The “Big Nansen” ski jump in Milan, NH was once the tallest ski jump in the world. According to an article in the Patch, it was built between 1936 and 1938 and was the site of the first-ever U.S. Olympic ski jumping tryouts in 1938. In addition, the World Ski Jumping Championships were held at Big Nansen and attracted a striking 25,000 spectators at this remote location.
The site was not used after 1988. The hillside became overgrown and the jump fell into disrepair.
A local group, the Friends of Big Nansen, formed to resurrect this old jump that stands 171-feet tall with a 310-foot runway. They started clearing the hillside in 2015 and hired a construction firm to work on the jump. The Friends of Big Nansen met with professional ski jump coaches to decide how to alter the jump to bring it up to modern standards. In addition to the main jump, smaller jumps are being built for youth and high school competitions. According, to the article, construction is on track to host a high school competition this winter.
According to the Friends of Big Nansen, fundraising has been the biggest obstacle. They have received grants and have enjoyed support from the ski jumping community. It will be fantastic to see people once again sending it gigantic on this historic jump in northern New England.
Photos from: The Big Nansen Ski Jump Facebook PageÂ