Normaalimäkiä

Normaalimäkiä refers to ski jumping hills with a size designation of K90 to K110. These are the most common type of ski jumping hills used in international competitions, including the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and the Winter Olympics. The "K" in K90 stands for Konstruktionspunkt, or construction point, which is a reference point on the landing slope.

The K-point is crucial in scoring, as jumps reaching this point are awarded 60 points. Points are added or subtracted based on the distance of the jump relative to the K-point. Normaalimäki hills are designed to allow jumpers to achieve distances of around 90 to 110 meters, depending on the specific hill. The size and profile of these hills are carefully engineered to ensure safety and optimize jumping performance.

Compared to larger ski flying hills, normaalimäki hills are generally considered less demanding and more accessible for developing ski jumpers. They provide a balanced challenge that tests technique, speed, and aerial control. Many national and international training centers feature normaalimäki hills due to their versatility and role in the progression of ski jumping athletes. The sport's popularity relies heavily on events held on these types of hills, making them a cornerstone of competitive ski jumping worldwide.