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Ski jumping soon in Dubai? Fis boss presents plans
January 6, 2025 – 2:39 p.mReading time: 2 minutes
The Ski Jumping World Cup is currently taking place primarily in classic ski areas. Things could look different in the future.
The world association Fis is pushing forward the idea of holding ski jumping competitions in extraordinary locations such as Rio de Janeiro or Dubai. Fis race director Sandro Pertile presented concrete plans for a mobile ski jump on Monday during the Four Hills Tournament. This should be able to be set up and dismantled again within a few days. “Ski jumping is so attractive, we can be attractive anywhere in the world,” explained Pertile in Bischofshofen and announced a ten-year project.
A three-minute video demonstrated how the mobile ski jump including the run-out area could be built. Pertile spoke of the opportunity to “go out into the world with our beautiful sport.” Ski jumping is extreme and exciting and symbolizes the dream of flying – the potential for worldwide success is great.
The Fis had already presented similar plans two years ago, for example for show competitions in the Maracana Stadium in Brazil. At the time, the idea was met with skepticism, but Pertile emphasized: “We haven’t slept since then – even though many people thought I was crazy.” He also counts China as one of the possible markets, which is showing increasing interest in winter sports.
Jumpers’ reactions to the plans have so far been mixed. Philipp Raimund already expressed reservations in 2021: “Personally, I don’t have to fly to Dubai to jump. I see that as a bit pointless.” Nevertheless, he acknowledged the fascination of the idea: “The fact that the possibility exists is of course interesting.”
The technical developments of the past few years support the project. Unlike cross-country skiing or biathlon, ski jumping does not require real snow. In November 2022, a World Cup on mats was held for the first time in Wisła. Ski jumping was also part of the European Games in Poland in the summer of 2023 – a novelty for the sport.
With the mobile ski jump, ski jumping could reach a completely new audience. It remains to be seen whether the FIS’ ambitious plans will be implemented.