Ski Jumping Simulators

Planica, the high valley at the head of the Upper Sava, is the best-known home of ski flying in the world, and the Nordic Centre Planica uses a range of interactive attractions to tell its story. The centre's ski jumping simulators allow visitors to feel something of what it is like to be at the top of an in-run, with the world's best jumpers' view of the slope, without leaving the ground or risking a landing. They are a popular stop for families and groups, and they appeal to both adults and children, who can compare their balance and reactions with those of real athletes.

The simulators form part of the centre's museum, which presents the history of jumping at Planica through displays, film and interactive exhibits. The story begins in the 1930s, when the engineer Stanko Bloudek built a giant hill here that was among the biggest in the world, and the first official jump over 100 metres was achieved at Planica in 1936 by the Austrian Sepp Bradl. Since then, a long series of record flights has been made here, culminating in distances that would have seemed impossible to the pioneers, and the valley has become a place of pilgrimage for ski-jumping fans from all over Europe. The exhibition explains how the sport developed, how equipment and technique changed, and why Planica's long, steep, natural slope is so suitable for flying.

Using a simulator is a chance to understand the skills involved. Staff help visitors to take the correct crouching position, explain the importance of timing at take-off and show how body position in flight affects distance, and the experience is designed to be safe and fun. For many visitors, the simulation is an eye-opener, because it shows how much balance, strength and courage are needed to launch from the top of such a hill. The museum also offers guided tours in several languages, which add background about the people and events behind the numbers and give access to areas that visitors would not see alone.

A visit to the simulators and museum typically takes a couple of hours, and it combines well with other attractions at the Centre. The Gorišek Brothers' hill and the Large Rožman/Bloudek hill dominate the valley, the Planica Zipline, the Judging Stations, the Disc golf park, the Heroes of Planica interactive game and the Planica wind tunnel add variety. Opening hours and tour times change with the season and competitions, so check in advance, and bring a jacket, since the valley is cool even in summer.