how fast do long jump skiers go
Ski jumpers, often called "long jump skiers" in casual terms, reach impressive speeds depending on the hill size and conditions. Typical takeoff speeds range from 90-107 km/h (56-66 mph) , with elite athletes hitting the higher end on larger ramps.
Takeoff Speeds by Hill Type
These velocities build during the inrun, where gravity and tucked positioning propel jumpers toward the ramp's end (the "table").
- Normal hills (shorter jumps, ~90m): Around 90 km/h.
- Large hills (K-120 to K-140): 90-100 km/h.
- Flying hills (ultra-long, K-200+): Up to 102 km/h at takeoff.
- Record attempts (e.g., Ryōyū Kobayashi's 291m in 2024): 105-107 km/h.
During flight, speed dips initially (transition phase) but can climb back toward 100 km/h by landing on big jumps.
Record-Breaking Example
![Ryōyū Kobayashi mid-flight on record jump] In April 2024, Japan's Ryōyū Kobayashi shattered the unofficial distance record at 291 meters in Iceland. He hit 107 km/h at takeoff after a custom 1,115m inrun, soaring for 8 seconds amid tricky winds—highlighting how speed, technique, and conditions intertwine for epic flights.
Factors Affecting Speed
Jumpers maximize velocity through precise setup, but variables play a huge role:
- Inrun steepness and length : Steeper angles (up to 36°) accelerate faster.
- Body position : Low tuck reduces drag; ski prep and weight distribution add km/h.
- Equipment : V-style skis and suits optimize aerodynamics post-takeoff.
- Weather : Tailwinds boost, headwinds kill runs—Kobayashi aborted multiple times.
From FIS insights, athletes lose speed briefly in flight's first seconds but regain it via lift, landing near peak velocity.
In the Air and Landing
Post-takeoff, it's not just speed—lift-to-drag ratios (L/D) matter. Studies show V-style positions yield the longest flights (110m+ in models), with optimal switches from flat-V to V mid-air pushing distances further. Landings often exceed 100 km/h, testing G-forces and precision.
Hill Size| Takeoff Speed| Max Flight Distance| Example Event
---|---|---|---
Normal| ~90 km/h| 70-100m| Olympics qualifiers 6
Large| 95-100 km/h| 120-150m| World Cups 1
Flying| 100-102 km/h| 200-250m| Planica records 1
Extreme| 105-107 km/h| 291m (record)| Red Bull 2024 5
As 2026 Winter Olympics approach (Milan-Cortina), expect U.S. teams pushing these limits with new women's events and team formats.
TL;DR : Long jump skiers blast off at 90-107 km/h, varying by hill; records demand 105+ km/h perfection.
Information gathered from public forums or data available on the internet and portrayed here.