What Is 2017 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix

Overview

The 2017 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix was a summer circuit of ski jumping competitions organized by the International Ski Federation (FIS) to allow athletes to maintain competitive form outside the traditional winter season. Unlike the winter World Cup, the Grand Prix takes place on plastic-covered in-run tracks, enabling jumps during warmer months.

This edition featured both men’s and women’s divisions, with athletes earning points based on performance across multiple events. The series spanned nearly two months and provided crucial preparation for the upcoming winter season, drawing top competitors from around the globe.

• Duration: The 2017 series began on July 29 in Wisła, Poland, and concluded on September 24 in Klingenthal, Germany.
• Number of Events: A total of 11 individual competitions were held—8 for men and 3 for women—across six countries.
• Men’s Champion: Austrian jumper Stefan Kraft secured the overall men’s title with consistent top finishes and one victory.
• Women’s Champion: Japan’s Sara Takanashi won the women’s Grand Prix title, showcasing her dominance with two event wins.
• Host Nations: Events were hosted in Poland, Russia, Austria, Slovenia, Germany, and South Korea, reflecting the sport’s global reach.

How It Works

The FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix operates as a summer training and development circuit, allowing athletes to compete on artificial surfaces using plastic mats for the in-run. These events follow standard FIS rules but are adapted for warmer conditions.

• Competition Format: Each event includes one qualification round and two competition jumps, with total points determining the winner.
• Scoring System: Jumpers earn points based on distance and style, with a maximum of 120 points per jump under the FIS judging criteria.
• Track Types: Events were held on both large hills (HS 100–140) and normal hills (HS 85–100), varying by location.
• Points Allocation: The top 30 finishers earn Grand Prix points, with 100 awarded to the winner, decreasing incrementally.
• Team Participation: Nations field teams of up to five jumpers per gender, though only the top four results count toward national rankings.
• Weather Adaptations: Competitions are scheduled in late summer to avoid extreme heat, with plastic matting preventing snow melt on in-runs.

Comparison at a Glance

Here’s how the 2017 Grand Prix compares to other major ski jumping series:

The 2017 Grand Prix served as a critical bridge between seasons, offering athletes like Kraft and Takanashi a chance to test form and technique. While less prestigious than the World Cup, it remains vital for ranking, development, and international exposure.

Why It Matters

The 2017 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix played a significant role in the competitive calendar, offering athletes a structured summer competition platform. Its outcomes influenced national team selections and seeding for the upcoming winter season.

• Development Pipeline: Young jumpers used the series to gain experience against elite competition in a lower-pressure environment.
• Injury Prevention: Summer training with real jumps reduced the risk of form breakdown during off-seasons.
• Global Exposure: Hosting events in countries like South Korea boosted the sport’s visibility ahead of the 2018 PyeongChang Olympics.
• Ranking Points: Results contributed to FIS world rankings, affecting World Cup seeding and qualification.
• Technical Testing: Athletes experimented with suit designs and in-run techniques under competitive conditions.
• National Pride: Countries like Austria, Japan, and Germany used strong showings to build momentum for winter campaigns.

Ultimately, the 2017 Grand Prix reinforced the importance of year-round competition in ski jumping, helping maintain the sport’s momentum and athlete readiness across seasons.