Ski jumping without snow

Artificial ski jump

Oct 29, 2025

∙ Paid

On this day in 1961, a brand new ski jump was inaugurated in France. Snow or no snow, it didn’t matter here. This concrete ski slope from 1961 was fitted with plastic mats, allowing ski jumpers to train all year round.

At the beginning of the 20th century, a natural slope in the Vosges mountains served as the site of a wooden ski jump hill. In 1961, it was replaced by a brand-new concrete version.

Plastic surface

To break free from dependence on the snow season, the new ski jump hill was covered with synthetic brushes. Friction was reduced by spraying water over the surface, allowing jumpers to practice all year long.

These so-called dry ski jump hills first appeared in East Germany in the 1950s, and the French quickly followed suit. Chamonix took the lead in the summer of 1961, but this ski jump was inaugurated just three months later, on October 29, 1961. Six thousand spectators attended the first jumps. Today, however, the site stands deserted.

By the end of the 20th century, the ski jump had seen its glory days. Maintenance costs kept rising while newer, more modern facilities were built elsewhere. Eventually, the jump was abandoned.

Speed

Traces of it can still be found today. The concrete start platform at the top remains intact for now. From there, ski jumpers began their descent down a steep section to gain speed. The plastic mats that once covered the surface, however, have disappeared.

Remnants of the start platform and the ski slope

If you tried the descent today, you’d end up in thin air. In 2018, the concrete structure was literally cut in half, so it no longer spans the small mountain road below.

At the foot of the jump, you can still find the flat section where skiers would push off after their high-speed descent, launching themselves into the air.

The landing area has been reclaimed by nature and is no longer recognisable. Only a concrete judging tower still marks the place where jumpers once touched ground again.

Judging Tower

The judging tower was the nerve centre during training sessions and competitions. From here, coaches analysed the athletes’ jumping techniques. Today, the tower overlooks bushes, ferns, and fading memories.