Ski jumping is a popular winter sport where the participant jumps on skis from a ski jump. The objective is to jump as far as possible while maintaining the best possible style. Ski jumps are constructed in a number of sizes, from small children’s jumps of just a few metres to large ski flying hills where it’s possible to fly over 250 metres.

The ski jumper takes the run down the slope and takes off, remaining airborne for as long as possible before executing as perfect a landing as possible at the bottom of the hill. The preferred landing is the Telemark landing, which means that the knees are bent with one ski just ahead of the other. Jumping skis are long and wide compared to most other types of ski, making it easier to maintain balance on landing. Judges award marks for style that together with the length achieved decide on the contestant’s placing in the competition. Balance, athleticism and co-ordination are all key factors in the sport.