© Angus Paterson
Inauguration of Chamonix's new ski jumps
Opening day celebrations at the Grépon ski jumps
After two years of building works and complete remodelling, Chamonix's Grepon ski jump has a new lease of life.
Work started on transforming the previously run-down ski jump in August 2014, and this weekend saw it finally re-opened and ready for action.
Three new jumps have been built to replace the one that was there before, with the 55m jump able to be used year round, thanks to its plastic grass-like finish. The whole hillside has been remodelled, with re-profiling of the landing areas and additional reservoirs put in to create artificial snow when needed.
There was a bit of a party atmosphere at the jump yesterday with young local skiers testing out the facilities under the watchful eye of Chamonix ski jump champions Vincent Descombes-Sevoie (France national champion) and Francois Braud (Nordic combined).
Take a look at the video below, taken by Angus Paterson, of a 10 year old making a 50 metre jump yesterday.
Now that the ski jumps are officially open, we can look forward to more competitions there this winter, also ESF Chamonix will be offering you the chance to give ski jumping a try this winter. Get in touch with them to find out more.
