The Four Hills Tournamentthe most prestigious event in the ski jumping calendar, starts on December 28, 2024 in Oberstdorf. Four competitions on the ski jumps in Oberstdorf, Garmisch-Partenkirchen, Innsbruck and Bischofshofen will decide the winner of the “Golden Eagle” by January 6, 2025. After years in which international athletes dominated, the German jumpers are starting this season with high hopes.
Pius Paschke: A bearer of hope with strong nerves
Pius Paschke has developed into the top favorite with consistently strong performances and several World Cup victories. The experienced jumper impresses with his technical precision and mental strength, which are particularly crucial on the tour. After the last German overall victory Sven Hannawald In 2002, Paschke hopes to end the long dry spell. National coach Stefan Horngacher is also optimistic: “Pius has proven that he can keep up with the best in the world.”
International competition remains strong
In addition to the German eagles, the rivals from Norway, Austria and Japan also want to have a say. Daniel Tschofenig and Stefan Kraft from Austria are among the strongest challengers who were able to convince with their form this season. The Japanese Ryoyu Kobayashi, winner of the last tour, is also considered a serious candidate despite fluctuating results. The Norwegian overall World Cup leader Halvor Egner Granerud completes the field of favorites.
The ski jumps: four stages, one goal
Each of the four ski jumps on the tour offers its own challenges:
• Oberstdorf: The Schattenbergschanze, with its unpredictable wind conditions, opens the tournament.
• Garmisch-Partenkirchen: The New Year’s jumping on the Olympic ski jump is an absolute crowd puller and requires maximum concentration.
• innsbruck: The Bergiselschanze in Tyrol is known for its complex approach and changeable weather.
• Bischofshofen: The finale involves jumping on the tour’s largest ski jump – this is where it will be decided who will take home the “Golden Eagle”.
Tour schedule
• December 28, 2024: Qualification in Oberstdorf
• December 29, 2024: Opening competition in Oberstdorf
• December 31, 2024: Qualification in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• January 1, 2025: New Year’s jumping in Garmisch-Partenkirchen
• January 3, 2025: Qualification in Innsbruck
• January 4, 2025: Bergisel jumping in Innsbruck
• January 5, 2025: Qualification in Bischofshofen
• January 6, 2025: Epiphany jumping in Bischofshofen
German fans in anticipation
After years of pandemic-related restrictions, the jumpers can look forward to sold-out arenas again. The support of the German fans will be a crucial factor, especially in the home competitions in Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen.
Conclusion: German hope for overall victory
With Pius Paschke and other up-and-coming athletes, a German overall victory seems more tangible than it has been for a long time. But the international competition is strong and will demand everything from the German eagles. The 2024/25 Four Hills Tournament promises high excitement right up to the last jump – and could write a new chapter in the history of German ski jumping.
John Penny