Celebrate 104 Years of the Harris Hill Ski Jump in Brattleboro
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Hold onto your hats (and your cowbells) as the Harris Hill Ski Jump returns to Brattleboro for its 104th year of high-flying, heart-pounding action.
Winter in southern Vermont reaches a thrilling peak in February with the return of the 104th Harris Hill Ski Jump, one of the longest-running ski jumping events in the United States.
Held in Brattleboro, this iconic competition brings world-class athletes, roaring crowds, and nearly a century of tradition to the slopes of Harris Hill Ski Jump.
Mark your calendar for February 14–15, 2026, when jumpers from across the U.S. and abroad soar through the winter sky in a weekend packed with competition, history, and heart-stopping action.
2026 Event Dates and Schedule
Saturday, February 14, 2026
Events include the Pepsi Challenge and Junior World Qualifier.
- 9 am – Gates open
- 11:15 am – Opening ceremonies
- 12 pm – Competition begins
Sunday, February 15, 2026
Events include the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament and Junior World Qualifier.
- 9 am – Gates open
- 11:45 am – Opening ceremonies
- 12:30 pm – Competition begins
The Harris Hill Ski Jump Event
Each winter, Harris Hill comes alive as elite ski jumpers take flight on the legendary 90-meter jump, rebuilt in 2008 to meet International Ski Federation (FIS) specifications.
Over its storied history, Harris Hill has hosted 18 national championships, earning a reputation as one of the most respected venues in American ski jumping.
The 2026 competition is a stop on the United States American Ski Jumping Tour, alongside the traditional Pepsi Challenge and the Fred Harris Memorial Tournament.
Spectators can expect two days of nonstop excitement, complete with music, tailgating, food vendors, and the rare opportunity to climb up to the takeoff area for an up-close look as athletes fly past at breathtaking speeds.
Tickets and Entry Information
Tickets can be purchased in advance through the official website.
- On-site ticket purchases accept cash, check, or QR code link only
- Credit cards are accepted only when using the QR code on your phone
Arriving early is strongly recommended to enjoy practice jumps, food vendors, and opening ceremonies. For the full experience, plan to arrive between 9 and 10 am.
What to Know Before You Go
Are dogs allowed?
This is not a pet-friendly event. Large crowds, cold temperatures, and loud activity can be stressful for animals. If you do bring a dog, it must be leashed at all times.
Food and beverages
A variety of food vendors will be on site offering hot meals, warm drinks, beer, and ski-jumping memorabilia.
What to wear
February weather in Vermont can change quickly. Dress warmly and wear layers. Snow, sun, wind, and even mud are all possible over the course of a day.
Tailgating
Yes, tailgating is allowed and is part of the Harris Hill tradition.
A Brief Overview of Ski Jumping
Ski jumping dates back more than 200 years, with the first recorded jump by Norwegian soldier Olaf Rye in 1809.
The sport became part of the Olympic Winter Games in 1924 and has evolved significantly since its early days.
Modern ski jumping involves a carefully engineered hill made up of several key parts:
- In-run: The steep track from the starting point to the takeoff
- Takeoff (table): A flat section where the skier launches into the air
- Knoll: The area just beyond the takeoff
- Transition: Where the landing hill begins to flatten
- Outrun: The final stretch where skiers slow to a stop
Harris Hill is classified as a Normal Hill, with a hill size of 98 meters (HS 98m).
Although it may look like jumpers are launched upward, the takeoff actually angles slightly downward, allowing skiers to glide smoothly into flight. Today’s tracks are iced rather than packed snow, with deeper grooves designed to keep modern skis aligned at high speeds.
The Legacy of Harris Hill
The Harris Hill Ski Jumping Competition dates back to 1922, making it older than ski jumping’s Olympic debut. It was founded by Fred Harris, a Brattleboro native and visionary who also helped establish the Brattleboro Outing Club and the Dartmouth Outing Club.
For decades, thousands of spectators traveled from across New England to witness the spectacle, once dressed in fur coats and now clad in Gore-Tex and down. Despite interruptions caused by World War II, rare snow droughts, and a pandemic, the event has endured as a beloved winter tradition.
After falling into disrepair in the early 2000s, Harris Hill underwent a major overhaul to secure its future. Today, it stands as a testament to the resilience of the sport and the community that supports it.
Ski jumping is a sport best appreciated in person, and nowhere is that more true than at Harris Hill.
Few events combine athletic precision, raw courage, and nearly a century of history quite like this one. If you’re looking for a uniquely Vermont winter experience, the Harris Hill Ski Jump belongs at the top of your list. This is one of Vermont’s most exciting winter events!
Get Your Tickets Now!
Secure your spot for a weekend of unforgettable thrills and family fun. Visit Harris Hill Ski Jump to purchase tickets and learn more.
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