Gym Class #13: Ski Jumping from Norway to Illinois

Ski Jump, Photo by Krenda

 Ski jumping is one of three nordic skiing disciplines which includes cross-country skiing, ski-jumping, and nordic combined (cross-country plus jumping).  In 1808, ski jumping began in Norway and the first public competition was also held in Norway 54 years later (1862).  Not much longer, the sport came to the United States.  With so much publicity about skiing in Colorado, you might have thought it began in the West.  It actually began in the Midwest.  The first US ski-jump located in Red Wing, Minnesota.  Three Norwegians came over and started the ski club.

The places with ski jumping history still play an important role in ski jumping.  Norway holds the most medals (398 total).  For comparison, the US holds 17.  Mikkel Hemmerstvedt, a Norwegian immigrant, earned the first US distance record in Red Wing (1887) and then later Mikkel set a new world record (102 feet).  You can visit The American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum at the St. James Hotel in Red Wing, Minnesota.  This HOF is separate from the National Ski Hall of Fame, only focused on ski jumping.

The sport spread from the Midwest to the West and East.  Wisconsin now lists the most ski jump locations (Camero, Eau Claire, Madison, Wisconsin Rapids, Iola, and Westby).  While Illinois only has one ski jump location listed (Fox River Grove, Illinois), we fortunately live close enough to drive for an event without a hotel stay.  The Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove began early (1905) and remains a volunteer club to prepare athletes for Olympic-level competition.  It's considered one of the top learning centers for Olympic ski jumping in the USA with 5 jumps.  The jumps have availability year round and range from beginner to advanced jumps.  In 2018, three Norge Ski Club Olympic athletes (Mike Glader of Casey, Kevin Bickner formerly of Wauconda, Casey Larson of Barrington) traveled to Red Wing, Minnesota to accept the honor of American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame induction.

The sport has both Junior Tournaments and Masters Competitions (age 30 and older).  The International Ski Federation (FIS) organizes events.  Ski jumping existed in the Winter Olympics since 1924.  The FIS Nordic Ski Championship begin in 1925.  First held in France, the US held the competition in 1950 - the first championship outside Europe.  Switzerland hosted the first FIS Junior World Championship (1977) and the US hosted twice (Lake Placid, NY 1986, Park City 2017).  

If you live near Illinois, you should visit the Norge Ski Club Annual Tournament in the end of January.  For a small entrance fee, you can watch the skiers fly.  We especially were impressed with the kids flying off the 150 foot jump.  The crowd watches for the longest jump after descending from the ramp.  The announcer broadcasts the results and the crowd cheers.  There's some costumes and beer drinking, but a nice family event with many fearless adrenaline driven athlete.

 

Gym Class #11: 7 Bungee Trampoline Places

Bungee Trampoline, Photo by Krenda

If your kids like trampoline parks and want to go even higher, consider a bungee trampoline.  Take jumping to a whole new level using bungee cord tethers attached to a jump harness.  Not only do you gain height, it also allows you to try flip after flip.  Do this activity at your own risk.  Operators act as safety spotters, but they will require you signing a release waiver before jumping.  We splurged for bungee trampoline ($15 per 5 minutes) at the Northstar California resort in Truckee (near Lake Tahoe).  We stayed at this beautiful resort for my friend's wedding.  While the resort is known for skiing (Outside Magazine 2014 Best Ski Mountain for Families, Travel Channel Top 5 Spots to Snowboard in the World), we visited during the summer and still found plenty of activities.  The Northstar's Kid Zone also offers spider climb, miniature golf, roller skating, and gem painting. 

Here's seven other places within the United States offering bungee trampoline experience: 

1.  Jackson Hole, WY: Cody Lake Teton Village, WY.  We stayed at a condo in Jackson Hole, but must have been so busy with national park activities that we missed the kid activity area.  1 activity ticket $14, must weigh between 40-60 lbs., fly up to 24 feet in the air.  Drop tower ($14), tramp sightseeing, and ropes course ($37).
2.  Big Sky Mountain, MT: 50 Big Sky Resort Rd, Big Sky, MT, near Yellowstone Park, 3 minute jump for those weighing 40 lb. to 180 lb., also offers skeet shooting for adults, whitewater rafting, and fly fishing

3.  Mt. Hood Skibowl, OR: Adventure Park, 87000 US 26 Government Camp, OR.  recorded a jump of 15 feet; also offers alpine slide, batting cages, zip line, and disc golf.

4.  Beaver Creek resort Vail, Colorado:  I've also stayed at this resort, but during ski season.  The bungee jumping opens June and ends in September.  One session $14.  Adventure Center also offers gem panning, ropes course, and climbing wall.

5.  Okemo Mountain Resort, VT: 77 Okemo Ridge Rd, Ludlow, VT, single jump $10, four jumping stations, heights of 20 feet plus, also offers mountain coaster, Segway tour, AMP energy big air bag
6.  Treehouse World, PA: 1442 Phoenixville Pike, West Chester, PA; no age min. as long as meeting min. 20 pounds, also offer archery tag, rock climbing on trees, and wooded nature trails
7.  Fun Stop Family Action Park, TN: Pigeon Forge TN, $7 ticket, also offers BOGO go kart tickets 9AM to noon and big top arcade; if you are looking for nearby lodging consider our luxury rental cabin in Pigeon Forge named Indigo Moon Lodge
www.indigomoonlodge.blogspot.com