Hüppemägedel

Hüppemägedel refers to ski jumping hills. These are specially constructed inclined surfaces designed for ski jumpers to launch themselves into the air. The primary objective in ski jumping is to achieve the longest possible jump distance while maintaining good style and landing safely.

The construction of a hüppemägedel is crucial for the sport. It includes an in-run, a take-off ramp, and a landing slope. The in-run is a steep track where the jumper accelerates before reaching the take-off. The take-off ramp is precisely angled to provide the skier with the necessary lift. The landing slope is designed to gradually decrease in steepness, allowing the jumper to absorb the impact of landing. The size of a ski jumping hill is measured by its K-point and hill size (HS). The K-point is a calculated distance on the landing slope, and jumps landing at this point are typically awarded a base score. The hill size indicates the approximate point where the slope flattens out.

Ski jumping hills can vary in size, from smaller training hills to large Olympic-grade facilities. Larger hills allow for longer jumps and are more challenging to navigate. The sport requires a combination of speed, technique, courage, and precise timing. Modern hüppemägedel often incorporate advanced technology for safety and performance, including specialized coatings for the in-run and sophisticated measurement systems for jump distances. Competitions are held in various conditions, with wind and snow playing significant roles in the outcome of a jump.