Section 3: Playing Area
3.1 Hill Classification
All competition hills must be homologated (certified) by FIS and are classified by their Hill Size (HS), the maximum safe landing distance:
- Small Hill: HS 20–49 m (training and youth competitions)
- Medium Hill: HS 50–84 m (national-level events)
- Normal Hill: HS 85–109 m (Olympic Normal Hill typically HS 105–109)
- Large Hill: HS 110–145 m (Olympic Large Hill typically HS 127–140)
- Ski Flying Hill: HS 185–240+ m (World Cup Ski Flying events; not Olympic)
3.2 Hill Dimensions and Geometry
- In-run (approach): Straight track of 80–120 m (262–394 ft) with a gradient of 33–38 degrees. Surface is prepared ice track in a profile-milled groove.
- Takeoff table: Curved transition from in-run slope to the lip. Table angle typically 10–11 degrees on Normal Hill, 10–11.5 degrees on Large Hill. Takeoff speed: approximately 85–90 km/h (53–56 mph) on NH, 90–95 km/h (56–59 mph) on LH.
- K-point (critical point): The reference point on the landing slope where the gradient begins to flatten. Marked by a visible line. NH K-point: typically 90 m; LH K-point: typically 120 m.
- Landing slope: Gradient of 33–37 degrees at the K-point, transitioning to a flatter outrun. Must be wide enough for safe landing (minimum 9 m / 30 ft at K-point).
- Outrun: Minimum 100 m (328 ft) of flat or uphill deceleration zone beyond the landing area. Must allow athletes to stop safely.
3.3 Wind and Weather Measurement Infrastructure
Competition hills are equipped with multiple wind sensors at standardised positions along the flight path. Sensors measure wind speed and direction at the takeoff, mid-flight, and landing zones. Data is transmitted in real time to the wind compensation calculation system and displayed on the competition scoreboard. The Jury may pause competition when sustained winds exceed safe thresholds.