Skispringen

Skispringen, or ski jumping, is a winter sport in which athletes descend a take-off ramp, launch into the air, and land down the hill on a slope. Jumps are performed on specially prepared hills with a designated takeoff, a landing area, and a curved landing zone. The goal is to achieve maximum distance while maintaining control and style. Jumps are scored by judges for style and by measured distance relative to the hill’s K-point; wind and gate compensation may affect the final score.

Competitions occur at multiple levels, including the FIS World Cup, World Championships, the Winter Olympics, and the Four Hills Tournament. Hills are classified by hill size and K-point; events may take place on normal-, large-, or ski-flying hills. The standard flight technique is the V-style, adopted in the late 20th century, which increases lift. Inrun speed, takeoff, flight trajectory, and landing position all influence the result; landing is judged for balance and technique, often in a telemark stance.

Equipment includes long skis, bindings, boots, a helmet, and a closely fitted aerodynamic suit regulated to minimize advantage. Safety regulations and wind/gate adjustments are applied in scoring.

Skispringen originated in Norway and spread across Nordic and alpine countries. It is governed internationally by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and features prominent events such as World Cup circuits, World Championships, Olympics, and the Four Hills Tournament.