The equipment needed for ski jumping includes skis, boots, a ski suit, a helmet, goggles, gloves, bindings, and a connection cord. These are all specialized for this event and not the same equipment you’d use for regular skiing.
I’m Christine, and I created this blog to share my love of skiing with other skiers who feel the same way. I try to ski as often as possible and watch as many skiing events as I can. I’ve done some research to know what is required for ski jumping.
This post will show you what equipment is needed for ski jumping. I’ll give you a list and a quick breakdown of each piece of equipment so you can better understand how ski jumpers get themselves ready to take flight.
Let’s jump in!
Contents
Key Takeaways
- The equipment that ski jumpers need are skis, boots, bindings, a connection cord, a ski suit, a helmet, goggles, and gloves.
- All this equipment is specialized for ski jumping, and it’s not the same equipment you’d use for regular alpine skiing.
- There are regulations for a lot of this equipment, and ski jumpers must adhere to these rules, or they can be disqualified from jumping events.
What Equipment is Needed for Ski Jumping?
Ski jumping is a fun event to watch. Jumpers literally look like they are flying through the air, and the jump itself is enormous. But every jumper needs specialty equipment to make it happen, and below you’ll find a list of everything they use.
Skis
Ski jumping skis are larger than your average skis. They are the longest and widest skis you’ll see used in any competitive skiing event. And they really aren’t made for skiing at all; they’re made for jumping.
Ski jumping skis are designed to help give the jumpers added lift when they are in the air, and they have special construction and design to help with this.
Boots
Ski jumping boots are also different than standard alpine ski boots. They are flexible enough to allow the jumpers to lean really far forward and have a low cut at the front that helps with this. You won’t use ski jumping boots for any other reason but to jump.
Bindings
Specialty bindings are also used for ski jumping. The rules require that 57% of the entire ski length is before the bindings. The bindings are also designed to release the skier’s boots in case of a fall, just like regular alpine bindings.
Ski Jumping Suits
The ski jumping suit looks like a one-piece spandex suit, but there are many design considerations that go into this to make sure it adheres to all the rules involved with the event. There are regulations relating to the thickness of the suit and the amount of stretch it has.
These regulations are in place to prevent skiers from gaining an unfair advantage by using a suit that gives them extra float through the air. Athletes can be disqualified from events if their suits don’t meet the requirements.
Connection Cord
The connection cord is a part of the ski binding but is technically its own piece of equipment. This small cord runs from the binding to the boots, and it helps keep the skis from wobbling in the air, increasing jump distances.
Gloves
Ski jumpers usually use a pretty small and thin glove. They aren’t out in the snow that long, so they don’t need big heavy gloves packed with insulation. But they still need a bit of warmth, comfort, and protection.
Goggles
Ski jumpers use goggles just like any other skier. Some jumpers use smaller goggles with a more aerodynamic shape, while others use models that look very similar to what you would use as an alpine skier.
Helmet
Ski jumping helmets are slightly larger and more aerodynamic than standard ski helmets. This provides the jumpers with extra protection in case they fall during the jump. These helmets have extra cushioning and are designed with skier safety in mind.
FAQs
Here are a few quick answers to some of the most commonly asked questions related to what equipment is needed for ski jumping.
How long are skis for ski jumping?
Ski jumping skis are some of the longest skis you’ll find. They are typically around 1.5 times the height of the skier using them. This helps increase the skis’ float and gives the jumpers an advantage to jump farther.
How heavy are ski jumping skis?
Even though ski jumping skis are some of the largest skis around, they aren’t the heaviest. They don’t have as many layers or edges because you don’t need to carve or turn on the skis, and they are just made for jumping.
Final Thoughts
While the equipment needed for ski jumping isn’t that different from regular skiing, all of this gear is pretty specialized for the event. This helps the jumpers gain a bit of an advantage and increase their ability to jump long distances.
Have you ever watched a ski jumping event? Was it live or on television? Let me know in the comments below.
