A Sapporo high school student on the chair lift during a school sports training session. The Okurayama Ski Jump Stadium is a publicly owned facility, so members of the public are able to participate in training sessions. Due to safety, coaching, cost and other considerations, most athletes using the ski jump are rither students or members of clubs.

The skis used in ski jumping and longer and wider than average, with straight parallel edges (there is no carving involved in this sport). Fairly light in weight, composite materials are used providing a much stronger but more flexible ski, ideal for generating lift when taking off from the ramp.

It takes about 4-5 minutes to get from the bottom to the top of the chair lift, with the lift stopping in the event of high winds (jumping also being suspended until safe conditions return).

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