A Sapporo high school student making his way from the chair lift to the top of the ramp. The Okurayama facility is very convenient with the walk from the top of the chair lift to the ramp being less than 15 meters. Except when world cup and other competitions are held, the general public are able to use the same chair lift as ski jumpers, so there are usually 1 or 2 staff (often volunteers, so please be nice) assisting visitors off the chair.

If you look closely at the jump skis (in this case Atomic), you will note how wide the ski is compared to ordinary skis, and how the edges and parallel to each other. It is vital to any ski jumper that there be no sideways movement during the glide, and an even airflow when in flight.

If you look very closely, you will notice the airfoil shape of the helmet and the groove for the strap holding the ski goggles in place. Ski jumping is all about aerodynamics.

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