By Chris Mays, Vermont Country Magazine.
Bundle up for the annual Harris Hill Ski Jump in February, where fun comes from the uncommon experience of watching international athletes compete in the sport and the instant camaraderie found in being part of the crowd.
“The Harris Hill Ski Jump feels like Brattleboro at its absolute best,” said Peter “Fish” Case, an announcer at the event and creator of the “Vermontitude” podcast.
For more than 20 years, Case has been one of the announcers sharing highlights and tidbits with the crowd. He described the event having “cold air, loud cowbells and a crowd buzzing with hometown pride.”
“It’s a wild mix of tradition and extreme sports that pull in athletes from around the world,” he said. “For as long as I’ve been announcing at the hill, I’ve had the best spot in the venue to take it all in. It’s pure magic.”
Contests started after the jump was built in 1922. This year, they’ll be held on Feb. 14 and 15.
Pat Howell, board president for the Harris Hill Ski Jump, said the success of the event seems to come from spreading the word about the unusual sport but also offering something fun and different to do during the middle of February.
“Here it is, right here in the corner of Southern Vermont on the border of New Hampshire and Massachusetts, and easy to access,” she said. “I think that we’re attracting people who just want a fun weekend out and they find us because it’s easier to find us now.”
The ski jump has a website and social media, and appears in newspapers and magazines. Stumbling upon the event has become more typical.
In the parking lot for the weekend of competitions, tailgaters gather to eat, drink and be merry. Fires are built to keep the crowds warm. Cowbells are struck cheer the jumpers on.
“We have people who are coming out just for a fun time,” Howell said.
Enthusiasts for the sport also come out to watch the event in large numbers. Howell said she senses that people will travel from all over New England and the world to see something they wouldn’t be able to unless they go much further away.
“We are still the only large hill in New England,” she said, meaning 90 meters. “Here it is right in their backyard, right here in charming, sweet Brattleboro.”
When people drive on Cedar Street and see the jump for the first time, Howell said, they wonder what goes on there.
“We put on a first class event,” she said. “And in honor of putting on a first class event, we have been selected as one of the two venues in the U.S. for the Junior World Qualifier, which is pretty impressive. It’s testimony to the professional tournament that we run.”
Local vendors are made up of a mix of local nonprofits and businesses. Nonprofits see an opportunity to raise some money at the event, Howell said.
“Our beer tent is always very popular,” she said.
EVENT HIGHLIGHTS AND SCHEDULE
Saturday, February 14, 2026: Pepsi Challenge & US Cup
9:00 AM Gate Opens at Harris Hill. (This is a new time; previously it was 10 am. The gate will be roped off before 9.)
10-11 AM Jump Training
11:15 AM Opening Ceremonies
12:00 PM Trial Round
12:45 PM Round 1
1:30 PM Round 2
2:15 PM Target Jump
Awards immediately following at the jump base
Sunday, February 15, 2026: Fred Harris Memorial Tournament
9:00 AM Nordic Combined ski race at Marlboro Nordic Ski Center
9:00 AM Gate Opens at Harris Hill
10:30-11:30 AM Jump Training
11:45 AM Opening Ceremonies
12:30 PM Trial Round
1:15 PM Round 1
2:00 PM Round 2
2:45 PM Target Jump
Awards immediately following at the jump base
Buy your tickets today online: HarrisHillSkiJump.com
Adult —$25
Youth—$15 (6 through 12 yrs)
