Alpine Ski Jumping (Gelande) Comes to Salisbury
Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) has added an exciting new event to its winter schedule this year! On Saturday and Sunday, January 28th and 29th, SWSA will host the first Winter Carnival and Gelande Exhibition.
Gelande (also known as Alpine ski jumping) is a form of skiing where the athletes ski jump off a tower using downhill ski equipment. Also, Gelande jumpers shun the tracks which are cut into the inrun (ski tower ramp) which safely aim a jumper onto the exact middle of the landing hill. As SWSA president Ken Barker notes, “These guys are crazy!”
Another new event debuting during Winter Carnival will be the Human Dogsled Race which will feature five people pulling a sixth on a sled over a .5 k course. The race will be held around 2 pm on Sunday after the Gelande event ends. Teams are encouraged to decorate and customize their sleds. For details or to register a team, email Ken Barker at kennethsbarker@gmail.com. Five teams have already signed up according to Ken.
In keeping with their practice of working with other local charities, SWSA directors also invite area non profits to join the Non Profit Boulevard during Winter Carnival. Organizations can set up tents to explain their programs to visitors and promote their causes. Interested non profits can email Ken for details.
NASCAR Dave and his Sunday in the Country Food Drive crew will be staffing the cook shack, and Lagunitas Brewing Company, official sponsors of USA Ski Jumping, will offer beer for sale.
Other activities for youngsters as well as adults are in the works, so check back for event additions. Below is the Winter Carnival schedule of events to date.
Saturday
Children’s Ski Jumping Meet on 20 and 30 meter hills
1 pm- 3pm
Gelande jumping under the lights, qualifying for Sunday event
5 pm- 7pm
Sunday
Open Gelande Jumping and Awards
11 am – 2 pm.
Human Dog Sled Race 2 pm.
Food available by the Sunday in the Country Food Drive crew
Admission to all events: $10 for adults, children 12 years old and under free.