In this area of our guide, we will examine the sport of ski jumping, a winter sport where competitors strive to achieve the farthest jump after skiing down a specially designed curved ramp on skis. The final score is based on the jump length and aerial style.
The roots of ski jumping, as a sport, go back to Norway in the early 19th century. Olaf Rye made the first recorded ski jump in 1808, leaping 9.5 meters to entertain his fellow soldiers. The sport gained popularity with Sondre Norheim, often regarded as the father of modern ski jumping, who won the first competition with prizes in 1866. By the late 19th century, ski jumping had spread across Europe and North America.
Initially, jumpers used what was known as the Kongsberger Technique, characterized by a bent upper body and arms extended forward. This was followed by the Windisch Technique, where the arms were placed backward for better aerodynamics. The parallel style, or Däscher Technique, became the standard, with jumpers keeping their skis parallel and slightly inclined. The most recent and widely used technique is the V-style, introduced by Jan Boklöv in the 1980s, where the skis form a "V" shape to maximize lift and distance.
Ski jumping competitions are governed by a set of rules designed to ensure fairness and safety. Competitions are held on varying-sized hills, classified as normal hills (90 meters) and large hills (120 meters). Jumpers are scored based on the distance of their jump and their style, with points awarded for landing near the K-point, a line marking the optimal landing area. Equipment regulations ensure that skis, bindings, and suits meet specific standards to maintain safety and fairness.
Ski jumping is featured prominently in several major competitions. It has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924. The FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, held since 1925, and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, established in 1980, are other significant events. The sport also includes the Four Hills Tournament, a prestigious annual event in Germany and Austria.
The record for the longest ski jump is held by Stefan Kraft, who reached 253.5 meters in Vikersund, Norway, in 2017. Recently, Ryōyū Kobayashi set an unofficial record of 291 meters on a specially constructed hill in Iceland. These jumps highlight the incredible advancements in technique and equipment that have pushed the boundaries of the sport.
While thrilling, ski jumping carries a risk of injuries. A study on elite female ski jumpers reported an injury incidence of 25.4 injuries per 100 athletes per season. The most common injuries occur during crash landings, often affecting the knees. Weather conditions can also increase the risk of injuries.
While the sport carries inherent risks, ski jumping captivates audiences worldwide.
Topics related to ski jumping are appropriate for this category. However, retail sales sites should be submitted to the corresponding category in our directory's Shopping & eCommerce area.
Recommended Resources
International Ski and Snowboard Federation
Known as the Fédération Internationale de Ski (International Ski Federation) until 2016, when its name was changed to include snowboarding, FIS is responsible for the Olympic skiing disciplines (Alpine skiing, cross-country skiing, ski jumping, Nordic combined, freestyle skiing, and snowboarding). The website features a calendar of events, results and leaders, live results, and athletes, along with each of the FIS disciplines, along with photographs, videos, and a mobile application.
https://www.fis-ski.com/
Located in Fox River Grove, Illinois, the Norge Ski Club is the oldest continuously operating ski club in the United States. Founded by a group of Norwegian immigrants in 1905, the club focuses on ski jumping and prepares athletes for Olympic-level competition. It offers training for people of all ages and membership opportunities. The club hosts national and international amateur competitions, including the annual Fall Ski Jump Tournament. Its junior program and tournament schedules are posted.
https://norgeskiclub.org/
Initially built for the 1980 Winter Olympics, the Olympic Jumping Complex in Lake Placid, New York, features towering ski jump towers that serve as the launching point for ski jumpers. It includes a gondola Skyride and an elevator to the top of the ski jump tower for views of Lake Placid and the Adirondack Mountains, a Sky Flyer Zipline, and various events and festivals. Athletes from various levels train on the ski jumps and freestyle pool. Scheduled activities are featured on the site.
https://olympicjumpingcomplex.com/
SJC is the governing federation for ski jumping in Canada. The organization is responsible for the governance of all country ski jumping competitions and the national team's operation, which has competed in ski jumping at the Winter Olympics since 1928. Its athletes, competition results, sponsors, team criteria, coaching, event schedules, and safety policies are stated, and donations to the federation may be made online. A mailing address, telephone number, and email address are provided.
https://skijumpingcanada.com/
Located in Westby, Wisconsin, the Snowflake Ski Club was founded in 1922 and is known for its focus on ski jumping, boasting one of the few remaining all-volunteer large hill ski jumping clubs in the Western Hemisphere. The club hosts annual ski jumping tournaments that attract international competitors. The club features a range of ski jumps, including a 118-meter Olympic-sized hill used for national and international competitions and smaller hills for training junior jumpers.
https://snowflakeskiclub.com/
Incorporated in 2003, the non-profit organization is responsible for the operational funding and support of the U.S. Women's ski jumping team. It administers funding for coaching, travel, training, equipment, and development programs. In conjunction with the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Association, the organization prepares the top women in ski jumping for national and international competitions each year. The site publishes its programs, grants, sponsorships, and contacts.
http://wsjusa.org/
