It started in 1928, and the daring art of ski jumping continues this month at
Mt. Hood Skibowl.

The commemorative “Come Fly With Us” open ski jump competition will be
held from 3 p.m. to 5 p.m.,Feb. 12, to benefit the Cascade Ski Club in
Government Camp.

“The Skibowl mountain crew does a fantastic job of creating an ideal slope,
allowing us to continue the tradition of ski jumping here at Skibowl
competitively, and now, open to the public,” said Kirk Hanna, owner and
operator of Mt. Hood Skibowl.

Each winter a ski jump is built on the Yumper slope — site of the historic Jump
Hill — for the Oregon 4-Way Challenge, which is the largest and oldest youth
ski competitions on Mount Hood, Hanna said. Two hundred young skiers, age
6-13, are expected to compete at the event, now in its 43rd consecutive year.

Ski jumping originated on the site in 1928, thanks to Everett Sickler, a local
ski enthusiast and founding member of the Cascade Ski Club.

Prepping the hill for the event involves many hours with a winch cat to build
the steep slope at the site. After that, the Skibowl mountain crew will move
snow into place, compress it, fill in transition areas and create an outrun for
smooth landings.

The 4-Way jump competition will be held Feb. 11 and the crew will groom the
slope again for the open jump the following afternoon.

Cascade Ski Club members will staff the hill during the open jump and
welcome all comers — including recreational skiers and boarders, Mitey Mite
racers, coaches, and anyone else who would like to “Come Fly” the jump.

“Ski jumping is an incredible rush,” said Greg Estell, Cascade Ski Club
member and event coordinator. “After watching the kids compete on Friday,
many people will be eager to try it during our open event.”

Hanna, a former Mitey Mite, is expected to compete.

The last time an open competition was held was in 2009, then marking the
80th year of ski jumping at Skibowl.

Fifteen jumpers from age 12 to 55 competed.

Greg Bertell, a club member, launched himself 72 feet to win the event.

Petr Kakes, owner of Hurricane Racing at Skibowl and former Olympic speed
skier, came in second with a 69-foot effort. The average distance traveled by
jumpers was 40 feet.

The competition will be open to the first 30 to register on site. The cost is $20,
payable in cash or check to the Cascade Ski Club. Each entrant will take three
jumps — one for practice and two that will be measured for distance.

The Cascade Ski Club was established in 1928 to promote the development of
Mount Hood and Government Camp as a resort for winter sports.

The club is open for family or single memberships, and provides meals,
lodging and social events for its members at the Cascade Ski Lodge in the
heart of Government Camp.