Ski jumping

Ski jumping live: how to choose the best competition, venue and tickets 2025 / 2026

Ski jumping is a sport in which a few seconds of flight decide everything, and the audience feels it in their bones: the sound of the wind, the collective gasp when the jumper “catches” the right green wave, and then that moment of silence before landing. In moments when the elite attacks the red line and breaks personal barriers, the stands become one voice. In the age of 2025 / 2026, skiing on large hills is once again filling stadiums and fan zones; World Cup tours and finals have long ceased to be local events – they are winter spectacles. Watching them live means getting a story that television can’t convey: the smell of smoke, the fans' drums, a wave of flares in the evening qualifications, and the micro-nuances of the wind visible by the movement of the flags along the ramp. If you are looking for competitions that combine tradition, top jumpers and an audience that breathes as one, three names are always mentioned: the Four Hills Tournament (Vierschanzentournee) in Germany and Austria, RAW AIR in Norway and the World Cup finale in Planica. It is precisely this trio that is the best "entry" into the world of jumping for those who want to feel the sport firsthand and are thinking about tickets during 2025 / 2026. The Four Hills Tournament brings the ritual of the turn of the year and a KO format that creates duels already in the first series. RAW AIR is driven on a northern route, fast and intense, while Planica concludes the season with flying, where records are often set and it's measured who is ready to fly past the boundaries. Ski jumps are not just architecture; they are acoustics and microclimate. In Oberstdorf, the noise from the stands bounces off the valley and returns to the landing area; in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, the New Year's atmosphere turns the qualification day into a small festival; in Innsbruck, the view of the city and the Alps gives context to every distance; in Bischofshofen, the night final delivers a head-on rush of adrenaline. Further north, Holmenkollen is an old-school cathedral of Nordic sports with a slope full of flags, and in Slovenia, Planica is synonymous with flight – a name that for jumping lovers means a carnival, a cheering assembly, and the last big test before the summer break 2025 / 2026. For sports fans who like to plan trips around events, jumping offers a clear daily rhythm: training, qualifications, then the competition day – individually and, depending on the location, as a team. This means enough time to arrive, get to know the host city, and return to the stands when the spotlights take over the scene. If you are thinking about "value for money," qualifications can be a big hit: they are usually cheaper, and you see almost everything you would at a competition – just with a larger volume of attempts, so the pace is faster. In addition, the KO duel format at the Four Hills Tournament means that the first series is a drama in itself, which "works" especially well live. The guide below summarizes what is important for 2025 / 2026: what are the differences between the key competitions, what kind of tickets and sectors to choose, what are the typical price ranges in €, where the audience gets most "fired up", and what to pay attention to regarding arrival, accommodation and logistics. If you are aiming for jumping as an experience, not just a result, choose places where the fans are part of the scenery and where the day on the hill naturally transitions into the evening rhythm of the city.

Why you need to see the Four Hills Tournament live?

 
• Spectacular performance – The KO system creates 25 duels already in the first series and raises the pulse of the audience. The parallel tracking of the "pairs" makes the competition clear and full of tension, and the transition between the hills brings different conditions, profiles, and wind, so each jump is a small study of courage and adaptation.
 
• "Popular songs" live – In the world of jumping, these are "classics" such as long distances in Oberstdorf and Bischofshofen, the New Year's run-up in Garmisch-Partenkirchen, and the high-altitude game on Bergisel. The audience expects long flights, but also clean telemarks – it is live that you can best see how difficult the landing is.
 
• Energy and interaction with the audience – Drums, flares, fan choreography, and a wave of flags create a constant rhythm. Jumpers greet the noise from the stands "at the start," and every good tailwind turns the fan sector into an orchestra without a conductor.
 
• Visual and scenic elements – Night lights, laser beams on the frozen track, snowflakes in the cones of the reflectors and large screens that replay slow-motion footage make the experience cinematically powerful. In Bischofshofen, the finale of the tournament in the dark looks like a movie scene.
 
• Audience reactions and reviews – For years, the Tournament has been sold out, and the qualifications can become a "secret favorite" of the spectators: more attempts in a shorter time means constant content, ideal for a first live visit.
 
• Last performances and tours – In the last editions, we witnessed tight overall finishes, the return of some nations to the top, and record holders who often prove themselves on the Germany–Austria route. The Tournament is, simply, a winter classic that writes a new drama every 2025 / 2026.

Four Hills Tournament – How to prepare for the trip?

For 2025 / 2026, start planning from your priorities: do you want to experience the New Year's buzz of Garmisch, the high-altitude amphitheater of Innsbruck, the start of the season in Oberstdorf, or the night final scene of Bischofshofen? If this is your first ski jumping trip, qualifications are a smart choice – they are cheaper and offer a full measure of the atmosphere. In Oberstdorf, the qualification day is often packed, and tickets can sell out; take into account that bag checks are conducted at the entrances and there is no cloakroom for larger backpacks, so pack minimally and functionally. When it comes to ticket prices in €, examples from the most popular locations give a realistic picture of the budget. For Oberstdorf (Four Hills Tournament), typical ranges for a qualification day, depending on the sector and availability, are approximately 25–33 € for standing sections, about 52–58 € for seating sections, while VIP offers can go around 169 € and more. This is a good compass for 2025 / 2026 and other German-Austrian stations of the tour that structure prices in a similar order – standing as the most affordable base, seating as the middle range, VIP and club experiences as premium. Planica, the World Cup finale, has clearly defined categories and a pre-sale logic that favors early purchase. Standing typically ranges from approximately 20–42 €, depending on the day (Thu–Sun), tribunes are in the range of approximately 60–100 € per day, while VIP clubs, depending on the package and day, are approximately 150–390 € per day. For fans, this means that with a budget of around 30–40 € you can enter the "heart" of the ski resort and feel the flights up close, and if you want a fixed place, comfort and a good view of the landing area, expect 70–90 €; VIP is a separate category that includes catering, a separate entrance and additional amenities. How to choose the best seats? If you are chasing distances and want a photographic shot, the tribunes next to the landing area and the sides with an "open" view of the air path give the most constant experience; if you are interested in "riding" with the audience, sectors with organized fan cores (e.g., drums and flags) provide a special atmosphere and a "collective" tailwind for the jumpers. On tours, it is useful to study the stadium sketches: as a rule, they indicate where the standing sections are, where the seating sections are, and how to move between the catering zone and the sectors. At large events, the number of sanitary facilities and access to food/drinks also make a difference in comfort – check the markings on the maps before buying. Arrival logistics: for Planica, the organizer traditionally introduces circular shuttle lines between Kranjska Gora, Podkoren, the parking lots and the arena, which significantly facilitates arrival by car and accommodation in the wider area. This means that it is not necessary to "hit" the parking lot right next to the ski jump; plan 30–60 minutes of buffer time for the transfer and entry. In the German-Austrian hosts, expect stricter bag checks, so arrange your equipment in smaller, transparent bags and avoid glass or metal bottles. Sometimes a "backstage tour" is also offered – a short guided tour behind the scenes, to the run-up and mixed-zone, which is a cheap addition and great content between sessions. Accommodation and host cities: Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Innsbruck are "all-season" destinations, so accommodation prices rise around the dates of the jumps. Book early and choose locations near public transport; in Innsbruck, the tram and city lines cover access to the Bergisel area, while in Ga-Pa it is useful to combine walking and shuttle. For Planica, it is most practical to base yourself in Kranjska Gora or the surrounding villages and rely on the shuttle. If you are aiming for RAW AIR, Holmenkollen is easily accessible by metro from the center of Oslo, but keep the Scandinavian winter in mind – layered clothing, shoe covers and gloves that allow you to use your mobile phone.

Interesting facts about the Four Hills Tournament you might not have known

The Tournament is unique for its KO format which turns the first round into a series of duels; this changes the psychology of the performance and makes the qualifications extremely important because a high ranking there means an "easier" opponent. Historically, the tour connects four different ski jumps – each with its own "signature": from Schattenbergschanze in Oberstdorf via Große Olympiaschanze in Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Bergiselschanze in Innsbruck to Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze in Bischofshofen. The tradition of the tour continues without interruption for decades, and the phenomenon of the "grand slam" – winning all four competitions in the same edition – has remained a rarity that is remembered for years. In the north, RAW AIR in Norway brings a marathon format through multiple hills with a lot of jumps in a short period; this is exhausting, but it also rewards the most stable jumpers. And in Slovenia, Planica is synonymous with a "flying" finale, where the boundaries of human flight have been pushed in recent years. In the short history of women's ski flying, great records have already been broken and the audience has gained a new dimension of the story – joint "ski flying" weekends in which men and women share the stage. All this means that 3ff67677a28xw is not just another season; it is a period in which the sport is moving forward and the arenas know how to deliver that.

What to expect at the event?

A typical "set" for the day looks like this: early open training, then qualifications (one jump per jumper), and then the final day with two series – sometimes a team day in between. At the Four Hills Tournament, the first series brings 25 duels, and the winners and a few of the best "lucky losers" enter the second; this ensures that the tension exists from the first jump. In Planica, Saturdays are often the loudest because in addition to the team competition and the women's race, you get a full daily package, while Sunday is reserved for solo flights that close the season 2025 / 2026. As for the "set list" of locations, Oberstdorf is ideal for a premiere – everything is fresh, the snow "crunches" under your feet, and the fans at the beginning of the holiday have energy. Garmisch-Partenkirchen offers a New Year's crescendo; Innsbruck brings the rhythm of a big city and panoramas, and Bischofshofen under the spotlights looks like a concert finale. In RAW AIR, Holmenkollen is an institution of Nordic skiing, while Planica gives that feeling that every jump is perhaps – just perhaps – a millimeter away from something historic. The audience is diverse: from families with children, through weekend fans who are looking for an "event" experience, to hardcore fans with drums and choreographies; everyone unites when the whistle falls silent and the run-up begins. If you are aiming for a better view and warmth, the seating tribunes are gold – you have support and a privileged line to the landing area. If you want to be "in the waves" of fans and in the frame of the biggest noise, choose standing in the central sectors. Consider layered clothing (thermal base, insulation, wind-proof shell), hand warmers, a thermos bottle and small snacks. Plan your movement within the arena between series; lines for food and sanitary facilities can grow, especially when it snows. If you are coming by car, check the park-and-ride routes and shuttles; if you are traveling by public transport, download offline maps in advance and check the last departures so that you can get to your accommodation without stress after the final. Tickets in € for 2025 / 2026 most often come in three classes – standing (most affordable, great "first time" choice), seating (comfort and visibility) and VIP/club packages (premium experience with catering and a separate entrance). Compare prices and the arena plan, come a little earlier for qualifications to "tune" your eye and the fan rhythm, and leave room to be surprised by what makes jumps so great to watch live – the moment when the audience and the jumper align, and the flight takes on a silence that television cannot hear.

Why are ski jumps a magnet for the public and how to recognize "good" jumps

If you've ever stood by the fence below the landing area, you know that the best jumps are recognized in a fraction of a second: a long, quiet parabola, the "silent" sliding of the air along the skis and a clean telemark at the end. It is precisely this combination of distance and style that forms the core of the scoring. Each judge evaluates the landing (telemark, stability and control), and then the values are corrected according to the wind conditions and the starting "gate" position. This is why you will also see additional points for wind and start on the scoreboard – this is a way to equalize unequal opportunities and maintain sports fairness. For the public, this means one thing: even when it's windy, the result "holds water," and the competition remains tense until the last jump. The wind is the biggest ally and the most dangerous enemy of every jumper. A slight updraft "carries" the flight, while a tailwind shortens the jump and increases the risk. In practice, changing one or two starting gates can dramatically change the speed on the run-in and the flight path. Modern rules therefore provide for point corrections, and the spectators get what they came for – a fair duel of top fliers, even when the weather "turns" in a minute.

A format that raises adrenaline: pairs, "lucky loser" and the psychology of the duel

The Four Hills Tournament is special because of the first round of "1-on-1" duels. Fifty jumpers in 25 pairs, the winners go directly to the next round, and the five best losers – the "lucky loser" – fill the final. This means that the audience is not just watching a simple sum of meters, but real small duels of nerves: equal jumps, tactical adjustment of the run-up and style that decides when the distances are similar. You will feel how the whole tribune breathes in the rhythm of the starting lights – the duel format turns every series into a mini-drama and makes the event exciting even for newcomers in the audience. If you are planning a trip, keep in mind that qualifications often turn into a small "festival within a festival." This is where you can see who "reads" the ski jump, and the prices are usually more favorable 2025 / 2026. For photographers and autograph lovers, the training sessions before the official rounds are often the most grateful moment for hunting for autographs – the atmosphere is more relaxed, and the athletes are more accessible.

Planica as the final chapter: a carnival under the Letalnica and specific prices

Planica is the end of the season and a synonym for ski flying: long, "heavy" air arcs and a wave of emotions in the stands. It is also practical and transparent for the public – tickets for standing and tribunes are clearly different, with children's discounts and detailed explanations of the benefits. For standing, the indicative range for full-day tickets is approximately 20–35 € per day (Thu–Sun), while tribunes are in the range of approximately 65–95 € per day, depending on the sector. VIP options (e.g., Club 239 or VIP Club Planica) start at approximately 170 € and up per day, with added benefits such as a separate entrance, a catering program, and organized VIP transport 2025 / 2026. Children up to 6 years old often enter for free (with a children's ticket), and the circular bus line between Kranjska Gora and Planica practically facilitates traffic jams and parking. In addition to the prices, it is also worth remembering the small "house rules": it is forbidden to bring in glass, pyrotechnics and similar dangerous items, and the organizers are increasingly encouraging arrival by public transport. This saves you time at the entrances and nerves on the way back, especially after the afternoon finals when thousands of fans gather at the same exit.

Oberstdorf as a starting point: sector structure, budget and "backstage"

At the opening of the Tournament in Oberstdorf, the audience can choose between several levels of experience. The qualification day can be the most accessible: standing on the tribunes is usually around 25–33 €, while seats are around 52–58 €. If you want a premium experience, the VIP glass tent targets those who want a combination of view and catering (around 169 € for qualifications). The organizer occasionally also offers "backstage" tours with a separate ticket, which is an excellent way to see the "whole round" from the angle of the official zones for the first time 2025 / 2026. A practical note that the hosts emphasize: avoid large bags and backpacks. They are allowed, but you go through a special check and risk a longer wait. If you are coming with children, plan for an early entry and warm drinks – the wind at the bottom of the landing area can "cut" even when the forecast is mild.

Innsbruck and the "bonus" of public transport: the ticket as a tram ticket

Bergisel is a city within a city, so it's not surprising that the ticket often also serves as a ticket for city transport on the day of the event 2025 / 2026. In practice, this means: you arrive by tram, avoid the traffic jam around the parking lot, and after the announcement – straight back to the center. In the stadium, the sectors are mostly standing, but with a clear layout by zones and a view that turns the landing area into an "amphitheater." If you are chasing the best spot, come earlier and aim for the edge of the sector with a view of the telemark – this is where the highest tribune "gust" of emotions passes first.

RAW AIR and the Norwegian tour up close: a marathon of jumps and ski flying

RAW AIR is conceived as a "fast marathon": day after day, different ski jumps and the accumulation of points through all the jumps, including qualifications/prologues which can very well decide the overall ranking. For the audience, this is an experience where every trip to the tribune is "worth it" because every jump brings points for the overall list. The end in Vikersund – "Monstersbakken" – gives a unique opportunity to see ski flying up close, when jumpers fly over 200 m as a "rule," not an exception. Earlier "early-bird" packages and weekend passes can be the best value for money 2025 / 2026, and logistics usually include clear instructions for shuttles and access points.

Women's ski flying and great historical shifts

Women's ski flying has brought a new dimension to the entire movement: record training flights and the first official competitions have turned Vikersund into a historical stage. The audience witnessed jumps over 230 m, and the experience in the stands showed that the women's and men's programs now equally fill the schedules. When the organizer marks women's flying on the program, prepare your "photo angle" – the longest flights happen in moments when the wind "sits" and when the run-up is precisely tuned, so the most beautiful photos are often captured during trial series.

Records and the psychology of flight: why Planica looks "longer"

Flying hills like Planica "keep" the speed and calm air at the bottom of the profile, so jumpers "ride" the flight deep into the flatter part of the landing area. This is why from the audience you will often have the impression that the finale is "endless," even though the actual length is measured strictly according to the rules. Record distances further fuel the atmosphere – it is not uncommon for the boundaries to be pushed precisely at the end of the season, because the form is "at its peak," and the entire tribune breathes as one. At that moment you realize why a ticket for Sunday is "worth it" even when Saturday was already perfect 2025 / 2026.

How to read the competition schedule and choose the day with the best value

General rule: qualifications offer more jumps per euro, because you watch the whole "cast" and several rounds of training. The competition day brings the culmination and the ceremony, but also higher prices. In Planica, for example, Thursday (training and qualifications) is often the most affordable for standing, Friday and Saturday offer a "dense" program, while Sunday is reserved for the grand finale with the individual. If you want to stand near the telemark zone, take a place earlier and watch the wind vane on the banners – a small turn of the flag will decide whether you will see a "long flight" right in front of you or 20 meters lower.

Safety, comfort and "micro-tips" for the audience

Layered clothing is an unwritten law. On concrete tribunes, the cold "climbs" through the footwear, so heated insoles or warm socks are sometimes a greater difference than the thickness of the jacket. A thermos with a warm drink is often allowed (without glass), but check the organizer's rules. For families with children: aim for the edges of the sectors and the exits to the sanitary facilities – less crowd, faster return. For fan props: drums and flags are the hallmark of ski jumps, but pyrotechnics and poles with metal ends are forbidden in most places. Keep backpacks to a minimum – security checks can "eat up" twenty minutes just when the series is starting.

Budget per day and what to realistically expect from a ticket

For a fan who wants "as many jumps for the money as possible," qualification days and standing are often the "sweet spot" (around 20–35 € in Planica; 25–33 € in Oberstdorf for qualifications). For those who want better visibility and heated zones, tribunes (65–95 € per day in Planica) offer comfort and less "pushing." VIP is an experience in itself (approximately 170–370 € per day in Planica, depending on the package) – food, a separate entrance and a "TV shot" without interference. If you are combining two days, look at combinations (qualifications + competition) or weekend passes, especially 2025 / 2026 when the early packages are still active.

Why all of this live, and not "live" on the screen?

Because the tribunes "teach" the eye better than television: from up close you will understand how difficult the telemark is when jumping over the HS, why coaches raise and lower the gate, how the jumper "copes" with the micro-gusts of wind in the last ten meters. This is why fans travel to the same ski jumps year after year – not only because of the results, but because of the time capsule of emotions that every series carries. And that's why tickets for top dates sell out as soon as they are released – everyone knows that the final weekend is something that cannot be skipped, regardless of the forecast.

Mini-encyclopedia for the first visit

 
• K, HS and telemark, in short: The K-point is the "break" of the profile and the reference for points per meter; HS is the designed "upper" length safe for flight; telemark (step-out and knee) brings full style points.
 
• Wind and gate: an updraft carries, a tailwind "kills" the flight; changing the gate changes the speed and lift force, and points are compensated.
 
• Format: at the Tournament, 1-on-1 duels in the first round and the "lucky loser" provide drama even when the difference is half a meter.
 
• Daily schedule: training (often morning), qualifications (afternoon), final (afternoon/evening) – read the times 2025 / 2026 and plan transport.
 
• Family & access: children often have discounts or free entry up to a certain age; check sectors with easy exits.
 
• Transport: in some cities, the ticket is also valid for public transport on the day of the competition; elsewhere, shuttles are organized.

The audience as the "sixth judge": the fan wave that carries the flight

On the largest ski jumps, you will feel the moment when the fan roar literally "carries" the finale: the drum raises the rhythm, the flags enhance the impression of the skis' speed, and a telemark in perfect timing causes an "eruption." This wave of emotion is the reason why many people return every 2025 / 2026 – because it looks different every time, even though the rules are the same. And when a record flight happens, even a neutral sector "applauds" like the home tribune. If you combine an understanding of scoring (style + distance + compensations), an awareness of the format (duels, "lucky loser") and logistics (transport, sectors, time of arrival), you will get the maximum from every ticket. In practice: qualifications for "quantity," finals for the "climax," tribunes for the "shot," VIP for "comfort," and a shuttle or public transport for a "calm head." Add to that knowledge of the ski jump (where the telemark is "in the frame"), and your first or fiftieth visit becomes a story you will tell for a long time.

Ski jumping – how to prepare for a competition?

The plan is simple: determine your priority (atmosphere, visibility, budget), study the stadium, and then match the ticket type with the experience you are looking for. For 2025 / 2026, the most sought-after sectors are next to the landing area and the central standing zones where you can feel the "impact" of the crowd at the moment of the telemark. If you are coming for the first time, a combination of qualifications and the competition day provides the best ratio of content and price – qualifications offer the most jumps per euro, and the final brings the ceremony, anthems, and the culmination of the story. Dress in layers (thermal base, insulation, wind-proof shell), choose footwear with good insulation and bring hand warmers. Entry rules often allow a thermos and small plastic bottles, but prohibit glass, pyrotechnics, and long poles for flags; this makes the passage easier and faster, especially when the entrance control is thorough 2025 / 2026. For families and larger groups, the "geography" of access is important: the edges of the sectors make it easier to move to the sanitary and catering zones, and agreeing on a meeting place saves time after the series ends. In host cities with strong public transport (e.g., Innsbruck), tickets are often also valid as a ticket for local transport on the day of the event, which significantly reduces the stress and cost of parking. In arenas with an organized shuttle (e.g., Planica), count on circular lines, with priority for buses when entering and exiting the competition zone; this is the fastest and most reliable way to arrive at peak program times.

Past events and lessons for 2025 / 2026: what a "good weekend" of jumping looks like

The best weekends have a rhythm: training in the morning, qualifications in the afternoon, and then the competition the next day – sometimes with a team competition in between. The traditional stops of the Four Hills Tournament (Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, Bischofshofen) prove why the public faithfully follows it: each jump is a small duel of nerves, and the KO format raises the pulse already in the first round. In the north, the Norwegian RAW AIR philosophy turns every jump (including the prologue/qualifications) into points, so the audience gets a "marathon" of content in a few days. In the finale, everything flows towards the flying hills, where the focus is on peace in the air and the telemark under pressure – the audience feels when it "carries," and the moment of silence before landing has a weight that television can hardly convey. If you are aiming for photography and a "clean shot," the seating tribunes and the side edges of the main sectors provide the best line to the telemark. If you want to be "in the heart" of the fan wave, the central standing sections and the cores with drums offer a collective rhythm and the feeling that you are participating in the jump. For children and older visitors, the comfort of the seating tribunes (backrest, less pushing, easier exit) often makes the price difference worth it, especially in the evening hours and on snowy days 2025 / 2026.

Comparison of prices and packages: what to realistically expect in €

For a reference for 2025 / 2026, the specific price structures from different locations served. In Oberstdorf, the qualification day of the Four Hills Tournament is categorized: standing on the hang-tribune around 25–33 €, standard seats around 52–58 €, club and VIP options from ~85 € (Club) to ~169 € (VIP-Glaszelt). In addition, "backstage" tours are also available as an additional ticket, typically from 20–29 € depending on the day. Differences by sector (e.g., premium blocks) and children's benefits are clearly indicated, and the organizer emphasizes minimal bag entry and avoiding glass to speed up the passage 2025 / 2026. In Planica, which usually closes the jumping year, tickets are transparent and segmented. For standing, a good reference point is the special SLOSKI standing ticket which was 39.90 € per day – a useful guide for budget planning. VIP packages are joined by exclusive club products with included transport to/from Kranjska Gora, special entrances and a catering program; typical ranges for Club Record and Club Planica are approximately 150–370 € per day (depending on the day, e.g., Friday/Saturday/Sunday). This makes it easy to create a "scale of experience": standing as an affordable base, tribunes as a comfortable middle ground, VIP/club as a premium experience with additional amenities and logistics. At the final Austrian and German stops, "early-bird" phases and 2-day packages often bring savings; if you know you are aiming for qualifications + competition, it is worth following the combinations that sold out quickly in previous years. In addition, children often have discounts or even the right to free entry at standing sections up to a certain age, with the obligation to get a children's ticket – details are highlighted in the rules of the individual organizer 2025 / 2026.

How to find the best places in practice?

First look at the stadium plan: where are the standing sectors, where are the seating sectors, and how to move between the catering zones and the sanitary facilities. If you are chasing distances and "clean" telemarks, aim for a line of sight that "cuts" the landing area at a slight side angle – the photos are more stable, and the impression of speed is stronger. If warmth is important to you, sitting above the fan cores gives a sound experience without constant pushing. In arenas with a night final, the "light cones" of the reflectors sometimes create micro-shadows; the side edges of the sectors provide better contrast for filming. For 2025 / 2026, it's worth coming early, taking "test" shots during training and only then choosing a permanent position.

What to pay attention to upon arrival? (parking, transport, accommodation)

In the Alpine hosts, rely on public transport and park-and-ride concepts. In Innsbruck, the ticket is valid as a ticket for public transport on the day of the event, including the central zone of the local operator and special shuttle buses to Bergisel before and after the program – in practice, this is the easiest way to the stadium. In Planica, circular shuttles between Kranjska Gora, the parking lots and the arena are standard; the organizer emphasizes the priority for buses when entering/exiting and encourages visitors to leave their cars in marked parking lots, and even offers a free train within Slovenia to Jesenice for visitors with a ticket, with further connecting shuttles to the valley of the ski jumps. For walking access, a marked path of about 5 km leads from Kranjska Gora to Planica – an excellent option if you want to avoid traffic jams after the final and "walk" to your accommodation. Places for people with disabilities exist, but they are limited and require early registration. In Norway (Holmenkollen), logistics are focused on the metro and city lines; it is recommended to come by public transport and follow the official instructions on routes and zones for fans.

Interesting facts you might not have known

Ski jumps have a "signature": in Bischofshofen, the night final enhances the contrast and the impression of speed; Innsbruck (Bergisel) brings a panorama of the city and a sliding air flow on the final part, so the audience often "feels" the length of the flight before the board shows it. In Holmenkollen, the tradition of the Nordic festival is intertwined with family content, children's zones and a large volunteer apparatus; tickets are segmented by tribunes and forest zones (e.g., Kapellskogen), and small children often enter for free with an adult. In Planica, premium clubs include separate entrances, VIP transfers and gastronomic programs; it is an experience for those who want a "concert box" of ski flying 2025 / 2026.

The best "live" performances of jumps: where the audience reacts the most

The audience reacts most strongly to three moments: a jump that "sits" on an updraft and flies deep into the flatter part, a clean telemark where the knee is in perfect timing and a "duel" in which a meter or two is decided by style. In the KO format, the "lucky loser" also causes enthusiasm – a loser with enough points who still advances. On flying hills, the reaction occurs a second slower because the flight is also longer; this is the moment when you realize that the gathered mass in the stands is actually one instrument, and the coaches on the run-in are "directing" the gate changes.

What to expect at the competition? (program of the day, special features, audience)

The "set list" for the day usually looks like this: the stadium opens, one or two training sessions, qualifications, and then the competition day with test jumps and two competition series. On team days, the rhythm is denser, and the fan "wave" moves from sector to sector as the rows line up. The audience is diverse – families, weekend fans and "hardcore" cores with flags and drums – so each sector has its own tempo. If you want a calmer experience, choose seating and a side blocks; if you want to "sing with the tribune," aim for the central standing sections. In the evening, plan an additional layer of clothing and protection for your camera/mobile phone from the snow. For 2025 / 2026, the rule of "two tickets - two worlds" applies: standing for an adrenaline experience and closer contact with fans, seating for visibility and warmth. VIP/club adds a third layer with logistical and gastronomic benefits, separate entrances and additional content between series. If you are combining days, the combination of qualifications + final provides both quantity and the climax; in the Alpine hosts, check if the ticket is also valid as a ticket for public transport, and in Planica, count on free shuttles and, for ticket holders, special benefits in regional transport.

Practical budget 2025 / 2026 in €

 
• Standing (reference): Planica standing ticket 39.90 € per day (SLOSKI ticket); in Germany and Austria, qualifications standing are often 25–33 € (depending on the sector and organizer).
 
• Seating: typically 50–60 € for qualifications in Alpine hosts; on flying hills and finals, prices increase depending on visibility and demand.
 
• VIP/club: Planica ~150–370 € per day (depending on the package and day); Alpine VIP clubs from ~85 € (club seats) to ~169 € (VIP glass tent) on qualification days.
 
• Add-ons: "Backstage" tours (when available) ~20–29 €; combined/weekend packages bring savings in early sales.
 
• Family aspect: children are often free at standing sections up to a certain age or with significant discounts; some arenas offer children's zones and activities, and in Norway, age limits are defined (0–3 years free with an adult).

Micro-logistics: entry, security, habits that speed up the day

Come early for qualifications to "tune" your shot and place for the final. Keep bags to a minimum because special checks slow down entry; glass and pyrotechnics are generally forbidden. On cold tribunes, warmth comes from the ground – heated insoles can be more important than another layer of a jacket. Agree on a meeting point after the series because mobile networks sometimes "clog." If you are coming by public transport, check for additional shuttles (Innsbruck, Planica) and last departures; if you are coming by car, expect the shuttles to have priority when entering/exiting the zone. All of this lowers the stress level and leaves the focus on what's important – the flights you are there for 2025 / 2026.

Examples of seat distribution and fan "sweet spot"

For a clear view of the landing area – seating with a slight side angle. For a "wave" of cheering – central standing sections and cores with drums. For families – the edge of the sector and proximity to sanitary facilities. For photographers – the side edges next to the protective fences where the shot is least obstructed by passers-by. For "comfort" and logistics – VIP/club with a separate entrance, a heated tent and short routes to the tribune. All this is worth applying to 2025 / 2026, with one thought: tickets for qualifications are not a "second league"; it is the fastest way to watch a lot of jumps in a short time and get to know the terrain before the final.

Final notes for 2025 / 2026 (no conclusion, just useful facts)

 
• Transport and traffic: in Innsbruck, the ticket is also valid as a ticket for local transport (plus shuttle to Bergisel); in Planica, free shuttles from Kranjska Gora and the surrounding parking lots have priority in traffic, and for visitors with a ticket, a free train is also organized to Jesenice and back.
 
• Pedestrian access: Kranjska Gora – Planica ~5 km on a well-maintained path if you want to avoid crowds and "walk" to your accommodation.
 
• Family and children's benefits: limited places for people with disabilities with registration; children are often free up to a certain age (depending on the sector).
 
• Security and entry rules: thermoses and small plastic bottles are generally allowed; glass, pyrotechnics, long poles and large umbrellas are regularly prohibited by organizers.
 
• Early packages and combinations: "early-bird" and two-day combinations can bring the best ratio of price and content, especially when you are planning qualifications + competition 2025 / 2026.