History in the Air: Kulm Hosts First-Ever Nordic Combined Ski Flying World Cup
BAD MITTERNDORF, 28 February 2026 — The legendary Kulm ski flying hill in Styria has once again cemented its status as a pioneer in winter sports. This weekend, from 27 February to 1 March 2026, the venue is hosting a historic milestone: the first-ever FIS Nordic Combined Ski Flying World Cup. While the hill has been a staple for pure ski jumpers since 1950, the inclusion of Nordic Combined athletes marks a transformative moment for the discipline.
A Weekend of Records and Firsts
The atmosphere in the Tauplitz/Bad Mitterndorf region is electric as the world’s elite athletes tackle one of the largest natural flying hills in existence. Yesterday, 27 February, the sporting world watched as history was written during the initial rounds of competition.
Herola and Lamparter Lead the Charge
Finland’s Ilkka Herola secured a monumental victory, becoming the winner of the first-ever Nordic Combined ski flying competition. Herola’s triumph was hard-fought, as he managed to outpace the field on the final straight of the cross-country leg after impressive performances on the hill.
Local hero and world number one Johannes Lamparter has also been in sensational form. Lamparter won the Provisional Competition Round (PCR) with a massive flight of 220.5 metres and later pushed the boundaries even further with a jump of 236.5 metres, delighting the Austrian home crowd. Meanwhile, France’s Marco Heinis provided one of the weekend’s most dramatic highlights, soaring to 233.5 metres during Friday’s session.
Embacher Dominates Ski Jumping Qualifiers
In the pure ski jumping category, the momentum remains with the hosts. Stephan Embacher, fresh from his Olympic Super Team success in recent weeks, won the qualifier with a 219-metre flight. He narrowly beat Japan’s Naoki Nakamura, who landed at 218.5 metres, setting the stage for a thrilling final day of competition tomorrow, Sunday.
The Technical Profile of Kulm (HS235)
The Kulm is renowned for being one of only five ski flying hills in the world. Unlike standard large hills, the “Monster of Styria” allows for distances well exceeding 200 metres.
| Technical Specification | Data |
|---|---|
| Hill Size (HS) | 235 m |
| K-Point | 200 m |
| Inrun Angle | 35.3° |
| Take-off Height | 4.75 m |
| Average Speed | 108 km/h |
| Landing Angle | 33.5° |
A Legacy Spanning Seven Decades
Opened in 1950, the Kulm has undergone several major reconstructions to keep pace with the evolution of the sport. The first jumps on the hill were performed by Hubert Neuper senior. Since 1953, it has been a regular fixture on the international calendar, hosting the FIS Ski Flying World Championships on six occasions: 1975, 1986, 1996, 2006, 2016, and most recently in 2024.
Safety has always been a priority at this exposed venue. In 1975, the first wind net was installed to protect athletes from the unpredictable Styrian gusts. This system was significantly enlarged in 1985 to a height of 25 metres, allowing competitions to proceed even when side-winds reach speeds of up to 8 m/s.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the difference between ski jumping and ski flying at Kulm?
Ski flying is an extreme version of ski jumping performed on much larger hills. While a standard “Large Hill” usually has a Hill Size (HS) of around 140 metres, Kulm is an HS235. This allows athletes to stay in the air for significantly longer, reaching distances of over 240 metres.
Who holds the current record at Kulm?
While various distances are achieved during training and qualifiers, the official hill record is often debated based on competition status. However, during this weekend’s Nordic Combined event, Johannes Lamparter’s 236.5-metre flight stands as one of the longest distances ever recorded at the venue.
Is the Nordic Combined event at Kulm a permanent fixture?
Following the success of this weekend’s “premiere,” FIS officials and athletes, including Thomas Rettenegger, have expressed high praise for the format. The inclusion of ski flying in Nordic Combined is seen as a vital step in modernising the sport and showcasing the versatility of the athletes.
How can I watch the final day of the World Cup?
The final competitions will take place tomorrow, Sunday, 1 March 2026. Local coverage is provided by ORF in Austria, while international viewers can follow the live feeds via the FIS Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined social media channels and official websites.