Women to Compete in Four Hills Tournament for First Time
For the first time in its 75-year history, the prestigious Four Hills Tournament will include women's ski jumping competitions during the 2026-2027 winter season. Scheduled between December 27, 2026, and January 6, 2027, four women's events will be integrated into the traditional series across Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen. The German Ski Association (DSV) and Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) have confirmed the plan, which features 40 qualifiers competing for 30 spots. A key logistical enabler is the new floodlight system at Innsbruck’s Bergisel jump, allowing flexible scheduling. Officials describe the agreement as a difficult, years-long negotiation, likening it to a forceps birth. While sponsors have historically viewed women's events as secondary, this tour aims to establish them as an independent product. Although not expected to be immediately profitable, the initiative is seen as a milestone for attracting young talent and advancing gender equality in the sport. The International Ski Federation (FIS) views this as a significant step toward holding men's and women's World Cup competitions at identical locations, similar to biathlon.
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Women to Compete in Four Hills Tournament for First Time
For the first time in its 75-year history, the prestigious Four Hills Tournament will include women's ski jumping competitions during the 2026-2027 winter season. Scheduled between December 27, 2026, and January 6, 2027, four women's events will be integrated into the traditional series across Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck, and Bischofshofen. The German Ski Association (DSV) and Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) have confirmed the plan, which features 40 qualifiers competing for 30 spots. A key logistical enabler is the new floodlight system at Innsbruck’s Bergisel jump, allowing flexible scheduling. Officials describe the agreement as a difficult, years-long negotiation, likening it to a forceps birth. While sponsors have historically viewed women's events as secondary, this tour aims to establish them as an independent product. Although not expected to be immediately profitable, the initiative is seen as a milestone for attracting young talent and advancing gender equality in the sport. The International Ski Federation (FIS) views this as a significant step toward holding men's and women's World Cup competitions at identical locations, similar to biathlon.
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