The Ultimate Guide to the 2025/2026 Four Hills Tournament in Austria
As the winter air sharpens across the Alps, millions of eyes turn toward the skies for the 74th Four Hills Tournament (Vierschanzentournee). For Austrians, this isn’t just a sporting event; it is a national tradition that defines the turn of the year. From the opening jumps in Germany to the grand, emotional finale in Bischofshofen, the tournament is the ultimate test of nerves, technique, and courage.
In this 1,100-word deep dive, Vienna Times provides a comprehensive guide to the “Grand Slam” of ski jumping, the Austrian favorites poised for glory, and why the 2025/2026 edition is set to be one of the most competitive in history.
1. The Legend of the Four Hills
The tournament is unique because it requires perfection across four different hills in just ten days. A single mistake in Oberstdorf or Garmisch-Partenkirchen can end a jumper’s dreams of the overall “Golden Eagle” trophy.
The tour begins in Germany before crossing the border into the heart of Austria for the final two stages:
- Stage 3: Innsbruck (Bergisel Stadium) – Jan 3rd/4th: Known for its unpredictable winds and the stunning backdrop of the Tyrolean mountains.
- Stage 4: Bischofshofen (Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze) – Jan 5th/6th: The largest hill of the tour and the place where Austrian legends are made.
2. The Austrian Favorites: Can Stefan Kraft Soar?
The “ÖSV-Adler” (Austrian Eagles) enter the 2025/2026 season with a powerhouse team. All eyes are on Stefan Kraft, the veteran master who continues to defy gravity.
- Stefan Kraft: After a strong start to the World Cup season, Kraft is hunting for his second overall tournament win. His experience in handling the pressure of the Bischofshofen crowd is unmatched.
- The Young Guns: Keep a close eye on the rising stars of the Austrian squad. The internal competition within the ÖSV team has never been higher, pushing every jumper to their limit.
3. The Main Rivals: A Global Battle
Austria’s path to the “Golden Eagle” is blocked by fierce international competition.
- The German Threat: Jumpers like Andreas Wellinger are desperate to bring the trophy back to Germany for the first time in over two decades.
- The Norwegian & Slovenian Style: Known for their incredible aerodynamic flight, the Slovenians are often the “dark horses” who can steal a win in Innsbruck.
4. How to Watch and Attend
For those not traveling to the hills, the broadcast coverage in Austria is world-class.
- Live Coverage: ORF 1 will provide “wall-to-wall” coverage, including expert analysis and behind-the-scenes looks at the wax-cabins.
- Tickets: While the Austrian stages are nearly sold out, last-minute returns are sometimes available on official platforms. Remember that public transport changes for 2026 may affect your travel to the venues!
5. The Science of the Jump
In 2026, technology plays a bigger role than ever. From the specialized suits that act like wings to the precise timing of the “take-off” (which happens in less than 0.3 seconds), ski jumping is a sport of millimeters.
- The Equipment: Suits are measured to the centimeter to ensure fairness.
- The Wind Factor: Modern compensation points help balance the luck of the draw, but at the Bergisel in Innsbruck, the “Witch of the Wind” still plays her part.
Conclusion: A New Year Tradition
The Four Hills Tournament is the heartbeat of Austrian winter sports. It combines the thrill of extreme athletics with the festive spirit of the New Year. As Stefan Kraft and the rest of the ÖSV-Adler prepare to take flight, the entire nation will be watching. Whether you are a lifelong fan or a newcomer to the sport, the 2025/2026 tour promises drama, beauty, and hopefully, an Austrian victory in Bischofshofen.
