Ski jumping

Ski jumping is a high-speed winter sport focused on distance and grace.

Athletes attempt to fly as far as possible after descending a curved ramp. Success depends on more than just length. A jumper's aerial style and technical precision also determine their final score. This sport is a core part of the Nordic skiing disciplines, alongside cross-country skiing. It requires immense skill to manage momentum and wind while airborne.

A ski jumping venue, or hill, consists of several specific parts.

First, the athlete uses the in-run, which is the jumping ramp. They slide down this slope to gain significant speed. Next, they reach the take-off table to launch into the air. While flying, the athlete maintains an aerodynamic position to maximize flight time. Finally, they land on a slope designed to be near-parallel to their path. This allows for a safer, more gradual descent. The jump ends in the out-run, a flat area for slowing down.

There are many different types of hills used in competition.

Hills are classified by their construction point, known as the K-point. The K-point acts as a target for the competitors. Small hills have a K-point between 45 and 49 meters. Medium hills range from 45 to 74 meters. Normal hills sit between 75 and 99 meters. Large hills range from 100 to 130 meters. Giant hills go from 131 to 169 meters. Finally, ski flying hills feature a K-point over 170 meters.

The history of the sport traces back to Norway in the 19th century.

Evidence suggests jumping existed in the late 18th century. In 1866, Sondre Norheim won the first competition with prizes in Høydalsmo. Norheim is often called the "father" of modern ski jumping. The sport spread to North America through immigrants like Karl Hovelsen. Nels Nelsen brought the sport to Canada and designed Mount Revelstoke. This hill was the largest natural jump in Canada. It hosted several world records between 1916 and 1933.

Scoring is a complex process involving distance and style.

Judges watch from a tower to evaluate the flight and landing. Each judge can award up to 20 points for style. They look for balance, body position, and steady skis. The highest and lowest scores are removed to ensure fairness. The distance score is based on the K-point. On a large hill, landing on the K-point earns 60 points. For every meter beyond the K-point, athletes earn extra points. In large hills, this value is 1.8 points per meter. In ski flying, it is 1.2 points per meter.

Technique has changed significantly as science and aerodynamics evolved. Early jumpers used the Kongsberger or Windisch techniques with parallel skis. In the mid-1980s, Jan Boklöv pioneered the "V-style." This involves spreading the skis wide apart in a V-shape. This modern method allows athletes to fly about 10% further than older styles. Some athletes even use the H-style, which combines parallel and V-styles. Regardless of flight style, jumpers must use the Telemark landing. This means landing with one foot in front of the other. Failing to do this results in style point deductions.

Ski jumping is a major global event organized by the International Ski Federation. It has been part of the Winter Olympics since 1924. The team event was added in 1988, and women's events debuted in 2014.

The sport is not limited to winter. Summer competitions use special facilities with smooth porcelain in-runs. The FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix has been held since 1994. These summer events allow athletes to practice even without snow. This ensures the sport remains active throughout the entire year.