This Abandoned Ski Jump Is in What New Hampshire Town?
Elite skiers and thousands of spectators gathered at the base of Nansen Ski Jump in New Hampshire.
The year? 1938. The occasion? The U.S. Olympic trials.
The legendary ski jump, built in 1936, was celebrated as the tallest steel-tower ski jump in the world. The 171-foot high jump would go on to host the U.S. Ski Jumping National Championships in 1940, 1957, 1965, and 1972 before closing for good in 1988.
Today, motorists can view the abandoned structure, reaching up above the trees, while driving Route 16.
Erin Paul Donovan, of ScenicNH Photography, was inspired to stop and take photos of the historic site, telling Boston.com, “I have always been drawn to abandoned sites because of the history surrounding them. I look at this image and can envision the jumpers at the top of the jump getting ready to come down.’’
Thanks to Lamson Library at Plymouth State University, we don’t have to imagine. Here is a photo from the library’s archives of a skier in action during the jump’s heydey.
Flying high off “Big Nansen.’’
The jump was built by the National Youth Administration for the Nansen Ski Club, the oldest continuously-operating ski club in America. The club, formed by Norwegian immigrants in 1872, was originally named the North American Ski Club. The club then changed its name to honor Fridtjof Nansen, a Norwegian explorer who crossed Greenland on skis in 1888.
When the “Big Nansen,’’ as it was affectionately called, was complete, Clarence “Spike’’ Oleson (1912-1977), a member of the club, was the first skier to jump.
“On the day I visited the site, my intent was to create a scene that not only showcased the current state of the jump, but one that would also create awareness for an important New Hampshire historical site that few know about,’’ said Donovan.
In 2011, the jump was named a historic landmark and officials placed a plaque there. The Nansen Ski Club remains active today, operating a network of groomed cross-country ski trails. Club members are in discussions with the state over preserving the jump and cleaning up its overgrown surroundings.
Where is it?
A big thank you to Donovan for sharing his photo. Check back with us tomorrow to discover which town the Nansen Ski Jump is in.
Get travel inspiration every Tuesday on Twitter using hashtag “TravelTuesday.’’
The answer: Milan, NH
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