Lienz is the biggest town in Eastern Tyrol and used to hosting various annual mega events such as  the Dolomitenlauf, the Dolomitenmann as well as other running competitions and cycle races. The Lienz Hochstein ski area with its fabulous downhills ( 7 km long) right into the town is for the sporty skiers. Every two years alternating with Semmering, ladies World Cup races are held here and the slalom and giant slalom have come to be regarded as the traditional end-of-year events in the World Cup calendar.

The course descends from 2.200 meters above sea level to the middle of the town on 673 meters with the finishing area being located right beside the main road. In recent years, the town of Lienz invested a great deal in improving the piste and the snow-making facilities along the course in order to make them safer and more attractive for the ladies.

In 1969 the ladies World Cup put in its first appearance on the Hochstein course and returned after a lengthy break in 1997. The races in Lienz are usually considered particularly important for the technical skiers and the allrounders going for the overall World Cup trophy.