Ski jumping is a winter sport in which competitors aim to achieve the farthest jump after sliding down on their skis from a specially designed curved ramp. It is a thrilling display of courage, skill, and aerial physics, where athletes launch themselves into the air, striving for both distance and style.
How Ski Jumping Works
The core concept involves an athlete skiing down a steep in-run on a 'ski jumping hill'. They gain speed and then launch off a take-off ramp at the end of the in-run. While in the air, competitors adopt a specific aerodynamic posture, typically the 'V-style' (skis spread outwards in a 'V' shape), to maximize lift and glide distance. The jump concludes with a landing, ideally executed smoothly with the 'telemark' landing position.
Key Elements of a Ski Jump
A successful ski jump depends on several factors:
- In-run: The section where the jumper gains speed. The speed reached can exceed 90 km/h (around 56 mph).
- Take-off: The crucial moment where the jumper leaves the ramp, converting vertical speed into horizontal distance.
- Flight: The phase where the jumper is airborne, controlling their body position and ski angle for optimal aerodynamics.
- Landing: The moment the jumper touches down, ideally performed with the telemark landing position for stability and style points.
Scoring in Ski Jumping
Competitors are scored based on two main criteria:
- Distance: Points are awarded based on how far the jumper lands past a designated 'K-point' or 'Hill Size' line on the landing slope. Landing beyond these lines earns additional points, while landing short deducts points.
- Style: Five judges award points (up to 20 each) based on the jumper's take-off, flight stability, body position, and landing technique (specifically the telemark). The highest and lowest judge scores are discarded, and the remaining three scores are summed.
Scoring Components:
- Points for reaching the K-point/Hill Size line (base points).
- Additional/deducted points for distance beyond/before the K-point/Hill Size.
- Points awarded by judges for style.
- Compensation points may be added or deducted based on wind conditions or the starting gate used.
The total score is the sum of distance points, style points, and any compensation points. The competitor with the highest total score wins.
Ski Jumping Hills
Ski jumping hills vary in size, which dictates the potential length of jumps. They are typically classified by their 'Hill Size' (HS), which represents the length from the take-off edge to the end of the landing area. Common hill sizes include:
| Hill Type | Hill Size (HS) Range | Typical K-point Range |
|---|---|---|
| Normal Hill | 85–109 meters | 75–99 meters |
| Large Hill | 110–144 meters | 100–129 meters |
| Ski Flying Hill | 145 meters and up | 130 meters and up |
Ski flying hills are the largest, designed for achieving the longest possible jumps, often exceeding 200 meters.
Ski jumping is a prominent event in the Winter Olympics and features annual World Cup competitions, showcasing elite athletes pushing the boundaries of distance and aerial control.
