In 1809, Norwegian lieutenant Olaf Rye strapped on a pair of skis and launched himself 9.5 meters into the air in front of an audience of soldiers. This reckless act of showmanship was quickly adopted by the Norwegian people and the sport of ski jumping was born. As the sport matured so did the facilities, and soon there were hill being created all around the world specifically for the purposing of jumping.

The crown jewel of these facilities is in the town of Holmenkollen, just a few miles outside of Olso. Ski jumpers have been launching off this hill since the late 1800′s and it has undergone many drastic renovations since. In 2008 the Norwegian government awarded JDS Architects a contract for a brand new facility, one that would boast world-class amenities and a unique cantilevered design.

Like most major construction projects, the ski jump was late and wildly over-budget. A consultant report ordered by the municipality found that pressure to find cost savings measures to stay within the budget, which was underestimated to begin with, resulted in slower progress and even higher costs. Despite being somewhat of a bureaucratic boondoggle, the ski jump was finally completed in 2010.

The ski jump rises a total of 69 meters and features an integrated spectator seating, judges booth, press section, warm-up lounge for skiers and trainers, as well as an observation deck on the top. The facility is also home to the Ski Museum which presents the history of skiing over the past 4,000 years. However, more so than anything, the structures represents the grandiose and insane aspect of the sport itself. Rising majestically above the misty mountain top, one can’t help but look at the ski jump and ask, “Do people really go down that?”