Finland plans 1st indoor ski-jumping hill

Ylitornio in Finnish Lapland is developing plans to become the first venue to stage indoor ski-jumping competitions. The municipality presented the results of an eight-month feasibility study to the representatives of the Finnish Ski Association recently. The innovative plan calls for building three hills side by side: a ski-flying hill (K185) enabling jumps of up to 250 meters; a large hill (K120) with jumps of approx. 140 m; and a normal hill (K90).

YLITORNIO IN FINNISH Lapland is developing plans to become the first venue to stage indoor ski-jumping competitions. The municipality presented the results of an eight-month feasibility study to the representatives of the Finnish Ski Association recently. The innovative plan calls for building three hills side by side: a ski-flying hill (K185) enabling jumps of up to 250 meters; a large hill (K120) with jumps of approx. 140 m; and a normal hill (K90).
    The top part of the in-run track is planned in a tunnel to be dug into the Aavasaksa mountain. The rest of the facility also would be covered to ensure that weather conditions have no impact on the competition results and that safe and equal conditions can be guaranteed for all competitors. Given the indoor setup, the hills could be in use almost 10 months a year. The estimated budget for the project amounts to 30 million euros and financing is expected to be available by the end of 2007. The construction is estimated to begin in 2009 and last more than two years.
    “The Aavasaksa project is very interesting and innovative. I have followed the project’s planning phase carefully,” said Janne Marvaila, director of ski jumping and nordic combined for the Finnish Ski Association. “Having the will to push things forward is very positive. The ski jumping committee of the Finnish Ski Association will review the detailed proposal and formulate its official stance.”
    In addition to the Aavasaksa project, a competing ski-flying hill project is under way at Suomu, Kemijärvi, in the eastern part of Finnish Lapland. This plan calls for a normal ski-flying hill with construction completed by 2011. There is currently no ski-flying hill in Finland.

— STT contributed to this report