Norge hosts 108th annual International Ski Jumping tourney this weekend
The 108th annual Norge International Ski Jumping Tournament will be held from noon to 4 p.m. Saturday, Jan. 26 and Sunday, Jan. 27, at the Norge Ski Club, 100 Ski Hill Road, three-quarters of a mile north of routes 14 and 22 in Fox River Grove. Gates open at 11 a.m.
Watch U.S. ski jumpers compete against international ski jumping teams on the 70-meter hill. The junior competition and junior national championship qualifier K70 will be held on Saturday. The K70 U.S. Cup Five Hills Tournament and the Long-Standing Competition will be held on Sunday.
It’s a weekend of fun for the entire family. There will be brats, hot dogs, pizza, popcorn, as well as pop, beer, wine and Jagermeister. Bring blankets and lawn chairs; no carry-ins or dogs allowed.
There is free parking. A free shuttle bus for spectators will be available on Sunday only from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m. The shuttle bus stops will be at the Stonehill Shopping Center parking lot, on Northwest Highway and Route 22, and the Fox River Grove Metra Train Station, 4015 N. Northwest Hwy.
Buttons are required for admission and good both days. Purchase buttons in advance from local merchants by Jan. 25 for $10 each.
Buttons purchased online at norgeskiclub.com are $11. Or buy a button at the gate for $15 each. Admission is free for children, 12 and younger.
The Norge Ski Club is the oldest, continuously open ski club in the United States. The club was started in 1905 by a group of Norwegian men. Most lived in Chicago and came out to Fox River Grove to ski jump. They created cottages on the club grounds to give them a place to stay while they were working on building up the club grounds or just having fun ski jumping. Over the years, men and women of all nationalities have joined the club to experience the thrills and enjoyment of ski jumping. For details, call (847) 639-9718, email clubinfo@norgeskiclub.com or visit norgeskiclub.com.
In addition, a “Learn to Fly” open house will be held from 6:30 to 8 p.m. Tuesday, Jan. 29 at Norge Ski Club. Learn about the beginner program for all ages, and meet the jumpers and coaches. Tour the training center, and watch the jumpers practice on all five hills. For details, contact Lori Brown at (815) 382-4696 or nstcnews@sbcglobal.net.