The excitement is palpable as ski jumpers prepare for the legendary Vierschanzentournee, or Four Hills Tournament, during the dramatic turn of the year 2024/25. Following the opening event held at Oberstdorf, the spotlight will soon shift to the iconic Große Olympiaschanze at Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the anticipated New Year’s jumping event.
The Vierschanzentournee has been enchanting winter sports fans since its inception back in 1953, presenting four competitions over ten days across formidable ski jumping hills. The second event, marked by its traditional significance, will take place on January 1, 2025, with the qualification round scheduled earlier on December 31, 2024, at 1:30 PM.
Fans can catch not only the qualification but also the exhilarating main event live on multiple platforms. Major broadcasters, ARD and ZDF, are set to alternate the coverage, ensuring not to miss any action. The ARD will air the event from Garmisch-Partenkirchen, starting around 1:30 PM on January 1, whereas the ZDF will also provide extensive coverage throughout.
With both channels offering simultaneous live streams, viewers can enjoy the contest via the ARD Sportschau Mediathek, Eurosport, and even on platforms such as DAZN, which provide additional accessibility. This accessibility enhances the experience for die-hard fans eager to witness the thrilling performances of their favorite athletes.
The top contenders this season include Pius Paschke, who has already made significant strides this season by clinching victories. He currently stands as the frontrunner along with Andreas Wellinger and past champion Ryoyu Kobayashi. Amidst this competitive backdrop, the anticipation to see if Germany can finally celebrate its first Vierschanzentournee victory since Sven Hannawald’s win back in 2002 is at its peak.
While the competition heats up, the event will also feature the impressive Two-Nights-Tour, showcasing women’s ski jumping following the Vierschanzentournee events. This inclusion reflects the strengthening presence women's ski jumping is gaining and the growing interest it generates among fans.
The five-day event will also cover the latter part of the tour hosted at Innsbruck and Bischofshofen. Viewers can expect to witness some phenomenal ski jumping performances as athletes vie for the all-important title against the stunning backdrop of the Alps.
All eyes will be on the qualification round on December 31, 2024, at 1:30 PM. Spectators watching via television can tune in to ARD, Eurosport, and ORF, making the event widely accessible. This marks the beginning of not just the competition for the event but also the chance for athletes to earn points, enhancing their standings throughout the prestigious tournament.
The significance of Garmisch-Partenkirchen as part of the Vierschanzentournee cannot be overstated; it draws both the best ski jumpers and thousands of enthusiastic fans to witness the spectacle. The conditions at the Große Olympiaschanze challenge athletes to showcase not only their skills but also their ability to cope with varying weather conditions and technical demands.
Reflecting on the tournament's allure, there’s something deeply traditional yet exhilarating about gathering on New Year's Day to watch the ski jumpers soar through the crisp mountain air. The tournament is not merely about the jumps; it’s about the thrill, the culture, and the tradition enveloping this unique sport.
Whether you are cheering for your local favorites or watching from afar, the story will be told anew each year. Don’t miss your chance to join the excitement of ski jumping and revel in the magic of the New Year’s day event!