Salisbury Jumpfest: 100-Year Ski Jump, Olympic Feats and Tailgates

The article chronicles Salisbury, Connecticut’s Jumpfest at Satre Hill. This year, the festival marked a hundred years of ski jumping with three days of celebration, all while winter weather raged outside.

It’s really something how Jumpfest’s centennial mixes top-tier competition with a deep sense of community. Athletes travel from all over New England, but the event still feels like a local tradition, keeping Litchfield County’s winter sports spirit alive.

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A Century-Long Tradition at Satre Hill

From its rugged start to today’s marquee event, Jumpfest has long been a cornerstone of Connecticut’s winter calendar. The party at Satre Hill in Salisbury marks 100 years of ski jumping. The Norwegian Satre brothers kicked things off in 1926, bringing their coastal know-how to the snowy hills of Litchfield County.

Over three blustery days, the event turned into a festival that honors both the sport and the region’s tight-knit vibe. It’s not just about jumps—it’s about everyone gathering together, even when the wind howls.

Inception and Milestones

The Satre brothers first wired up a path for jumpers to test their nerve and form on what’s now Jumpfest’s famous hill. As the big anniversary neared, organizers got busy: 6,000 cowbells rang through the air, snow was groomed to perfection, and ice sculptures caught the winter light.

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association (SWSA) keeps the event true to its roots, but they’re not afraid to embrace a bit of modern flair. Every year, Jumpfest stands out as the association’s main draw.

A Festive Winter Atmosphere

While competitors focused on their jumps, spectators leaned into a tailgate-style scene. People warmed up with hot toddies, cheese plates, and a mix of rustic and fancy snacks.

Some wore fur, others bundled up in Carhartt. Junior jumpers—sometimes training as far away as Lake Placid, New York—brought a burst of youthful energy. The whole thing just felt like the best kind of winter gathering, with fans from all over Connecticut coming for both the sport and the party.

Facing the Elements: The Weather and Gear

Jumpfest’s three days pushed athletes and volunteers to their limits with gusts over 40 mph and biting cold. Organizers handled it with heated gloves, balaclavas, and old-school pencils for jotting down scores, even when fingers went numb.

The weather didn’t spoil the fun. If anything, it made the sense of grit and togetherness even stronger—something Connecticut’s winter sports crowd seems to really appreciate.

Practical Tips for Spectators

Planning to go? Bundle up in layers, bring something warm to drink, and pick a spot out of the wind if you can. Patience helps too, since jumpers take their turns and the cold never really lets up.

Who Competes and Where They Train

Jumpfest draws serious competitors—some aiming for the Olympics—and a big crowd eager to watch them fly. Junior jumpers from top training spots join in, adding a national touch to a very Connecticut event.

The Salisbury Winter Sports Association backs the whole thing, building a community that stretches way beyond the town itself.

Connecticut Towns Tied to Jumpfest

Fans and participants travel from all over the region. Notable Connecticut communities show up every year, including:

Salisbury
Litchfield
North Canaan
Canaan
Kent
Sharon
Torrington
New Milford
Danbury
Waterbury

These towns, plus a bunch of smaller villages and county spots, really bring out Connecticut’s love for winter sports. You can feel the excitement from Hartford, Stamford, Bridgeport, and honestly, way beyond.

Every season, Satre Hill draws families from places like Salisbury, Kent, Sharon, and Danbury. There’s something about this event—it just keeps people coming back, year after year.

Here is the source article for this story: Olympic Feats and Tailgating Feasts at 100-Year-Old Ski Jump in Connecticut

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