Stake?
Innsbruck serves as the penultimate test before the grand finale in Bischofshofen. A strong performance here not only boosts a jumper’s score but also puts immense psychological pressure on their rivals. For the Austrian team, a win in Innsbruck would be the perfect start to 2026.
Detailed Schedule: The Road to the Golden Eagle
To help you plan your viewing, here is the full breakdown of the remaining jumps in the 2025/2026 tour. While the focus is now on Innsbruck, the New Year’s Day jump in Garmisch remains the immediate hurdle for the Austrian team.
| Date | Location | Event Type | Start Time (CET) |
| Dec 31, 2025 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | Qualification | 4:00 PM |
| Jan 01, 2026 | Garmisch-Partenkirchen | New Year’s Jump | 2:00 PM |
| Jan 03, 2026 | Innsbruck (Bergisel) | Qualification | 2:30 PM |
| Jan 04, 2026 | Innsbruck (Bergisel) | Bergisel Jump | 1:30 PM |
| Jan 05, 2026 | Bischofshofen | Qualification | 4:30 PM |
| Jan 06, 2026 | Bischofshofen | The Grand Finale | 4:30 PM |
Current Standings: Austrians in the Hunt
As of the start of today’s qualifying round in Garmisch, the competition is incredibly tight. While Slovenia’s Domen Prevc currently holds the lead after a dominant performance in Oberstdorf, the Austrian “Air Force” is well-positioned for a comeback on home soil:
- Daniel Tschofenig (AUT): 2nd Place
- Jan Hörl (AUT): 4th Place
- Stefan Kraft (AUT): Currently in the Top 10
The proximity of the Bergisel old town to the stadium creates a unique acoustic “cauldron” that often unnerves international jumpers, giving our local heroes a psychological edge as we move into the Austrian leg of the tournament.
