© iStock
© iStock
Ski jumping is a winter sport in which athletes launch themselves from a ski jumping hill and aim to achieve the greatest possible distance while maintaining a stable and aerodynamic position in the air. It is one of the most spectacular snow sports and an Olympic discipline, performed on large ski jumping hills at major international competitions.
For those who want to experience this sport up close in the Dolomites, one of the most important destinations is Val di Fiemme, in Trentino. Predazzo is home to the G. Dal Ben Ski Jumping Stadium, a historic venue dedicated to ski jumping and Nordic combined, which has hosted major international competitions and events during the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Is ski jumping an Olympic sport?
Yes, ski jumping is an Olympic sport and is part of the Winter Olympic programme.
The discipline includes individual and team competitions and is practised by both men and women. Ski jumping is also one of the two disciplines of Nordic combined, together with cross-country skiing.
Val di Fiemme has a particularly strong connection with Nordic sports. The Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium was one of the venues for ski jumping and Nordic combined competitions at the Milano Cortina 2026 Winter Olympics.
Where can you practise and watch ski jumping in the Dolomites?
For those who want to discover the world of ski jumping in the Dolomites, the main destination is Val di Fiemme, and in particular Predazzo.
This is where you will find the G. Dal Ben Ski Jumping Stadium, a venue that has hosted ski jumping and Nordic combined competitions for more than thirty years. The stadium has hosted three editions of the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships and is one of the most important venues for Nordic skiing in Italy.
During a stay in Val di Fiemme, you can visit Predazzo and discover the world of ski jumping hills up close. On specific occasions, guided tours of the stadium are also available, offering the opportunity to learn about its history and reach the starting towers from which athletes begin their descent before taking off.
How does a ski jumping competition work?
A ski jumping competition is based on the total scores achieved by athletes in the rounds included in the event.
Each jump consists of four main phases:
- in-run, during which the athlete gains speed on the ski jumping hill;
- take-off, when the athlete leaves the ramp;
- flight, during which the athlete aims to maintain an aerodynamic position with the skis in a V shape;
- landing, ideally performed in the telemark position.
The result does not depend solely on the distance achieved. The score also takes into account the quality of the style and factors related to the competition conditions, such as wind and the starting gate position.
The competition format may vary depending on the event. Qualifying rounds and one or more competition rounds are generally held, while some events use special formats.
What are the different types of ski jumping hills?
Ski jumping hills are mainly classified according to their size.
The best-known categories are:
- Normal Hill, used for shorter jumps;
- Large Hill, which allows athletes to achieve greater distances;
- Ski Flying Hill, designed to allow much longer jumps.
The size of the hill affects the speed of the in-run, the flight trajectory and the distance athletes can achieve.
The Predazzo Ski Jumping Stadium, in Val di Fiemme, features ski jumping hills used for competitions and is therefore an important destination for anyone interested in discovering this sport during a holiday in the Dolomites.
How do you win a ski jumping competition?
The winner is the athlete who achieves the highest overall score at the end of the competition.
A jump's score mainly takes into account:
- the distance achieved;
- style and technical quality;
- wind conditions;
- the starting gate position.
In competitions held over several rounds, the scores from the individual rounds are added together to determine the final standings.
This means that in ski jumping, it is not enough to jump farther than your opponents: winning requires a combination of distance, technique and control.
Ski jumping in the Dolomites: Val di Fiemme
Val di Fiemme is one of the Dolomites' destinations with the strongest traditions in Nordic sports. During a holiday in the valley, a visit to Predazzo offers the chance to discover one of the landmarks of Italian ski jumping and learn more about a sport that combines speed, technique and spectacular action.
The G. Dal Ben Ski Jumping Stadium is therefore an interesting stop for sports enthusiasts and for anyone looking for a different experience during a holiday in the Dolomites, in an area where Nordic skiing has long been an important part of the local identity.
