Four Hills Tournament for First Timers: How It Works and How to Plan Your Day
The Four Hills Tournament is a beloved ski jumping event held every winter across Germany and Austria. For first-timers, it can seem complex, with multiple venues and a unique scoring system. This guide demystifies it all, helping you understand the tournament and plan an amazing spectator experience.
What Is the Four Hills Tournament? An Introduction
The Four Hills Tournament is an annual ski jumping competition that has been a highlight of the winter sports calendar since the 1950s. It takes place in two countries: Germany and Austria, with two venues in each. For newcomers, it's helpful to know that the tournament is part of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, meaning the results also contribute to the overall World Cup standings.
What makes it special is its unique format: instead of a single event, athletes compete at four different hills over a series of days. The scores from all four events are combined to determine the overall winner. For a deeper dive into the history and significance, check out our comprehensive visitor guide to Four Hills Tournament Germany.
The Four Hills Explained: Venues and Schedule
The four venues are Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, followed by Innsbruck and Bischofshofen in Austria. Each venue has its own character: Oberstdorf is known for its stunning alpine setting, Garmisch-Partenkirchen for the famous Olympic hill, Innsbruck for its dramatic city views, and Bischofshofen often hosts the dramatic finale. The tournament traditionally begins at the end of December and concludes in early January, creating a festive atmosphere that spans the New Year.
The 2025-26 season, which ran from December 28, 2025, to January 6, 2026, was the last edition featuring only men's competition before a historic change. For future editions, the dates generally follow a similar pattern, but you should always verify the exact schedule on the official Four Hills Tournament website, as organizers may adjust.
How Ski Jumping Scoring Works and Who Competes
For first-timers, understanding the scoring can be challenging. Each jump is judged on distance and style points, with deductions for form and landing. The athlete's total score is the sum of two jumps in the final round. The athlete's total score from all four events is combined, and the one with the highest total wins the tournament. It's important not to confuse the qualification rounds, which determine who gets to compete in the final, with the finals themselves. Newcomers often mistake these, but a qualifying round is essentially a pre-competition where athletes earn their spot.
The tournament currently features male athletes only, but that's about to change. The 2026-27 season will mark the 75th edition and will be historic as it will include a women's competition for the first time, as reported by Olympics.com. This means you can look forward to seeing top female ski jumpers like Nika Prevc, Katharina Schmid, and Eva Pinkelnig compete in future tournaments.
Key Dates and Format Changes: Women's Competition from 2026-27
The introduction of a women's competition is a ground-breaking change. Organizers have announced that the 75th edition in 2026-27 will feature both male and female athletes, with the women competing at the same venues. This was made possible by the imminent installation of floodlights on the hills, allowing for two competitions to be held on the same days. Specific start times for the women's events have not yet been published, so check the official event channels closer to the date.
How to Watch: TV, Streaming, and Live Attendance
Watching the Four Hills Tournament live is an exhilarating experience, but if you can't be there in person, you can follow it on TV and streaming platforms. Many national broadcasters show the event, and you can also watch via online streaming services. For the full experience, attending in person offers the spectacle of ski jumping up close. Check the official Four Hills Tournament websites for broadcasters and live-streaming options that are available in your region.
If you're planning to attend, you'll need to secure your spot ahead of time. Look into Four Hills Tournament Tickets to understand the ticketing process and options for each venue. Tickets are typically available through official sales channels, so buying early can help you get the best seats.
Tips for First-Time Spectators: What to Expect and Pack
Attending an outdoor event in winter means you need to be prepared for cold weather, sometimes extreme. Dress in layers, wear insulated and waterproof boots, and don't forget hats and gloves. The venues can be windy, so a windproof jacket is essential. Bringing hand warmers can also make a big difference in comfort.
Arrive early to find your seat and soak in the atmosphere, which often includes music and entertainment. Consider the location and choose where to stay near the venue for convenience. Our guide on where to stay for Four Hills Tournament offers suggestions for each location, helping you to be close to the action and minimize travel time on the event day.
Common Mistakes First-Timers Make and How to Avoid Them
One common mistake is confusing the qualification rounds with the final competition. Qualifying rounds are held a day or two before the finals and determine which athletes participate in the main event. If you only want to see the best jumps, make sure you attend the finals, not the qualifications.
Another mistake is underestimating the weather. Even if it seems sunny, temperatures can be freezing, especially at high-altitude venues. Always check the forecast and dress accordingly. Also, don't forget to plan your travel to the venue in advance; parking is often limited, and using public transport is recommended. For specific travel tips, see how to get to Four Hills Tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions About the Four Hills Tournament
If you're curious about the tournament's rich history, you might wonder about past winners. The list of past champions spans several decades, with many legendary jumpers having claimed the title. Exploring that history helps you appreciate the legacy and context of the event.
Plan Your Visit
Attending the Four Hills Tournament is a thrilling way to experience world-class ski jumping in a festive winter setting. As a first-timer, you now have a solid understanding of the format, venues, and practical planning steps. Remember to check official sources for the latest schedule and any changes.
Don't forget to secure your tickets early, book accommodation, and plan your travel to make the most of your experience. And for more insights, explore our other guides on the Four Hills Tournament.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the Four Hills Tournament?
The Four Hills Tournament is an annual ski jumping competition held in Germany and Austria, featuring four events at different venues. It has been a highlight of the winter sports season since the 1950s and is part of the FIS Ski Jumping World Cup, with overall standings affected by results.
When does the Four Hills Tournament take place?
The tournament traditionally runs from late December to early January. The most recent edition, for the 2025-26 season, took place from December 28, 2025, to January 6, 2026. Future editions generally follow a similar pattern, but always confirm exact dates on official channels as they may change.
How does the Four Hills Tournament work?
Athletes compete in four separate events at different venues. Each event includes a qualification round and a final round with two jumps. Points from all four events are combined to determine the overall winner. The scoring is based on distance and style, with deductions for mistakes.
What are the four hills in the tournament?
The four venues are Oberstdorf and Garmisch-Partenkirchen in Germany, and Innsbruck and Bischofshofen in Austria. Each hill has its own character, from Oberstdorf's alpine setting to Bischofshofen's dramatic finale.
How is the Four Hills Tournament scored?
Ski jumpers earn points for distance and style in each jump. In the final round, each athlete performs two jumps, and their scores are added. The total across all four events is summed, and the jumper with the highest aggregate wins. Qualification rounds determine entry into the final.
Who has won the Four Hills Tournament?
Many legendary ski jumpers have won the tournament over its history. For a detailed list of champions from 1953 onward, you can consult the Wikipedia page on Four Hills Tournament winners. This helps newcomers appreciate the event's legacy.
How can I watch the Four Hills Tournament as a first-timer?
You can watch via TV broadcasters and streaming services, which vary by country. For an immersive experience, attending in person is recommended. Check official tournament websites for broadcast details and ticket information.
What should I know before attending the Four Hills Tournament?
Prepare for cold weather with layers, warm boots, and windproof clothing. Arrive early to enjoy the atmosphere and secure your spot. Plan travel to the venue in advance, and consider booking accommodation near the site. Check the official schedule and ticketing details beforehand.