Skiing and snowboarding are popular pastimes for Vermonters during the winter. Jack jumping is too… for some. The head-turning snow sport has been called one of the most insane winter activities you can possibly do. Dating back to the late 1800s, the old-school activity has survived with little change to its original conception.
On Sunday, March 3, 2019, the Jack Jump World Championships will return to the slopes of Mount Snow. This crazy sports competition is full of thrills and spills and if you’ve never seen it in action, you’re missing out.
A jack jump is a single ski with a seat attached to the top. There are no poles and no handles. Some say the original jack jumps were created by loggers as transport during the winter. Others say the primitive ski-sled was created as a cheap amusement for children.
Most jack jumps are homemade. Many are created using found materials and plenty of duct tape and rope. The ski has a vertical support that holds a seat (sometimes padded and sometimes not). A belt attached to the seat and wrapped around the rider helps with negotiating turns.
This rustic sport will have its day at Mount Snow during the jack jump world championships. Most ski resorts don't allow jack jumping during the season. But special permits have been pulled and this epic annual competition will take place Sunday, March 3rd.
Competitors will race two at a time down a slalom course. The ingenuity of jump jack design and user skill will decide who can make it down the mountain with the best time at the end of the day. And as you can imagine, some wipe out and don't make it to the finish line.
Jump jackers will come from all over Vermont and beyond to race in this insane one-day event. So dust off your jump jack or head out to Mount Snow to spectate the mountainside fun.
Learn more about the Jack Jump World Championships by visiting the Mount Snow website.
Have you ever attended the Jack Jump World Championships? Or did you race yourself? There’s still time to pack some more fun into this winter. Take a ride on this thrilling winter coaster or skate this stunning Nordic ice trail.
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