Celebrating 100 Years of Ski Jumping in Salisbury
Norwegian immigrant John Satre gave a ski jumping demonstration off the roof of a hillside cabin in 1926, setting in motion one of the most improbable and unique traditions in Salisbury, CT.
Enthused by what they saw, residents built a ski jump and hosted their first competition in January 1927. Other world-class Norwegian Nordic skiers and ski jumpers joined John forming a core group that introduced Nordic sports to the community. The Salisbury Winter Sports Association, SWSA, and its predecessor organization formed to support every aspect of that effort including organizing and hosting regional and national junior competitions held at John Satre Memorial Hill.
Today, Satre Hill is the site for a 70 meter state-of-the art tower that is a prerequisite for ski jumpers who aspire to Junior National Team designation. At adjoining Hewat Hill, youngsters train on a 20 meter jump and the recently completed 36 meter tower.
Opening with a reception on January 16th at 4:00, the Salisbury Association presents an exhibit honoring the 100th anniversary of ski jumping in Salisbury and SWSA’s contributions to winter sports and the community.
The exhibit will run through mid-March.
