Audi FIS Alpine Ski World Cup Garmisch-Partenkirchen (Kandahar Race)
72nd Kandahar Race – Alpine Skiing World Cup on the Kandahar Arena Kreuzeck
About FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch
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Tradition Since 1954
The Kandahar Race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen has been held since 1954 and is considered one of the most important ski races in the Alps. Named after British Field Marshal Frederick Roberts of Kandahar, who initiated a ski race at Mont Blanc in 1911, the Garmisch Kandahar has become a must-attend event for the world's best ski racers. 2026 marks the 72nd edition – an anniversary that underscores the event's deep roots in Bavarian alpine sports culture.
The Kandahar Arena Kreuzeck
The venue for the races is the Kandahar Arena Kreuzeck in Grainau, a district of Garmisch-Partenkirchen located directly at the Zugspitze massif. The course drops approximately 920 meters over a length of about 3,300 meters, making it one of the most challenging tracks on the World Cup circuit. The characteristic "Freier Fall" – an extremely steep section with an almost vertical gradient – demands the highest level of technical precision and courage from the athletes.
2026 Races: Downhill and Super-G
The men's races in 2026 will take place on the weekend of February 28th to March 1st: Saturday, February 28th, is the Downhill race starting at 11:15 AM; Sunday, March 1st, features the Super-G, also starting at 11:15 AM. Official downhill training sessions are scheduled for Thursday and Friday – a spectacle that sports fans can experience in Garmisch.
Garmisch-Partenkirchen – A Winter Sports Hub
The market town of Garmisch-Partenkirchen is located in the Garmisch-Partenkirchen district in the state of Bavaria, at the foot of Germany's highest peak, the Zugspitze (2,962 m). With around 27,000 inhabitants, "Garmisch" is one of Germany's most famous winter sports resorts. The 1936 Winter Olympics, several Ski World Championships, and annual World Cup races have shaped the region's sporting identity. The Kandahar Race is a major social and tourist highlight in the winter sports calendar.
Atmosphere in the Finish Area
The finish area at the Kandahar Arena can accommodate around 25,000 spectators. Bavarian atmosphere with brass band music, a festival tent with roast chicken and mulled wine, public viewing screens, and the live excitement of ski fans from all over Europe create a unique experience. International stars from Austria, Switzerland, Norway, and Italy are among the competitors, as are the German athletes who approach their home race with particular ambition.
FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch — edition 2026
The 2026 edition marks the 72nd Kandahar Race in Garmisch-Partenkirchen – an anniversary of this legendary event of the FIS Alpine Ski World Cup. The world's best ski racers will compete on the notorious Kandahar slope in Grainau.
The program includes two race days: Saturday features the challenging Downhill with the characteristic "Freier Fall", and Sunday the technical Super-G. Both races start at 11:15 AM. Before the races, official training sessions will take place on Thursday and Friday starting at 10 AM – a spectacle freely accessible to fans.
Programme FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch 2026
Thursday, February 26, 2026
- 10:00 AM – Official Men's Downhill Training 1
Friday, February 27, 2026
- 10:00 AM – Official Men's Downhill Training 2
Saturday, February 28, 2026
- 11:15 AM – Men's Downhill (Scoring Race)
- Following – Award Ceremony in the finish area
Sunday, March 1, 2026
- 11:15 AM – Men's Super-G
- Following – Award Ceremony and closing festivities
Highlights FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch 2026
- 72nd edition of the legendary Kandahar Race
- World elite of alpine skiing: Norway, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Germany
- Notorious "Freier Fall" on the Kandahar slope
- Zugspitze backdrop throughout the weekend
- Bavarian festival tent with roast chicken and mulled wine in the finish area
- Large public viewing for around 25,000 spectators
Prices FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch 2026
Tickets for standing room start at approx. €25, grandstands €60–€120, VIP areas €150–€250+. Advance booking via kandahar-rennen.com and official sales points. Early booking recommended – the event regularly sells out. Training sessions (Thu./Fri.) are partly accessible for free, partly at a lower cost.
Practical information — FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch
Getting There
Garmisch-Partenkirchen is accessible via the A95 (Munich–Garmisch-Partenkirchen) or the B23. Parking facilities and shuttle service to Kreuzeck. Due to expected crowds, using public transport is recommended.
Public Transport
Garmisch-Partenkirchen station has direct train connections from Munich (approx. 80 minutes). From the station, shuttle buses or a connecting train to the Kreuzeckbahn valley station.
Tickets
Tickets for standing room, grandstands, and VIP areas are available through official sales points. Advance booking is recommended as the race sells out every year. Prices range from around €25 (standing room) to €200+ (VIP grandstand).
Clothing and Refreshments
Warm winter clothing is required – the weather in February is alpine and cold. Festival tents and food stalls are available in the finish area. Sunglasses are recommended.
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Travel to this festival
Reserva tu tren o autobús para llegar a FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch al mejor precio.
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Where it takes place FIS Ski World Cup Garmisch
Kandahar-Arena Kreuzeck
Kreuzeckbahnstraße 16, 82467 Garmisch-Partenkirchen