How Does Wind Compensation Work in Ski Jumping?

Wind compensation is a mathematical correction system that accounts for the effect of wind on each individual jump. Before its introduction by the FIS in 2009, ski jumping results could be heavily distorted by wind conditions. A jumper who happened to catch a strong headwind could fly dramatically farther than a competitor who faced a tailwind, regardless of their relative skill. This "wind lottery" was widely seen as the sport's greatest fairness problem.

The compensation system works through a network of wind sensors positioned along the landing hill that measure wind speed and direction in real time during each jump. These readings are fed into a formula that calculates the number of points to add or subtract from the jumper's score. Each hill has its own published wind factor table, because the same wind speed affects distances differently depending on the hill's size, profile, and exposure.

The system transformed ski jumping from a sport where luck played a significant role into one where athletic ability is the primary determinant of results. While no compensation system is perfect, the wind factor has been credited with making competition outcomes dramatically fairer since its introduction.

The physics of wind in ski jumping are straightforward but have an outsized impact on results. A ski jumper in flight acts as an airfoil: the wide, flat skis held in the V-style, combined with the forward-leaning body, generate aerodynamic lift that keeps the jumper airborne.

A headwind (blowing into the jumper's face) increases the relative airspeed across these surfaces, generating additional lift and allowing the jumper to fly farther. The effect is similar to how an airplane generates more lift in stronger headwinds. Even a modest headwind of 1-2 m/s can add several meters to a jump.

A tailwind (blowing from behind) has the opposite effect. It reduces relative airspeed, decreasing lift and causing the jumper to descend more quickly. Tailwinds also affect the in-run, pushing the jumper and potentially increasing takeoff speed, but the net aerodynamic effect on flight distance is negative.

Without compensation, these differences could easily produce distance variations of 5 to 15 meters between jumpers in the same round, purely due to changing wind conditions.

The wind factor converts measured wind conditions into a points adjustment. The formula is: Wind Compensation = wind speed (m/s) x wind factor (points per m/s).

Each hill has a unique wind factor value published in its technical specifications, because the same wind speed has different effects depending on the hill's size and geometry. Larger hills are more sensitive to wind because jumpers spend more time in the air. The wind factor represents how many additional meters a jumper would fly per meter per second of wind, converted into the hill's points-per-meter value.

Wind is measured as a component along the hill's axis. A pure headwind at 2.0 m/s counts fully, while a crosswind at the same speed has a reduced effective component. The sensors sample continuously throughout each jump, and the measurement used for compensation represents the average wind condition during the jumper's flight phase.

Typical compensation adjustments range from -10 to +15 points across normal and large hill competitions. In extreme conditions, the jury may pause competition rather than rely solely on compensation.

Gate compensation is a separate but related fairness system that adjusts scores when the starting gate (in-run position) is changed during competition. Each ski jumping hill has multiple numbered gate positions on the starting bar. The competition jury selects an initial gate, but conditions may require changes mid-round.

When the gate is lowered (a lower starting position), the jumper has a shorter in-run and reaches the takeoff table at a lower speed, reducing potential distance. To compensate, points are added to the jumper's score. When the gate is raised, the jumper benefits from greater speed and distance potential, so points are subtracted.

The gate factor value is specific to each hill and is expressed as points per gate step. Typical values range from 3 to 10 points per gate, depending on hill size. The factor is calculated based on how much each gate step changes the jumper's in-run speed and, consequently, the expected flight distance.

Gate compensation works alongside wind compensation: both adjustments are applied to the same jump score. Together, they allow the jury to actively manage competition conditions without unfairly advantaging or disadvantaging individual athletes.

Distance points form the foundation of every ski jumping score. Each hill has a designated K-point (Konstruktionspunkt) that serves as the scoring baseline. Landing exactly at the K-point earns the jumper 60 distance points.

The rate at which points are added or subtracted per meter varies by hill size:

• Normal Hill (K-point 75-99 m): 2.0 points per meter beyond or short of the K-point
• Large Hill (K-point 100-134 m): 1.8 points per meter beyond or short of the K-point
• Ski Flying (HS 185+): The K-point earns 120 distance points (not 60), with 1.2 points per meter added or deducted

For example, on a Large Hill with K-point at 120 meters: a jumper landing at 130 m earns 60 + (10 x 1.8) = 78.0 distance points. A jumper landing at 115 m earns 60 - (5 x 1.8) = 51.0 distance points.

Distance is measured using video analysis and sensor technology, recorded to the nearest 0.5 meters. These distance points are then combined with style points, wind compensation, and gate factor to produce the total score.