Salpausselkä (ski jump)

Salpausselkä is a collection of ski jumping hills located in Lahti, Finland. The complex is one of the most famous and historically significant ski jumping venues in the world.

History and Significance: The Salpausselkä ski jumps are intrinsically linked to the annual Lahti Ski Games, a major international Nordic skiing competition held since 1923. The venue has hosted numerous FIS Nordic World Ski Championships, including those in 1926, 1938, 1958, 1978, 1989, 2001 and 2017. The hill has undergone several reconstructions and modernizations throughout its history to keep pace with evolving ski jumping technology and safety standards.

Hills: The Salpausselkä complex consists of several different sized hills, allowing for various levels of competition and training. These hills typically include a large hill (K116, HS130), a normal hill (K90, HS100), and smaller training hills.

Structure: The ski jump structures are usually made of steel and concrete. The outrun is typically a grassy slope.

Events: Besides the annual Lahti Ski Games and World Championships, the Salpausselkä hills have hosted numerous World Cup events and other international ski jumping competitions.

Legacy: The Salpausselkä ski jumps hold a significant place in the history of ski jumping. They are a symbol of Finnish winter sports tradition and a vital center for developing future generations of ski jumpers. The venue continues to attract top athletes and spectators from around the world.