The ski jumping season came to an exhilarating close on March 30, 2025, at the Letalnica ski flying hill in Planica, Slovenia, with the last competition of the season showcasing the world's top ski jumpers. The event not only marked the end of a long winter but also delivered a spectacular finale that will be remembered for years to come. As the athletes took to the skies, they brought their best performances, culminating in thrilling jumps and record-breaking feats.
In a stunning display of skill, Slovenia's Domen Prevc set a new world record by soaring an incredible 254.5 meters, surpassing the previous record held by Austria's Stefan Kraft by a full meter. This remarkable achievement captivated fans and showcased Prevc's exceptional talent on his home hill. However, despite his record-setting jump, Prevc finished second in the competition, as his compatriot Anze Lanisek secured the victory with a total of 482.1 points, thanks to his consistent performance throughout the event.
Andreas Wellinger from Germany rounded out the podium, finishing in third place with a jump of 236.5 meters. Wellinger's strong performance was a fitting conclusion to a season that saw him rise to prominence, particularly following his victory at the Raw Air competition in Norway earlier in the year. His consistent jumps throughout the season have solidified his status as one of the premier competitors in the sport.
As the competition unfolded, the atmosphere was electric, with fans witnessing not just the end of a season but also the farewell of a beloved athlete. Markus Eisenbichler, a six-time world champion, concluded his career during the team event on March 29, where he and the German team finished in second place behind Austria. Eisenbichler’s emotional departure from the sport was marked by heartfelt tributes from teammates and fans alike. "It’s very sad for me to lose my roommate. He’s also a good friend," said Karl Geiger, reflecting on Eisenbichler's retirement.
The event began with the first round of the individual flying competition at 9:30 AM local time, followed by the final round that commenced around 10:30 AM. The broadcast was made available live on ARD, Eurosport 1, and ORF 1, allowing fans to catch every thrilling moment of the action. The ARD Sportschau provided a free livestream, while Eurosport offered its coverage through subscription-based services such as Discovery+, Joyn, and DAZN.
Austria, led by overall World Cup winner Daniel Tschofenig, showcased its dominance in ski jumping by winning the team event the day before, further solidifying their place in the sport. The Austrian team, which included Tschofenig, Manuel Fettner, Jan Hörl, and Stefan Kraft, finished 29.1 points ahead of Germany, with Slovenia trailing in third place. The victory was a satisfying redemption for Austria after their defeat at the World Championships earlier in the season.
With the ski flying event being held at the impressive Letalnica hill, known for its ability to facilitate jumps exceeding 230 meters, the competition was set to be a thrilling spectacle. The large hill provided the perfect backdrop for the athletes to showcase their skills, and the results did not disappoint. The conditions on the day were favorable, allowing for some of the best jumps of the season.
As the final results were tallied, the standings reflected the remarkable performances of the athletes. Anze Lanisek took home the top spot with 482.1 points, followed closely by Domen Prevc, who finished just 7.1 points behind. Wellinger secured third place, 26.3 points off the lead, while Pius Paschke and Karl Geiger finished sixth and tenth, respectively, contributing to a strong showing for Germany.
Looking back at the season, it was a rollercoaster ride for the German team, which experienced ups and downs throughout the winter. After a strong start, the team faced challenges mid-season but regained form leading into the final competitions. The season was also marked by controversy surrounding ski suits following a doping scandal at the World Championships, prompting discussions about the future of the sport.
The ski jumping community is now left to reflect on a season filled with memorable moments, including record-setting jumps and the emotional farewell of a beloved athlete. As the athletes take a break until the next season, they will undoubtedly be looking to build on their performances and come back even stronger.
With the ski flying event in Planica concluding the 2024/25 World Cup season, fans can eagerly anticipate what the next season will bring. The excitement of ski jumping continues to capture the hearts of many, and the sport's future looks bright with the emergence of new talents and the continued excellence of seasoned veterans.
As the dust settles on this spectacular season, the memories of thrilling flights and the camaraderie among competitors will remain etched in the minds of fans and athletes alike. The ski jumping world eagerly awaits the next chapter.
