Paul-Ausserleitner-Schanze

The Paul-Außerleitner-Schanze stands on the outskirts of Bischofshofen in the Salzburg region. It is a large ski-jumping hill with a K-point of 125 metres. The complex includes several hills, and the Paul-Außerleitner-Schanze is the largest. In winter it hosts the final round of the Four Hills Tournament, the last competition of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup. The hill opened in 1947 as the Hochkönigsschanze and was rebuilt in 2004. It was renamed after Paul Ausserleitner, an Austrian ski jumper who died there in 1952. The hill has a long tradition in major competitions. The first big event was a pre-tournament for the 1948 Winter Olympics. It was renovated again before the FIS Nordic World Ski Championships in 1999. During those championships it served as the venue for the large-hill ski-jumping events. The hill’s profile and size make it a key stop on the World Cup circuit. Skiers approach the in-run from the rear of the structure, gathering speed before the leap. Visitors find a modern stadium built around the jump. The in-run tower rises above the valley, giving clear views of the approach and landing zones. On competition days the grandstands fill with spectators watching jumps that regularly exceed 120 metres. The surrounding area is quiet forest and meadow, contrasting with the excitement of the event. After the jump the skiers glide down the out-run to the finish area. The hill’s name is displayed prominently on the judges’ tower.