Ski Jumping

Ski Jumping – A winter sport that is not to be missed

Few winter sports are as exhilarating as ski jumping. A Winter Olympic Games event, ski jumping is a sport that is always guaranteed to draw a crowd. Although ski jumping is not something commonly available to tourists at ski resorts across France, Switzerland, Austria, Canada or the USA, it is still a must-see spectacle all the family could enjoy if you are lucky enough to holiday at a ski resort where professional ski jumpers practice their skills in preparation for international competition (Norwegian resorts are best for this).

Ski Jumping – What it’s all about

Ski jumping’s origins lie in the innovative approach to winter sports adopted by members of the Norwegian army as far back as 1809. Over the centuries, the Norwegians have forged a reputation amongst winter sports enthusiasts worldwide for being willing to experiment with new skiing techniques – to push the boundaries with a determination to take skiing and winter sports overall to a new level. It’s no surprise, then, that the Norwegians (spearheaded by the Norwegian army lieutenant, Olaf Rye), founded the sport of ski jumping where skiers hurtle down a take-off ramp, jump and attempt to land as far as possible down the hill below.

Ski Jumping – It’s not just on snow

As the sport of ski jumping has evolved with the emergence of new techniques and better equipment, ski jumpers have been able to jump further and from greater heights (ramps). In recent years, synthetic ski surfaces have been used in the construction of ski jumps (mainly in Europe), so that ski resorts offering ski jumping can guarantee ski jumping as a cheap skiing holiday additional activity in both winter and summer. Some ski resorts offer ski jumping tuition for individuals or groups, where budding ski jumpers can try their hand at ski jumping on practice ramps and landing ‘hills’ that could be made from snow, plastic, frost rail tracking, or even porcelain.

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