See high-flying action at Norge Ski Jump
Dozens of professional ski jumpers from around the world will take to the slopes this weekend for the 111th Norge Ski Jump International Winter Competition in Fox River Grove.
The event begins at noon Saturday and Sunday at Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, north of routes 14 and 22 in Fox River Grove. Gates open at 11 a.m.
The club has five hills - 5, 10, 25, 40 and 70 meters high.
About 30 junior participants between the ages of 6 and 17 years old will compete on the smaller hills starting at noon Saturday for a chance to win trophies and medals.
Roughly 60 professional ski jumpers from Finland, Norway, Poland, Russia, Slovenia, and the United States will compete starting at noon Sunday on the 70-meter hill.
It's the first leg of the grueling U.S. Cup Five Hills Tournament beginning in Fox River Grove.
"It's a combination of five tournaments," said Charlie Sedivec, Norge Ski Club publicity chairman and unofficial club historian.
Following this weekend's tournament, contestants will head to Westby, Wisconsin; Minneapolis; Eau Claire, Wisconsin; and finally Ishpeming, Michigan, to conquer the remaining four hills, he added.
Winners will receive cash prizes - the tournament champion will take home about $1,000.
Heading up the American team is the club's own Casey Larson of Barrington, one of the top U.S. jumpers. He will be competing later this winter at the Youth Olympic Games and the Junior World Games, officials said.
Volunteers have been working 24 hours a day making snow and getting the slopes ready for the tournament, Sedivec said.
"Things are looking real good out there," he said. "It's supposed to warm up the week of the tournament."
Typically, about 1,000 spectators attend the junior tournament, and roughly 5,000 spectators come for the professional competition.
"This year, we are expecting more than that because we do have five countries competing," Sedivec said.
Sedivec, 60, of Cary, who is announcing the tournament for the 46th year, will do so from a new bandstand completed a few months ago.
He said he started announcing as a freshman in high school and since then "most of my life was spent on the Norge Ski Club grounds in Fox River Grove."
Admission buttons can be purchased in advance for $10 from local merchants, $11 online or $15 at the gate. There will be concession stands on the grounds, including refreshments and alcoholic beverages for anyone 21 years and older. For more information, visit norgeskiclub.com.
If you go
What: 111th Norge Ski Jump International Winter Competition
When: Competition is from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 30-31. Gates open at 11 a.m.
Where: Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, north of routes 14 and 22 in Fox River Grove
Admission: $10 in advance from local merchants, $11 online, or $15 at the gate; free for ages 12 and younger
Logistics: Parking is free. Patrons are advised to bring blankets and lawn chairs. No dogs allowed; no carry-ins.
Food: Brats, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, pop, beer, wine, Jägermeister
Details: visit <a href="http://www.norgeskiclub.com/">norgeskiclub.com</a>