In Vikersund, Norway, they are readying the world's largest ski jumping hill for the FIS Ski Flying World Championships 2012 next February. The newly-built facility was officially opened last February with the FIS World Cup events and local star Johan Remen Evensen immediately set two consecutive world records with amazing flights of 797' (243m) and 808'(246.5m).
Do fans like the Ski Flying competition - check this out - when the stadium in Vikersund is done the stadium with its added expansion will have space for 25,000 spectators at the hill for these - the 22nd FIS Ski Flying World Championships. Also additional buildings for the sponsors, a huge tent for the fans, and another special tent for VIPs at the hill will be in place.
A new chairlift will transport the jumpers which will also be used for the smaller K105 hill and by tourists in summer. The athletes can also look forward to a modern in-run track which is equipped with a cooling system. A wind net will protect the hill from side winds and the area for the spectators is being optimized so that all have a great view of the hill. And in case there will not be enough natural snowfall in the upcoming winter, snow canons will be installed.
At its meeting in Portoroz, FIS Jumping Committee allowed for some minor adjustments to the Vikersund facility, which means that the world's largest hill becomes even greater. The modifications will involve the optimization of the hill profile in the lower part of the landing hill and the adaptation of the take-off angle meaning the Vikersund hill will allow for up to 5 meter longer jumps.
All in all, 11 million Euros - almost $16m - are being spent on construction.
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