The anticipation is building as the 2025 Oberstdorf Ski Flying World Cup is about to take place from January 24 to January 26. This event marks the second major highlight of the ski jumping season, following the prestigious Four Hills Tournament. Ski jumpers from around the world will showcase their skills on the illustrious Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill in Allgäu, Germany, aiming to achieve record-breaking distances.
Before the competition officially begins, the qualification rounds will take place on January 24, at 17:00, after two official training rounds. Fans can catch all the action on Eurosport 1, which will be live-streaming the qualification and subsequent competitions throughout the weekend.
For the first time this summer, ski jumping enthusiasts will see the likes of Karl Geiger representing Germany as he aims to perform well on his home soil. At 31 years old, Geiger expressed optimism about competing at home, saying, “I’m excited about my home hill here in Oberstdorf. Although I haven’t had my best jumps here so far, I always enjoy the challenge.” His recent performances suggest he might be on the upswing, making him one to watch during this competition.
The format of the Oberstdorf Ski Flying World Cup includes both individual competitions on January 25 and January 26. On Saturday, the first scoring round begins at 16:30, followed by the finals. The fun continues on Sunday with another competition commencing at 16:00. A festive atmosphere is expected, especially with live presentations of the winners occurring post-event.
Joining Geiger on the team are fellow ski jumpers Philipp Raimund, Andreas Wellinger, Pius Paschke, Adrian Tittel, Felix Hoffmann, and Constantin Schmid. Each athlete brings their strengths and experiences, creating excitement among fans who are hopeful for great performances. Following their stays at Zakopane, where improvements were noted, they are eager to translate those improvements to the hill at Oberstdorf.
“I feel like I’m slowly getting back to form, and I can’t wait to experience the atmosphere of flying here at home. It’s always something special,” remarked Geiger. His sentiment were echoed by Wellinger, who emphasized the unique excitement of performing at home with supporters cheering them on.
The significance of this weekend goes beyond national pride; it is also pivotal for the athletes as they garner points for the World Cup standings. The defending champion from last year’s Ski Flying World Cup is Austria’s Daniel Huber, who will also be competing, adding to the competitive atmosphere.
Despite the local enthusiasm, Austria remains the favored team heading to Oberstdorf, having dominated recent competitions. Notable Austrian competitors consist of four-time winners Daniel Tschofenig and Stefan Kraft, both of whom are seeking to build on their success after strong showings at previous events.
Fans interested in watching the event can tune in through multiple channels including Eurosport, ZDF, and ORF 1, which promises comprehensive coverage of both individual competitions and qualifying rounds. Free streaming options are also available for those who cannot access cable broadcasts, linking accessibility directly to wider engagement with the sport.
The Heini-Klopfer ski flying hill, remarkable for its design and character, is one of the largest ski flying hills globally, prestigious not just for its size but for its history. This outstanding venue creates the backdrop for exhilarating performances, with some of the world's best jumpers competing for glory and prestige on this renowned stage.
The setup has been highly anticipated since the conclusion of the Four Hills Tournament, with many believing it will offer thrilling, nail-biting moments. Both athletes and fans are primed and ready for what promises to be an unforgettable spectacle of winter sports action.
With all eyes on Oberstdorf, the excitement is palpable. Spectators can expect jaw-dropping jumps and incredible distances as athletes push their limits. The challenge is on, and the competitors are ready to leave it all on the hill.
Whether you’re at the venue or watching from home, the Oberstdorf Ski Flying World Cup showcases the beauty and intensity of ski flying, making it one of the highlights of the skiing calendar.