The 73rd edition of the Vierschanzentournee is set to launch, with ski jumpers from around the world gathering in Oberstdorf on December 28 to kick off this highly prestigious series of competitions. Scheduled to run until January 6, 2025, the events will traverse across four iconic venues: Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen.
The kickoff weekend promises thrilling action, which includes qualifications and competitions happening over the New Year festivities. According to ZDF, the opening jump will take place on December 29, after the qualification rounds on December 28 at the Schattenbergschanze, followed closely by the famous New Year’s jump at Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
With the first jump on December 29, and the New Year’s event taking place on January 1, 2025, athletes will then travel to Innsbruck for the Bergiselspringen on January 4 followed by the Dreikönigsspringen at Bischofshofen on January 6. The culmination of this event will showcase not only individual skills but will impact the overall ski jumping World Cup standings, adding fervor to the series.
One major focus this year is on Pius Paschke, who enters the competition as the current leader of the World Cup standings after collecting five victories this season. Paschke has not only been on top of his game but is aiming to bring home the title for Germany, which has not seen a victorious skyspringer at the Tournee since Sven Hannawald's memorable win 23 years ago.
“This is the one to beat,” remarked fellow competitor Jan Hörl, who recognizes the pressure surrounding Paschke but also sees this as motivation. Hörl has had solid performances throughout this season, showcasing his potential. Meanwhile, the seasoned Olympian Andreas Wellinger is determined to improve upon his previous year’s runner-up position, hoping to refine the small errors in his technique to achieve success this season.
The anticipation among fans is palpable, with the Deer Ridge area expecting over 25,000 spectators for the opener. While Oberstdorf's opening event has already sold out, tickets for the rest of the venues remain available for purchase before the events roll out, ensuring ski jumping enthusiasts can participate in this winter sports highlight.
Broadcasting the Vierschanzentournee is as important as the event itself. The competitions will be aired live across multiple platforms, including ZDF for Oberstdorf and Bischofshofen, ARD for Garmisch-Partenkirchen and Innsbruck, along with coverage by Eurosport throughout the series. Streaming options will also be available through the ZDF and ARD media portals, increasing accessibility for fans unable to attend the events live.
For those tuning in, the schedule reads as follows: Upper Schedules begin on December 28 at 16:30 for qualifications, then continue with the first rounds on December 29 at 16:30. The neujahr spring will see qualifications starting at 13:30 and the first round poised for January 1 at 14:00. Innsbruck kicks off on January 3, with qualifications at 13:30 again, and concludes with Bischofshofen, where spectators can catch the final live rounds as veterans and rookies alike battle for the top score.
With competitors like the Japanese three-time winner Ryoyu Kobayashi not performing at his expected peak so far this season, the competition is wide open, promising unexpected results. The Austrian team remains formidable with talents like Stefan Kraft and Daniel Tschofenig making waves, showcasing the depth and competition levels the Vierschanzentournee positions itself to display.
Fans continue to rally around their favorites, fostering the excitement and vibrancy expected at these events, seen as the pinnacle for both seasoned pros and younger athletes alike. Uniting audiences across the globe, the 73rd Vierschanzentournee figures not only as the first cornerstone of the ski jumping season but is also witnessed as a tradition, embodying both the history and the future of this exhilarating winter sport.
From the thrill of flying through the air to the roar of delighted fans, preparations for the Vierschanzentournee highlight the passion fueling ski jumping, ensuring each jump counts as both athletes and teams vie for breathtaking victories.
