Miyanomori Ski Jump

Miyanomori Ski Jump. It is a normal hill ski jumping venue located in the Higashi ward of Sapporo, Hokkaido, Japan. The hill, with a K-point of K90 and a hill size of HS100, is one of two jumping hills at the Ōkurayama Ski Jumping Stadium complex, serving as a vital training and competition venue. It gained international prominence as a host venue for the 1972 Winter Olympics in Sapporo and remains a cornerstone of ski jumping in Asia.

History

The construction of the Miyanomori hill was part of Sapporo's successful bid to host the 1972 Winter Olympics, with the venue completed in 1969. It was designed alongside the larger Ōkurayama large hill to form a complete jumping complex for the Olympic Games. Following the Olympics, the hill became a permanent fixture for both international competitions and domestic events, including the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup and the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007. A major renovation was undertaken in 2007 to modernize the facility, including upgrades to the inrun and landing slope, ensuring it met contemporary FIS standards.

Facilities and specifications

The Miyanomori Ski Jump is a normal hill with a construction point (K-point) of 90 meters and a hill size (HS) of 100 meters. The venue features a 91-meter tall jumping tower housing the inrun, with a sophisticated icing system to ensure consistent track conditions. The landing area, or outrun, is meticulously groomed and slopes at an angle of 34.5 degrees. The stadium area includes seating for spectators, judges' towers, and technical buildings essential for hosting major events. It is part of the larger Ōkurayama Ski Jump Stadium complex, sharing infrastructure and operations with its neighboring large hill.

Major events

The premier event in the hill's history was the normal hill individual competition during the 1972 Winter Olympics, where Yukio Kasaya of Japan won the gold medal. It has since been a regular stop on the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup circuit, particularly for events in Asia. The hill was a key venue during the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships 2007, hosting the normal hill events for both individuals and teams. It also frequently hosts rounds of the FIS Ski Jumping Continental Cup and is the central venue for the annual Hokkaido-based Sapporo competitions, including national championships organized by the Ski Association of Japan.

Notable performances

At the 1972 Winter Olympics, Yukio Kasaya's victory marked the first Olympic gold medal for Japan in ski jumping, with teammates Akitsugu Konno and Seiji Aochi completing a historic podium sweep. In World Cup competition, athletes like Janne Ahonen of Finland and Simon Ammann of Switzerland have achieved victories here. The current hill record of 104.0 meters is held by Japanese jumper Taku Takeuchi, set during a World Cup event in 2012. The venue has also seen strong performances from Noriaki Kasai, a legend of Japanese skiing, and rising stars like Ryoyu Kobayashi.

In popular culture

The distinctive silhouette of the Miyanomori Ski Jump, often filmed alongside the larger Ōkurayama Ski Jump Stadium, has appeared in numerous documentaries and television broadcasts about the 1972 Winter Olympics and Sapporo's sporting history. It serves as a recognizable backdrop in Japanese media coverage of winter sports and is featured in promotional materials for Hokkaido tourism. The hill and its Olympic legacy are occasionally referenced in Japanese cinema and literature focusing on sporting achievement, symbolizing a pivotal moment in the nation's winter sports history.

Category:Ski jumping hills in Japan Category:Sports venues in Sapporo Category:1972 Winter Olympics venues