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Women Ski Jumpers to Join Four Hills Tournament for First Time

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  Published in Sports and Competition on Sunday, January 4th 2026 at 11:40 GMT by The Straits Times

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A Historic Leap: Women Ski Jumpers to Finally Join the Four Hills Tournament Roster

For decades, it has been a cornerstone of winter sports – the prestigious Four Hills Tournament (Vierer Springen). This annual ski jumping competition, held across four iconic hills in Germany and Austria, draws massive crowds and commands global attention. Traditionally, however, this spectacle has been exclusively for men. That’s about to change. In a landmark decision announced recently, women's ski jumpers will finally compete at the Four Hills Tournament for the first time ever, starting with the 2024-25 season. This represents a significant victory for gender equality in sports and acknowledges the growing prominence of women’s ski jumping on the world stage.

The announcement, made by the German Ski Association (DSV) and Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV), confirmed that two women's competitions will be integrated into the tournament schedule – one in Bischofshofen, Austria, and another in Engelberg, Switzerland (which is co-hosted with Germany). These events will follow the men’s competitions at those locations. The move comes after years of advocacy from athletes, coaches, and fans who have tirelessly campaigned for equal opportunities within the sport.

A Long Road to Recognition:

The journey to this moment has been fraught with challenges. Women's ski jumping was initially excluded from the Winter Olympics in 1992, despite a growing number of female participants. This sparked widespread protests and legal action. The International Olympic Committee (IOC) ultimately banned women’s ski jumping due to concerns about insufficient participation and safety. This ban remained in place until 2011 when, after persistent lobbying and demonstrable progress in the sport's development, the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS) ruled against the IOC, paving the way for women’s ski jumping to debut at the 2014 Sochi Winter Olympics. (You can read more about this history and the legal battles involved here: [ https://www.olympics.com/ioc/news/women-ski-jumping-history ]).

Since then, women’s ski jumping has steadily gained momentum, with increasing participation and improved performance levels. The sport now features a World Cup circuit, attracting talented athletes from around the globe. The inclusion in the Four Hills Tournament is seen as a natural progression, recognizing the skill and dedication of these female jumpers.

Why Now? Factors Driving the Change:

Several factors have contributed to this historic decision. Firstly, the level of competition among women’s ski jumpers has significantly improved. The sport has matured, with athletes consistently achieving impressive distances and demonstrating exceptional technical skills. Secondly, public interest in women's sports is growing globally, fueled by increased media coverage and a broader societal shift towards gender equality. The success of female athletes in other winter disciplines, such as snowboarding and figure skating, has also helped to raise the profile of women’s ski jumping.

Furthermore, the DSV and ÖSV have acknowledged the importance of inclusivity and representation within their sport. The decision aligns with a broader trend in sports organizations worldwide to address gender imbalances and provide equal opportunities for athletes of all genders. The article highlights that both federations are committed to further developing women’s ski jumping and ensuring its long-term sustainability.

Impact on the Sport & Athletes:

The inclusion of women's competitions at the Four Hills Tournament is expected to have a profound impact on the sport. It will provide a platform for female jumpers to showcase their talents to an even wider audience, potentially attracting new fans and sponsors. This increased visibility can lead to greater investment in training facilities, coaching programs, and athlete support systems.

For the athletes themselves, competing at the Four Hills Tournament represents a significant career milestone. The prestige associated with this event is unparalleled, and success here can elevate an athlete's profile and open up new opportunities. The article quotes Sarah Nagel, president of the German Ski Jumping Women’s Association (DSJW), expressing her delight and emphasizing the importance of this moment for the future generation of female ski jumpers in Germany.

Challenges Ahead:

While this is a momentous occasion, challenges remain. Ensuring equitable prize money and media coverage between men's and women's competitions will be crucial to maintaining fairness and demonstrating genuine commitment to gender equality. Continued investment in infrastructure and coaching specifically tailored to women’s needs is also essential for the sport’s long-term growth. The article mentions that while the inclusion is a huge step, ongoing dialogue and collaboration between federations, athletes, and stakeholders will be necessary to address these challenges effectively.

The decision to include women's ski jumping in the Four Hills Tournament marks a pivotal moment in the history of winter sports. It’s a testament to the perseverance of female athletes and advocates who have fought tirelessly for recognition and equal opportunity. As the 2024-25 season approaches, anticipation is building for what promises to be an exciting new chapter in this iconic competition. The world will be watching as these talented women take their place alongside their male counterparts on some of the most challenging ski jumps in the world.

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