Lake Placid, a village known for its winter sports history, is set to make history once again by hosting its first-ever women’s ski jumping World Cup event in February 2025. This event, which will take place at the Olympic Jumping Complex, will mark the first North American stop on the annual ski jumping tour, which debuted in 2011. The addition of a women’s competition to the pre-existing men’s event is a significant milestone for the sport and a testament to the efforts of USA Nordic and the state Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA).
According to Anders Johnson, the ski jumping and Nordic combined sport director for USA Nordic, hosting a women’s ski jumping World Cup has been a long-standing priority for the organization. The event is expected to draw top female athletes from around the world to compete in individual and mixed team events. ORDA Communications Director Darcy Norfolk expressed excitement about the inclusion of women in the World Cup, highlighting the positive impact it will have on the sport and female athletes.
The decision to add a women’s ski jumping World Cup to Lake Placid’s event calendar is part of ORDA’s efforts to promote diversity and inclusivity in winter sports. In addition to the ski jumping World Cup, the 2024-25 event calendar includes the return of the FIS Freestyle Aerials World Cup and the IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships. These events are expected to attract a large audience and showcase the village’s world-class winter sports facilities.
The success of previous FIS Ski Jumping World Cup events in Lake Placid has paved the way for the inclusion of a women’s competition. With spectator attendance exceeding 10,000 in past events, the village has proven its ability to host high-level professional competitions. The addition of a women’s event is a testament to the village’s commitment to promoting gender equality in winter sports.
While the U.S. has been a leader in promoting women’s ski jumping, hosting a women’s World Cup event is a significant milestone for the country. Lake Placid has a long history of supporting women’s ski jumping, including hosting the first-ever Continental Cup. The inclusion of a women’s World Cup event will provide female athletes with a platform to showcase their talent and inspire the next generation of skiers.
The upcoming women’s ski jumping World Cup in Lake Placid is a major milestone for the sport and a testament to the village’s commitment to promoting gender equality in winter sports. With top female athletes from around the world set to compete, the event is expected to draw a large audience and showcase the village’s world-class winter sports facilities. As Lake Placid prepares to make history with its first women’s ski jumping World Cup, the village is poised to solidify its reputation as a premier destination for winter sports events.
