What Is 2018 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix

Overview

The 2018 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix served as the summer circuit for elite ski jumpers to maintain competitive form outside the traditional winter season. Held on plastic-covered jumps, the series provided crucial training and ranking opportunities ahead of the World Cup season.

This annual summer series is organized by the International Ski Federation (FIS) and attracts top athletes from around the world. The 2018 edition featured a balanced schedule across Europe and Asia, emphasizing technical precision and consistency over raw winter conditions.

• 18 events were contested throughout the summer, including 14 men's individual, 2 women's individual, and 2 mixed team events.
• The season opener took place on July 14, 2018, in Wisła, Poland, a frequent host of summer ski jumping events.
• Stefan Kraft of Austria claimed the men's overall title, leveraging consistent top-3 finishes across multiple venues.
• Sara Takanashi of Japan won the women's Grand Prix, securing victory with strong performances in Courchevel and Hinzenbach.
• The series concluded on September 9, 2018, in Hinzenbach, Austria, marking the longest-running summer ski jumping circuit in the sport.

How It Works

The FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix operates under standardized summer competition rules, designed to simulate winter conditions using plastic matting on ski jumps. Athletes earn points based on distance and style, contributing to both individual event rankings and a cumulative season-long standings table.

• Plastic Jumps: Competitions use specially designed plastic-covered in-runs to allow ski jumping during warm months. These surfaces mimic snow conditions and are used across all Grand Prix venues.
• Scoring System: Each jump is scored on distance (measured in meters) and style (judged up to 20 points by five judges). The K-point varies by hill size.
• Hill Types: Events are held on both large hills (HS100–HS140) and normal hills (HS85–HS100), depending on the location and event category.
• Points Allocation: The top 30 finishers earn FIS points, with 100 points awarded to the winner, scaling down to 1 point for 30th place.
• Team Events: Mixed team competitions include two male and two female jumpers, promoting gender parity and national team cohesion.
• Weather Delays: Summer events are vulnerable to rain and wind, with several 2018 competitions experiencing delays or cancellations due to adverse conditions.

Comparison at a Glance

Below is a comparison of key aspects between the 2018 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix and the traditional Winter World Cup circuit:

The Grand Prix plays a developmental role, allowing emerging athletes to compete alongside veterans. While prize money and FIS points are lower than in the World Cup, the series is vital for ranking improvements and Olympic qualification preparation.

Why It Matters

The 2018 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix had significant implications for athlete development, national team strategies, and the global visibility of the sport. Its summer timing fills a critical gap in the competitive calendar.

• Training Continuity: The series enables athletes to maintain flight technique and competitive rhythm during the off-season, reducing injury risk upon winter return.
• Youth Exposure: Young jumpers from countries like Slovenia and Japan used the 2018 events to gain international experience against top-tier competition.
• Gender Inclusion: With dedicated women's events and mixed teams, the Grand Prix advanced equity in a historically male-dominated sport.
• Host Nation Benefits: Cities like Courchevel, France and Wisła, Poland saw tourism and media attention from hosting events.
• Ranking Impact: FIS points earned influenced seeding for the 2018–2019 World Cup, affecting qualification for major championships.
• Technical Innovation: Plastic jump technology tested in 2018 informed future infrastructure upgrades in ski jumping venues worldwide.

Overall, the 2018 FIS Ski Jumping Grand Prix reinforced the sport’s global reach and adaptability, serving as a bridge between competitive seasons and a platform for both elite performance and inclusive growth.