Toni-Sailer-Platz Officially Opened In Kitzbühel

The new Toni Sailer Square in Kitzbühel was inaugurated in a dignified ceremony. For ski club president Michael Huber, it is "a place of life and a meeting point for people."

“A small square for a great personality,” Kitzbühel’s mayor Klaus Winkler aptly summarized the significance of the moment. Despite its compact size, the square in front of the Hahnenkamm cable car valley station radiates far beyond its location: “Every Hahnenkamm winner has set foot on it at least once,” said the mayor.

Around 200 visitors attended the opening. Among them were Toni Sailer's close friend and member of the legendary Wunderteam, Ernst Hinterseer, as well as Harti Weirather, Hanni Weirather-Wenzel, Alexander Koller, and of course his family, including his son Florian Sailer and brother Rudi Sailer. The Kitzbühel town band and hot drinks from the Legends Café provided the festive atmosphere.

The date was chosen deliberately: Toni Sailer would have celebrated his 90th birthday on November 17th. "My father was rather a quiet, connoisseur of life, but this would have made him incredibly happy," said his son, Florian Sailer . "I myself am also very pleased that this event has come to pass and would like to sincerely thank everyone involved." The initiative to name the square after him came from Florian and was implemented within a few months in cooperation with the municipality, the Kitzbühel cable car company, and the Kitzbühel Ski Club. The approval was unanimous – the municipal council passed its resolution unanimously.

Michael Huber , president of the Kitzbühel Ski Club, emphasized the special charm of the new square: Between the railway and the Hahnenkamm cable car, "a place of life and a meeting point for people" has been created here.

Anton Bodner , CEO of the Kitzbühel cable car company, also believes there is no more suitable location to bear the name Toni Sailer Square: "Here, where Kitzbühel's first ski lift went into operation almost 100 years ago – at the interface between mountain and valley." Christian Harisch , chairman of Kitzbühel Tourism, also recalled Toni Sailer's achievements, which extend far beyond his sporting successes: "Without Toni Sailer, Kitzbühel would not be Kitzbühel."

With the opening, the foundation was laid for further developing Toni Sailer Square into a place to linger in the coming years. A new bench has already been installed; new paving and a drinking fountain will follow in 2026. Meanwhile, another memorial to Toni Sailer has been given even greater prominence since Monday: The sculpture "The Black Lightning" in the Legends Park is now illuminated.