The Harakiri slope is located in Mayrhofen, Austria, in the Zillertal 3000 ski area. The name says it all: Harakiri is the ritual suicide of Japanese Samurai, and the figures make the connection between this ritual and the Austrian slope immediately clear:
The Harakiri black run is the steepest in all of Austria, boasting a 78% gradient with a vertical drop of 375 meters over a length of around 1 km.
Even for expert skiers, tackling the Harakiri is a true adventure: the 78% gradient and a surface that is always icy require strong skiing skills, good physical preparation, and smart judgment.
The ski resort itself lists several essential requirements for tackling this run, including:
Knowledge of FIS rules, physical fitness, perfect body control, above-average skiing ability, sound technique, core stability, and suitable skis and poles.
Falls are a regular occurrence on this run, so in addition to focusing on your own descent, you must always keep your eyes wide open to avoid being knocked over by other skiers.
The Zillertal Ski Area also recommends trying slope no. 17 first, known as the “Devil’s Run“, and only attempting the Harakiri if you encounter no problems or hesitation on that descent.
Besides being an icon, the Harakiri is also an attraction: every Friday a free photo service operates, offering skiers the chance to be photographed while tackling this fearsome run—proof to show off to friends.
No comments yet