Marshall Miles Interviews Willie Hallihan, Jumpfest 2020 at Satre Hill in Salisbury Feb 7-9

JUMPFEST!

Excitement returns in February when Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) hosts its 92nd Annual Jumpfest, a three day celebration/competition of the best ski jumpers in the eastern United States—some will represent the U.S. in the Olympics. If ski jumping has never been seen live, one has never truly witnessed the sport. Standing amidst ringing cowbells, crowds cheering on their favorites, hearing skis slap against the landing hill after brave jumpers soar up to 200 feet through the air at speeds up to 50mph, is a “must” experience. SWSA makes its own snow. Even if winter looks brown outside the window, it’s white over at Satre Hill thanks to two state-ofthe-art snow guns. Blazing bonfires & hot beverages help, but do dress warmly—it’s winter outside!

Friday, Feb 9 7pm, Friday Night Lights, $15 admission: Target Jumping Under the Lights, jumpers fly under the lights, unfettered by judges’ points; their only goal is to land on a bulls-eye target for big prizes and big fun. When target jumping ends, real zaniness ensues with Human Dog Sled Races. Teams of six slightly crazy folks: five pulling, and one riding on a sled of the group’s own design. They careen around a .3-mile course, and, well, accidents do happen. Crazy fun to watch!

Saturday, Feb 10 Practice 11am–noon; competition, 1pm: Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping Competition $15 admission. Same brave jumpers from Friday night, only serious now, competing for prestigious SWSA trophies. 8pm–Midnight, SWSA Snow Ball Dance returns to The White Hart Inn, $15 admission.

Sunday, Feb 11 Practice 11am–noon; competition 1pm; Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships, $15 admission. This is the big one. Jumpers vie for trophies and a spot on the Junior National Team. Children 12 and under admitted free to all events; proceeds fund SWSA youth skiing programs.

Check jumpfest.org for program changes and schedule updates

7FEB

Friday Night Lights!

While you are warming up our Target Ski Jumping competition begins @ 7:00pm

Immediately following the Jumping competition, stick around for the Human Dog Sled Racing!

Download the Dogsled race rules and registration

8FEB

Salisbury Invitational Ski Jumping

Admission: $15 (children 12yo and under free)

Come cheer on the Junior Jumpers on the 20 and 30 meter hills. Their competition begins at 10am.

Our big jump competitors begin praticing at 11am and competition begins at 1pm.

Enjoy the warming bonfires around the grounds, Lagunitas beer and great food at the Cook Shack!

9FEB

Eastern U.S. Ski Jumping Championships

Admission: $15 (children 12yo and under free)

Closing our Jumpfest weekend are the Junior National Hopefuls ski jumping off our big hill.

Our competitors begin practicing at 11am with competition at 1pm.