almost a year ago, in march 2010 we went to planica, in the kranjska gora mountains, to see something we had only ever seen on tv: ski jumping!

according to wikipedia, it’s even called ski flying since the ramp line is at 185 meters (normal ramps are at 80-100m and large ones at 120-130m).

in a nutshell, it was amazing!! i don’t think pictures can really convey how huge the ramp is, but anyway, i tried! you can click the images for bigger versions, and i’ve added some arrows to help locate the jumpers :)

planica is known for having the perfect conditions for really long ski jumps: the current world record was set here in 2005 by bjørn-einar romøren from norway, an incredible 239m! unfortunately, it is also known for making jumpers walk stairs almost all the way to the top – thought i’ve read on several sites that the government has plans to modernise the place by 2013.

we were there on the qualifiers for last years world cup, and despite the cold, the atmosphere was really vibrant! lots of flag waving, songs shouted around according to the jumper’s nationality, and just general enthusiasm in each jump! another day well spent :)