adminWell it has an average incline of 78% and there aren’t any steeper groomed slopes in Austria. There are numerous signs warning of impending steeps but nature contrives on 2 levels to draw skiers and snowboarders in – curiosity and a strangely gentle approach! The flats end and the shelf drops off – there are a number who can deal with the ignominy of walking back up this gentle section carrying skis or a snowboard. Many others tackle the Harakiri – some very well, others manage a turn or 2, go steel-like rigid in fear and succumb. There a few trees on the left side as you descend and avalanche barriers on the other – the fact is if you are still on your edges then these will be avoided and if not then gravity is kind enough to fire the remnants of skiers and snowboarders past and directly down the slope as gravity intended. The great aspect of the Harakiri is that it is completely forgiving under-ski – there are runs everywhere with half the pitch that get moguls for the season – not the Harakiri, it is groomed daily and what exists is a carpet, a very steep one for sure but a very forgiving one. That makes the Harakiri a mind game – if you can deal with the pitch then it is straightforward, the moment though that doubts start to arise then the gradient becomes a very big hurdle. A few each day straight-line the Harakiri and get incredible speed before disappearing for autographs or treatment, most get down conventionally with many turns and a good numbers fall short and are spat-out at the bottom of the Harakiri, helped to their feet by those watching and waiting for such outcomes. Equipment inevitably follows down the Harakiri and before long the victim is re-acquainted with gloves, sticks, skis, goggles….a classic piste and spectacle.
How steep? Try it.