With the Winter Olympics coming this February, visions of grandeur might be running through your mind. While most of us couldn’t pull a 12,000 quadruple cork (yes… it says 12,000) 35 feet above the half-pipe, sports like curling, luge and cross-country skiing move to the forefront. Is there an activity that’s grassroots like these? Something that I could try this winter (albeit not well) that would be fun and in the spirit of the Olympics? Well, how about Jack Jumping!
What is Jack Jumping?
We know what you’re thinking… “What the heck is Jack Jumping?” It sounds like some psychopathic P90X training routine. Shockingly, Jack Jumping or as it’s known in Europe, Skibock, is a sport that’s been around since the late 1800’s. There are various stories it may even originated earlier on how this came to be in the wilds of North America. Our favorite ones was that lumberjacks or prospectors wanted a quick way down the mountain. The idea is to attach a single ski to a bench seat and thrust yourself down a slalom course. On the surface, it looks somewhat like the monoski used by Paralympians but it’s far less professionally-honed.
A DIY Sport For Skiers
First, there are no fancy parts like poles or extended handles. Second, it needs to be homemade. Typically, Jack jumpers take an old ski and attach it to some kind of wooden seat they made themselves. It’s a chance for your inner-engineer to be born. One of the common modifications frowned upon by “purists” is to put a seat-belt on it. I don’t know about you, but I’d like some kind of seat belt to try and keep me attached.
How It Works
As in Lauren Baccal’s famous saying “You know how to whistle don’t you?”, Jack jumpers have the same sentiment. All you gotta do is lift your legs and go! From what we can tell, it’s all about your core strength and balance. As you watch the experts on the video fly down the mountain, you’ll notice one thing. As they pick up their arms to balance, it almost looks like they’re soaring down the mountain like an eagle.
Where to Try It
Back in the 80s, when snowboarding was just getting started, only a few ski resorts allowed it—and most of them were in the Northeast, especially Vermont. Fittingly, this same region is also the heart of Jack Jumping.
If you’re looking to catch a lift to the top, Bolton Valley and Jay Peak are the two resorts currently allowing Jack Jumping. But in true DIY fashion, spots like Mt. Philo and Lincoln Gap, are local favorites for sledding and Jack Jumping no lift required.
Jack Jumping World Championships
If you’re not into the DIY side but still want to experience Jack Jumping, there are two events each winter worth checking out. The first takes place in early February during the Hill Country Holiday in Lincoln, Vermont. The second is the Jack Jumping World Championships, held annually the first week of March at Mount Snow. Be aware that Jack Jumping hasn’t been allowed on chairlifts since 2012 (except during this event).
You can also Jack-Jump at Bolton Valley Resort! 🙂 Happy Trails, ya’ll!
The World Championships will be on at Mount Snow again! Scheduled for March 6th 2022!