Is There Really Only One Ski Jump in New Hampshire?

Ski jumping feels like one of those exhilarating Winter sports that must make the people who do it feel so alive. Every time they decide to strap on those ski boots, they know they are either going to soar through the air like a majestic bird and (hopefully) land perfectly on their feet.

With the Winters we have, we had to figure out ways to get our jollies during these long Winter months. Sports are a way many of us cope and actually make us look forward to December-March.

New Englanders have been ski jumping since the early 20th century. As ski clubs became all of the rage, the sport starting gaining some serious momentum. Notable ski jumping sites, such as  the iconic ski jumps in New Hampshire, have played host to tons of competitions, including the prestigious FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and the Winter Olympics.

In the Facebook group Live Free or Die603BORN, someone posted a photo of this iconic ski jump. The caption said:

“Did you know New Hampshire has a ski  jump?

And if so, do you know where in NH it is?”

Upon further investigation (thank you, Wikipedia) I found out that it’s called Nansen Ski Jump, also known as The Big Nansen and The Sleeping Giant. It’s located along Route 16 in Milan, New Hampshire and was built in 1936. It is 260 ft long and has a 225-foot vertical drop. She was the largest ski drop of her time.

It was an international Ski Jump and skiers came from all over the world to compete. Sled Dog races also held at that location. Rumor has it they had one of the best French Fry wagons in the parking lot. (that would be reason enough for me to come spectate these events)

Lots of folks in the comments knew exactly where the ski jump was located and a few had even used it!

Even though it’s a little rickety, some brave souls still use it today:

Though this is the most widely known ski jump in the state, there is also a ski jumping hill on the Conway side of the Kancamagus Highway that has been there since the 1960’s.

Do you know of any other ski jumps in New Hampshire?