Norge Ski Club hosts 104th competition this weekend
Think snowboarders have all the tricks? This weekend come watch athletes fly through the sky in the original extreme sport.
Norge Ski Club hosts its 104th Annual Ski Jump Tournament beginning Saturday at noon in Fox River Grove. As the club's most popular fundraiser of the year, it is sure to prove why ski jumping is the king of the hill.
"It is much more exciting to watch ski jumping in person that it is on television," said Gene Brown, president of Norge Ski Club. "If you have never seen it before, it is definitely something you do not want to miss."
For two days, athletes will be testing their highflying skills as they jump off Norge's 150-foot metal tower and try to soar through the air for as long as possible. Skiers reach speeds upwards of 50 mph and can travel over 230 feet.
"It's like jumping off a cliff, only with a safer landing," jokes Brown.
Not only is all the high-flying fun to watch, but viewers will also get to see dream comes true. Saturday's event serves as a Junior Olympics qualifier for athletes up to age 15. Norge's hill is one of four that young skiers can compete on.
On Sunday, professional skiers will compete for cash prizes and national rankings in a Super Tour showdown. The Super Tour is a series of ski jumping events that is a steppingstone toward reaching the Olympics.
Local skiers Connor Jacobsen of Crystal Lake and Fox River Grove native A.J. Brown will be competing against skiers from as far as Russia.
"This is one of the few Winter Olympic sports that can be viewed in the Chicago-land area," Brown said.
Norge Ski Club is a nonprofit organization devoted to training young skiers in the traditional art of ski jumping. Classes and events are held year round to promote the sport and raise money to maintain and improve their facilities.
Over the years, Norge has been able to improve their venue to make it more enjoyable for audiences, but the jumpers themselves continue to be the stars.
"Ski jumping continues to get more exciting as style and technique improves," said Brown. "Everything is more aerodynamic than it used to be, so skiers can jump higher and farther."
In addition to the tournament, guests will be able to enjoy refreshments and musical entertainment. Brats, burgers and beer will be served to help keep spectators warm. Interested parties will also find information on how they can learn how to brave the ski jump.
"It's going to be the biggest party you've ever been to!" Brown said. "It's a great celebration."
<p class="factboxheadblack">Norge Ski Jump Tournament</p> <p class="News"><b>When:</b> 12 p.m to 4 p.m. Saturday and Sunday, Jan. 24 and 25</p> <p class="News"><b>Where:</b> Norge Ski Club, three-quarters of a mile north of routes 14 and 22, Fox River Grove</p> <p class="News"><b>Admission:</b> Pre-sale buttons are available at local merchants for $10. Tickets at the gate are $15. Children 12 and younger are admitted free.</p> <p class="News"><b>Info:</b> For a list of local merchants and more details about the event, visit <a href="http://www.norgeskiclub.com" target="new">www.norgeskiclub.com</a>.</p>