Ylitornio in Finnish Lapland is trying to develop
plans to become the first venue to stage indoor
Ski Jumping competitions. The municipality presented
the results of an eight-month long feasibility study
to the representatives of the Finnish Ski Association
on Tuesday. The innovative plan calls for building
three hills side-by-side, a Ski Flying hill (K 185)
enabling jumps of up to 250 meters, a large hill
(K 120) with jumps of approx. 140 m, and a normal
hill (K 90).
The top part of the in-run track is planned in a
tunnel to be dug into the Aavasaksa mountain. The
rest of the facility would also be covered to ensure
that weather conditions have no impact on the competition
results and that safe and equal conditions can be
ensured for all competitors. Given the indoor set-up,
the hills could be in use almost ten months a year.
For more details, view a short movie here.
The estimated budget for the project amounts to
ˆ30 million and financing is expected to be available
by the end of 2007. The construction is estimated
to begin in 2009 and last 2-2.5 years.
"The Aavasaksa project is very interesting
and innovative. I have followed the project's planning
phase carefully," said Janne Marvaila, Director
of Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined at the Finnish
Ski Association. "Having the will to push things
forward is very positive. The Ski Jumping Committee
of the Finnish Ski Association will review the detailed
proposal this Friday and formulate its official
stance."
In addition to the Aavasaksa project, a competing
Ski Flying hill project is underway at Suomu, Kemij?rvi,
in the eastern part of Finnish Lapland. This plan
foresees a normal Ski Flying hill with construction
completed by 2011. There is currently no Ski Flying
hill in Finland.
