Ski jumping is not a sport for the faint of heart. It’s a spectacle where athletes launch themselves into the air at terrifying speeds, defying gravity in a way that few other sports can match. At the upcoming Milano Cortina Winter Olympics, this already dramatic event will reach new heights—literally and figuratively—with milestones for women’s competition and the emergence of rising stars. Here’s why you won’t want to miss it.
The Thrill of Flight: A Sport Defined by Extreme Physics
Ski jumping isn’t about simply going far; it’s about mastering a complex equation of speed, technique, and aerial control. Competitors reach speeds of 120 to 153 kilometers per hour (75 to 95 mph), and can stay airborne for distances equivalent to an entire American football field.
Scoring isn’t just based on distance. Judges evaluate style – fluidity of movement, the power of the launch, and a clean landing – awarding points on a scale of 0 to 20, much like in figure skating. Wind conditions play a critical role, making each jump a unique challenge. The distance is calculated from the take-off point to where the skier lands, making precision and control paramount.
A Turning Point for Women’s Ski Jumping
For years, women ski jumpers fought for equal recognition. The sport only officially included women at the Games in 2014—a century after men began competing. The Milano Cortina Games mark another breakthrough: women will compete in the Large Hill event for the first time.
This milestone comes after years of unfair regulations, including mandatory hip pads in suits that hindered aerodynamics. The International Ski Federation (FIS) finally removed these pads in 2020, leveling the playing field. Expect records to fall as women take advantage of this newfound freedom. The Large Hill at Milano Cortina measures 128 meters (420 feet) —significantly larger than the normal hill at 98 meters (322 feet), promising even more spectacular jumps.
The Rise of Nika Prevc and Other Future Stars
Slovenia’s Nika Prevc, at just 20 years old, is the clear favorite for gold in the Large Hill event. In March 2025, she shattered the women’s world record with a jump of 236 meters (774 feet). The Prevc family has a legacy in the sport, as her brother, Peter Prevc, is a decorated medalist himself.
Watch out for Nika Kriznar, also from Slovenia, who took bronze in the Normal Hill event at the Beijing Games. With Beijing’s gold medalist sidelined by injury, the podium is open for new contenders. On the men’s side, Daniel Tschofenig of Austria, the first skier born in the 21st century to win the Four Hills Tournament, is a force to be reckoned with.
Ski jumping is where athletes willingly defy gravity, pushing the boundaries of human capability. The Milano Cortina Games will not only showcase extreme athleticism but also celebrate a sport finally evolving towards full equality.
The Ski Jump competition begins on February 7, 2026. Tune in to witness the impossible made possible.
