Iola ski jump tradition celebrates Norwegian heritage

IOLA, Wis. (WSAW) - The Town of Iola continues a ski jumping tradition that dates back to the early 1900s, keeping Norwegian culture alive in rural Wisconsin.

The Iola Winter Carnival’s ski jump competition draws visitors to witness one of the few 60-meter ski jumps remaining in Wisconsin. The town’s Nordic ski jump has been a cornerstone of the community’s Norwegian heritage for more than a century.

“Not too many things that are 100 years old and to have the ski jumping tradition continuing on into the now into the 21st century, I thought was pretty impressive,” said Iola Chamber President, Greg Loescher.

The town’s Winter Carnival maintains many Norwegian customs, including a lutefisk fish dinner and ice carving competition. The Iola Winter Sports Club uses the event to introduce area children to ski jumping, offering an experience unavailable in most other locations.

“The more we can try to attract little kids and parents to come out here and witness it, like on a weekend like this. It helps a lot,” said Tom Ricchio, a Hall-of-Fame ski jumper.

The 60-meter jump is not always available to skiers, as years with less snow make the jump dangerous to attempt. This marks the first time in years the jump has been open, with interest reaching an all-time high due to simultaneous Olympic coverage.

“Most people that see that on TV, they see people ski jumping, and they go, holy cow, you know, they just can’t even imagine. But it’s right here in their backyard. This is where it all begins,” Ricchio said.

“You can watch it on TV, but to actually come out and see it and see how the jumping goes and clap, see who wins. It’s a lot of fun,” Loescher said.

Skiers as young as 6 competed on the competition’s smaller jumps. Although a few kids took tumbles, Ricchio said ski jumping is safer than most people think. The falls build confidence in young skiers and create memories as they improve their skills.

“It’s just, I think, part of the area. It’s always going to be, as far as I’m concerned, to try to keep this part of the heritage going,” Ricchio said.

Skiing has been such an integral part of Iola’s community that a historical marker has been placed at the jump’s chalet.

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