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A New Era for the Salisbury Ski Jumps
The 2009 Ski Jumps photographed by Jon Capecelatro.
There are not many spectator sports that make it worth your while to stand outside in frigid weather, but the annual Salisbury Ski Jumps are an exception because they’re so thrilling—and heartwarming. The venerable competition (February 11 - 13), which has been a proving ground for future Olympians, has been a highlight of winter in northwest Connecticut for 85 years, and this year’s ski jump weekend is notable because it’s the prelude to the Junior Olympics Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined (February 22 - 26), which has the town abuzz.
It’s a year of firsts at the ski jumps: There’s a brand new state-of-the-art tower, which was built in record time because the Salisbury Winter Sports Association had to promise to build a new jump to woo the Junior Olympics. There is a new line of handsome Salisbury Ski Jumps merchandise (right and below) produced by Peter Beck’s Village Store: baseball caps ($15), knit caps ($39.50), long sleeve T-shirts ($25), and Patagonia fleece vests ($85). They will be sold at Satre Hill (where you can always purchase the cowbells that are traditionally rung as the skiers fly through the sky) as well as at Peter Beck’s on Main Street.
While watching the jumpers when the sun is shining is nice, many spectators’ favorite part of the weekend is Friday Night Lights, when there is target jumping under the lights along with a chili cookoff. And the 10th annual ice-carving competition on Saturday will be held in a new location, the lawn of the Scoville Memorial Library (because the White Hart Inn where it was traditionally held is dark.) If you’re not familiar with the charms of Salisbury, the Ski Jumps weekend is a great opportunity to explore shops such as Johnnycake Books, Passports, Salisbury Wines and Sweet William’s Bakery.
85th Annual Salisbury Winter Sports Association Ski Jumps
February 11 - 13
U.S. Junior Olympics in Ski Jumping & Nordic Combined
February 22 - 26
Where to Eat in Salisbury/Lakeville:
Check out our restaurant reviews
1. Boathouse
2. Cafe Giuila
3. Country Bistro
4. Le Laurentis
5. Pastorale
6. Woodland
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