Free-falling grace

Why is the annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament, held at the Norge Ski Club in Fox River Grove, so popular?

Because there's something otherworldly and beautiful about watching skiers soar 200 feet in the air, said Gene Brown, the club's president.

By attending the tournament, die-hard fans of the sport don't have to wait to see it on the Winter Olympics.

People also live vicariously through the ski jumpers during the tournament, knowing the sport is something many would never do, he said.

"It's one of those sports that people would not dare try themselves -- and it is quite unnatural to see someone in a controlled fall that's able to do it gracefully, maybe even make it look easy," Brown said.

At the same time, the sport's danger and element of surprise also keeps people coming back, he said.

"Unfortunately in some cases you have athletes that do fall and hurt themselves, so people know it is dangerous," he said.

This year, at least 3,000 people are expected to descend on the club this weekend for the two-day tournament, said Scott Smith, who is in charged of maintaining its snowy hills.

The club, established in 1905, is the oldest continuously operated ski-jumping club in the country. It's also the only one in Illinois.

This year's festivities begin at 2 p.m. Saturday with the junior tournament. Skiers between 4 and 14 years old will jump off the five-, 10-, 20- and 40-meter hills.

The same day, the master championships will be held on the 20- and 40-meter hills for skiers ages 30 and older.

Later on at 6 p.m., there will be an all-class competition that includes the Junior Olympic qualifying event, for skiers ages 15 and under.

Those with the top scores in March will compete against qualifying Junior Olympians in Michigan.

Sunday's schedule includes aspiring Olympians from across the nation to compete in the SuperTour Event, in which they can win cash and point standings on the 70-meter hill.

"I think it's an opportunity for people to watch an extreme sport," Brown said. "It's something you don't often get to see."

If you go

What: Norge Ski Club's 103rd annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament

When: 2 p.m. and 6 p.m. Saturday and noon Sunday

Where: Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove

Cost: Presale admission buttons cost $10; they're available from the Dominick's and Ace Hardware in Fox River Grove. Otherwise, it costs $15 to get in. Admission is free for children ages 12 and younger when accompanied by a parent.

Info: Gene Brown, (847) 516-0180