The clubs and ski jump facilities are run cooperatively by highly skilled and experienced coaches and trainers, as well as a crew of hard-working and devoted volunteers – parents, jumpers, friends, and family – who make everything work. Annual fees are usually very affordable, as are your first year’s coaching fees and beginner’s gear. Some clubs include beginner gear rental in your first year’s membership.

Membership Fees

• U. S. Ski and Snowboard Association (USSA) membership - $40
• Local club membership (single) - $35 to $150 per year
• Coaching fee for 1st year - $100
• Equipment rental, 1st year - $0 to $100

Buying Ski Jumping Gear

When you’re just starting out, you’ll wear your regular skiwear and use your downhill skis, boots, and helmet. You’ll probably start out on a 10-meter jump. This measurement doesn’t refer to the jump’s height; a 10-meter jump is only about 6 inches high. Instead, the designation refers to the length of the jump that skiers can, after plenty of practice, expect from that hill.

From there, you’ll progress to a 20-meter hill (2.5 feet high), and eventually graduate to 30 or 40 meters. By this time, you will have rented and possibly purchased some used jumping skis and boots from your club. By the time you’re regularly jumping at the 40- or 60-meter range, you will have purchased your own specialized jumping gear and suit. At 40-meters, you will be learning to “fly” the distance, and you’ll want wider, longer skis for that technique.

Used Ski Jumping Gear

Your new friends at the ski club are your best source for used gear at good prices, or you can try your luck online. Online used gear prices are listed below:

• Suit – $50 to $140
• Skis – $40 to $600
• Boots – $50 to $125
• Helmet/goggles – $75 to $200