Suurmäkiä

Suurmäkiä refers to ski jumping hills with a large or very large construction point (K-point). In ski jumping, the K-point is a line on the landing slope that represents the minimum distance for which the hill is designed. Hills are classified by their K-point, with normal hills typically having a K-point between 85 and 109 meters, and large hills falling between 110 and 125 meters. Ski jumping hills larger than 125 meters are classified as ski flying hills.

The term "suurmäki" is Finnish and directly translates to "big hill" or "large hill," distinguishing these larger structures from the smaller "mäkihyppy" or "normal hill" facilities. Suurmäki events are a standard part of major ski jumping competitions, including the Winter Olympics and the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. Athletes competing on suurmäki need to demonstrate significant power, precision, and courage due to the increased speed on the inrun and the longer flight distances required.

The aerodynamic and physical demands of jumping on a suurmäki are considerably higher than on a normal hill. The wind conditions, jump technique, and equipment all play crucial roles in determining the success of a jump. Winning or achieving a good result on a suurmäki is a significant accomplishment for any ski jumper, often requiring years of dedicated training and experience. These hills are designed to test the limits of human performance in the sport.