Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf

The German/Austrian Four Hills Tournament is part of the World Cup. Four ski jumping competitions in Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen are a tradition. On 29 December, the time has come. Daring eagles soar into the sky over Oberstdorf. Expect teenage shrieks and applauding fathers. The Four Hills Tournament has been held annually since 1952. It is one of the world's most traditional ski jumping events.

The first jump on Oberstdorf's Schattenberg ski jump is also a tradition. Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen follow. The legend lives on. Daring eagle jumps are accompanied by teenage screams and jubilant applause. That's what makes the exciting mix at the Schattenberg Ski Stadium so special. This is the opening event of the 56th Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf—the highlight of the ski jumping winter. Oberstdorf's name is inseparable from the Four Hills Tournament. Ski jumper and architect Heini Klopfer built the ski jump named after him in 1949. In 1972, it was rebuilt by Sepp Noichl as “the leaning tower of Oberstdorf.”

The excitement ahead of the opening event is building. Who will soar into the sky as the king of eagles? In 2006, 16-year-old Gregor Schlierenzauer from Tyrol put on an astonishing display. It was his first competition on the Schattenberg ski jump. Yet he left the other, more experienced jumpers behind. Will this sensation happen again? Or can the German eagles score a home victory?

The opening event of the Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf is a spectacular occasion. More than 100,000 visitors watch the four competitions live. Many millions more watch on television around the world. More than 30,000 people are expected for the qualifying round on 29 December. The same number is expected for the competition on 30 December.

The atmosphere in the World Championship ski jumping arena is already sensationally dramatic. Its distinctive location in a bowl intensifies the impressive atmosphere. Once you've experienced it, it's hard to get away.

Programme for the 56th International Jack Wolfskin Four Hills Tournament in Oberstdorf on 29 and 30 December 2007:

Saturday         14:30                Official training
29.12.2007     16:30                Qualification
                       Afterwards   Team captains' meeting
                       19:30                Tournament evening

Sunday         15:00                 Trial round
30.12.2007     16:30                1st scoring round
                       Afterwards   Final
                       Afterwards   Awards ceremony at the stadium