The World’s Craziest Ski-Jumps
Looking for some thrills this winter? Ever considered ski-jumping? Before you do, you’d better take a look at our ski-jumping guide. Then you can decide for yourself whether you really want to take part or would rather watch the professionals show you how it’s done.
Lake Placid ski-jump, USA
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Lake Placid in New York hosted the Winter Olympics in 1980. Its ski-jump looks more than a little out-of-place set against a backdrop of pine forests and mountains and the view from the top affords the jumper a panoramic appreciation of the surrounding countryside – though we reckon the view would be the last thing on your mind once you’re up that high a preparing to jump.Â
Ski-jump world record
This is longest ski-jump ever recorded – a record 239 metres set by Bjorn Einar Romoren in Planica, Slovenia in March 2005. The distance he travels is the equivalent of about two and a half football pitches and just as you think he has to land he just keeps going… and going… and going. Probably the closest any man has felt to flying like a bird.
Empire Stadium ski-jump, Vancouver
This shot shows the incredible height and scale of ski-jumps – not to mention just what a triumph of engineering these structures are. This one was only temporary – build to host the three-day Centennial Ski Jump Tournament at Vancouver’s Empire Stadium in 1958. This stadium hit the heights again in 1964 when the Beatles played to a full-house.
Ski-jump bird’s-eye-view – Planica, Slovenia
This is the same ski-jump in Slovenia where Bjorn Einar Romoren set his world record of 239 metres. The ski-jumper is a local – Milan Živic – and although he’s not in the same class as Romoren, you really get a sense of the speed, exhilaration and peculiar calm that must get professional ski-jumpers out of bed in the morning. The distance? 159 metres.
Holmenkoller ski-jump, Norway
The Holmenkoller ski-jump near Oslo is one of the world’s most iconic ski-jumps. The tower stands at over 60 metres and looks out over stands that hold over 50,000 people – that’s more than the capacity of every Premier League football stadium except Old Trafford and the Emirates Stadium. More than a million tourists visit the ski-jump each year, mainly for the incredible views of Oslo.
When ski-jumping goes wrong – Zakopane, Poland
Those of a squeamish disposition, please watch with your hands held close to your face, ready to cover your eyes. His name is Jan Mazoch and don’t worry, he survived this jump and is actually back competing again now – you have to admire his bravery because so heavy is this fall it’s amazing that he’s still able to walk.
And finally… a ski-jump with a difference, Japan
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At first glance this looks like a terrifyingly steep ski-jump – it’s not, it’s a toilet specially designed for a number of ski resorts in Japan (where else)
call me chicken, but I’d never do that. I’ll jump out of an airplane but jumping is just beyone me.