Are you looking to try something new on the slopes? Bored with the same tricks for the ski trade? It may be time to learn how to ski jump. If you're an experienced skier or looking to learn some new tricks, the ski jump is right for you. Both fun and exhilarating, there's only a few steps needed to get down the right technique for the perfect air lift.

Ski jumping is a sport in which skiers ski off a take-off rump in an attempt to go as far as possible in the air. In addition to length, the style of the jump matters almost as much. Normally performed during the winter months, ski jumping can be achieved in the summer on artificial surfaces. The history of ski jumping has been traced back all the way to 1860. Norwegian skier Sondre Norheim, also known as the Father of Ski Jumping, reached 30 meters without poles over a rock. Two years later the first ski jumping competition was brought to fruition in Trysil, Norway.

As time progresses, the sport just continues to get better. We see unbelievable tricks, techniques, and equipments used to skyrocket the sport to the top. "People are getting engrossed in this amazing skiing discipline," states the ABC of Skiing website. "There is no question about it since it never ceases to bring fun, thrill, and excitement to ski enthusiasts."http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/ski-jumping/history.asp

To conquer a ski jump, you must hurtle down a snow-covered ramp at speeds of more than 60 miles per hour, then dive off a cliff, soar into the air, and finally descend back to the earth some 328 feet from your takeoff.http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/lessons/newton/skijumping07.html

Of course, you won't start off with these adventure-filled, airborne stunts. But starting off slow has just as big of an impact.

Let's start with the science of the jump. Much like a roller coaster, all of the energy for a jump comes from the gravitational potential energy acquired by going to the top of a hill.http://www.reachoutmichigan.org/funexperiments/agesubject/lessons/newton/skijumping07.html For this reason, you want to gain as much speed as possible on the way down to assist your control and balance.

Ski jumping is a very mechanical, often dangerous, sport. For this reason, you will need the proper equipment and clothing to begin. Your attire will need to assist you in performing your jumps to ensure your protection.

Jumpers tend to wear heavy jump skis because they are specifically designed for this sport. The skis are 252 centimeters long and equipped with free-heel bindings. Additionally, ski boots are a must to allow you lean forward during the jump.

Another must-have, requirement is the aerodynamic stretch jump suit. When purchasing making your purchase, ensure that the entire suit is made of the same material throughout. Another key factor of the jump suit is the comfort and fit. It needs to be comfortable to allow for more control of movement. http://www.abc-of-skiing.com/ski-jumping/equipment.asp

Above all, purchase a helmet. Head injuries are the most common injury suffered by skiers. If you’re learning to ski jump, it’s imperative that you stay protected. When practicing these jumps for the first time anything can happen and a helmet is there to reduce the impact that could occur.

Once you’ve gotten all of your equipment, it’s time to learn the basic techniques of ski jumping. Remember, start off small and work your way up. If you attempt a height that’s too overwhelming you could end up out of the game before you even start.

Before heading for the snow, seek out a trained instructor to assist you at least for the few attempts. You’ll want someone there to keep your form in control and ensure your safety. Once you’ve grasped the speed and found a good instructor, it’s time to start on small hills. The average start for a beginner is a 10-meter jump. This first jump will be unnerving to any skier.

Miss Jess, who recently learned how to ski jumps, says, “I waited until a few others in my class took their first plunge down the hill. None of them wiped out and there were no broken bones! So, I took a deep breath and skied down the tiny ramp. The feeling was amazing!”http://www.associatedcontent.com/article/2206663/learn_to_ski_jump_everything_a_beginner_pg2.html?cat=14

Practice on your first hill over and over again with a trained instructor until you both feel confident to move you to a higher, steeper ramp. Trust your instructor because he or she will never move you to a ramp that you’re not ready to tackle. Be patient with the process. One average, a skier can take up to a year to reach the 20-meter jump.

Don’t let the Winter Olympics on television fool you. The cameras can make it look the average ski jumpers is going hundreds of feet in the air. In actuality, they are really only going 10 to 20 feet off the ground. If it takes you a while to get off the ground, don’t fret because you’re not alone. Just remember good form while you’re practicing your jumps.

Start by gathering speed going down the hill as you head toward the ramp. Keep your skis straight as you hit the ramp in front of you. Once you have reached an optimal speed, keep your poles up under you arms. Maintain that level of speed but start to bend your knees slightly. Once you've hit the air, start to parallel your skis while keeping your feet together. Always keep your knees bent especially as you start to descend back to the ground. http://skiing.lifetips.com/tip/105769/skiing-tips/tips-about-skiing/safely-landing-a-ski-jump.html Once you’ve mastered this technique, you’ll be ready to hit any ramp that’s in front of you.

The ski jump sport is steadily becoming one of the most popular ski sports. It’s described by ski enthusiasts everywhere as “exhilarating”, “thrilling”, and “full of fun”. When you’re ready to learn, buy the proper ski equipment, start slow, and train with an expert instructor. And above all, happy landing!