Nansen Ski Jump - Image 1
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Nansen Ski Jump

4.6
·88 reviews·Milan, United States

Historic 'Big Nansen' ski jump, largest in eastern US, and adjacent Wayside Park for nature and picnics.

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Social content

Social

From TikTok & Reddit

Best Time

Event days

Experience the thrill of competitions

CrowdMedium
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Nansen Ski Jump - Image 1

Nansen Ski Jump

Best Time

Event days

Experience the thrill of competitions

CrowdMedium

Highlights

Must-see attractions

Historic 'Big Nansen' ski jump, largest in eastern US, and adjacent Wayside Park for nature and picnics.

4.6
(88 reviews)

"An awesome stop to see the 'Big Nansen' ski jump up close and enjoy nature's peace."

Vertical photo
TIP

Drone photography potential

Great spot for drone enthusiasts to capture unique aerial shots of the jump and landscape. :camerawithflash:

Historic Olympic connection

Site of the first Olympic Ski Jump trials in 1938. Inspiring history! :trophy:

Third hero image

Highlights

Discover the most iconic attractions and experiences

The Big Nansen Ski Jump

The Big Nansen Ski Jump

Milan, New Hampshire

Marvel at the largest ski jump in the eastern US, a historic site for Olympic trials.

Nansen Wayside Park

Nansen Wayside Park

Adjacent to the ski jump

Enjoy a peaceful picnic, lawn games, or birdwatching in this charming natural area.

Lil' Nansen

Lil' Nansen

Base of the main jump

See where young athletes hone their skills on a smaller, yet still impressive, jump.

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Planning Your Visit

Visit the 'Big Nansen'

The Nansen Ski Jump, known as 'The Big Nansen,' is a historic landmark and the largest ski jump in the eastern US. It hosted Olympic trials in 1938. While there's work to restore it, it's an inspiring sight. Check for event days for a lively atmosphere.

Beyond the Jump

While the ski jump is the main draw, the surrounding Nansen Wayside Park offers natural beauty. It's a great spot for picnics, lawn games, or simply enjoying the peaceful atmosphere and wildlife. The park is a perfect place to stretch your legs on a road trip.

Best Times

When
Event days
Why
Experience the thrill of competitions
Crowd
Medium
When
Summer mornings
Why
Peaceful nature and pleasant weather
Crowd
Low

Insider Tips

from TikTok, Instagram & Reddit

Big Nansen Practicing drone skills at the jump 😎 #berlinnh #bignansen #nansenskijump #skijump #fpvdrone #djiavata2 #nhscenery #dronography #nhliving #greatnorthwoods #iflydji
tcatello
15 likes • 173 views

Drone photography potential

Great spot for drone enthusiasts to capture unique aerial shots of the jump and landscape. :camerawithflash:

Historic Olympic connection

Site of the first Olympic Ski Jump trials in 1938. Inspiring history! :trophy:

Nansen Ski jump, Milan, New Hampshire. This is the site of the first Olympic Ski Jump trials, in 1938. Came here last year, but a couple weeks earlier. More color, but less sun. @nhfoliage #skijump #nh #newhampshireigers #newhampshire #milan #cooscounty #berlinnh #northcountry #olympicskiing #olympics
daveinnh1
42 likes • 418 views
Home to many major championship ski jumping competitions, the Nansen Ski Jump is home to the largest ski jump in the eastern United States for almost fifty years. The Nansen Ski Jump, known as “The Big Nansen,” hosted the Eastern Elimination Contests in March of 1938 which facilitated the selection of the 1940 U.S. Winter Olympic ski team. The Nansen Ski Jump was named as a historical landmark i...
nhstateparks
2.5K likes • 51.9K views

Family-friendly park

Perfect for picnics, fishing, and enjoying nature with kids. :child:

Check for events

Competitions and events bring the jump to life with young athletes. :star2:

Another great event at the Nansen Ski Jump! These incredible kids jumped off Lil' Nansen in less than ideal conditions. The rapidly changing weather and the falling snow made for difficult landings, but that didn't deter them. We can't wait to see these athletes jump off the Big Nansen someday! #andoveroutingclub #skijumpingfamily #skijumping #unitedstateseasternskijumping #berlinnewhampshire ...
oxbowacresnh
3 likes • 60 views

Tips

from all over the internet

Drone photography potential

Great spot for drone enthusiasts to capture unique aerial shots of the jump and landscape. :camerawithflash:

Historic Olympic connection

Site of the first Olympic Ski Jump trials in 1938. Inspiring history! :trophy:

Family-friendly park

Perfect for picnics, fishing, and enjoying nature with kids. :child:

Check for events

Competitions and events bring the jump to life with young athletes. :star2:

Inspiring monument

A monument to the past and inspiration to dream big. :muscle:

What Travellers Say

4.6
(88 reviews)

Reviews Summary

Visitors praise the Nansen Ski Jump as an impressive historical landmark and a great stop for road trips. The adjacent Wayside Park is noted for its natural beauty, picnic spots, and wildlife. While some mention ongoing restoration efforts, the site is generally seen as an inspiring monument to sporting heritage.

"A great place for a summer picnic, lawn games, launching canoes, a quick swim in moving current, or just wading. Taught my little kids how to fish here a few years back. We love the natural shoreline teeming with songbirds and today we watched a family of great blue herons flying above us."

Lucie Villeneuve

"Nansen Wayside Park is a small but charming spot to stop and enjoy nature. It has peaceful green areas, picnic tables, and a relaxing atmosphere to take a break during a trip. Perfect for stretching your legs and getting some fresh air."

Luisa Melendez

"Nansen Wayside Park is an awesome stop right along RT 16 outside Berlin, NH. Every time I drive by I stop to see the "Big Nansen" ski jump. There aren't a lot of ski jumps around these days so it's awesome to see one up close! There's work underway to fix it back up to it's former glory and make it operational again!"

Frederick Oettinger

What People Like

Historic ski jump
Peaceful park setting
Inspiring monument

What People Dislike

Limited access details

Frequently Asked Questions

🚇 🗺️ Getting There

The Nansen Ski Jump is located in Milan, New Hampshire, right off Route 16. It's easily accessible by car, making it a convenient stop for road trips through the North Country. Parking is available nearby. Instagram

Absolutely! Many travelers stop here during road trips to see the impressive ski jump and enjoy the adjacent Nansen Wayside Park. It's a great place to stretch your legs and take photos. InstagramReddit

You can drive directly to the Nansen Ski Jump. There's usually parking available, and it's a short walk to get up close to the structure. Instagram

Public transport options are very limited in this rural area. Driving is the most practical way to reach the Nansen Ski Jump. Instagram

Yes, drone enthusiasts have captured stunning footage here. Just be mindful of any local regulations and ensure safe operation. Instagram

🎫 🎫 Tickets & Entry

Generally, visiting the Nansen Ski Jump and the adjacent park is free. It's an outdoor attraction open to the public. Instagram

The Nansen Ski Jump and Wayside Park are typically open year-round during daylight hours. However, access might be restricted during special events or maintenance. Instagram

No, there is no admission fee to visit the Nansen Ski Jump or the Nansen Wayside Park. It's a public space for everyone to enjoy. Instagram

Visitors can typically view the ski jump from the base and surrounding areas. Access to the interior or top of the jump is usually restricted for safety reasons. Reddit

Guided tours are not commonly advertised. However, the historical significance is often highlighted during local events or by the Nansen Ski Club. Instagram

🎫 🏞️ Onsite Experience

The Nansen Wayside Park offers picnic tables, green spaces for games, and a natural shoreline perfect for wading or launching canoes. It's a great spot for nature lovers. Reddit

Yes, families can enjoy the park for picnics and outdoor activities. Kids can learn to fish or simply play in the open areas. Reddit

While not extensive hiking trails, you can walk around the base of the jump and explore the park area. The hike up to the jump is generally short and easy. Instagram

The natural shoreline of Nansen Wayside Park is teeming with songbirds, and visitors have spotted great blue herons. Reddit

The river has a moving current, so swimming should be done with caution, especially with children. Wading is generally safer. Reddit

📸 📸 Photography

The ski jump itself offers dramatic angles, especially from the base and sides. The surrounding park provides scenic shots with natural elements and wildlife. Drone photography is also popular here. Instagram

Early morning or late afternoon light can create beautiful shadows and highlights on the ski jump structure. Consider visiting during events for dynamic action shots. Instagram

Generally, photography is allowed. However, be respectful of any private property or event areas. Drone usage might have specific regulations. Instagram

Drones offer unique perspectives of the entire ski jump complex, the surrounding landscape, and the river. It's a popular spot for aerial videography. Instagram

If you visit during a competition, you'll have opportunities to photograph the athletes in action. Check the Nansen Ski Club schedule for event dates. Instagram

For Different Travelers

Tailored advice for your travel style

👨‍👩‍👧 Families with Kids

Nansen Ski Jump and its adjacent Wayside Park offer a great family stop. The park provides open green spaces perfect for kids to run around, play lawn games, or enjoy a picnic.Reddit The natural shoreline is ideal for wading or even trying some fishing with little ones.Reddit While the ski jump itself is impressive to see, the park offers a relaxed environment for children to enjoy nature and burn off energy during a road trip. It's a safe and engaging spot for a family break.

📸 Photography Enthusiasts

For photographers, the Nansen Ski Jump presents a striking architectural subject against the natural backdrop of New Hampshire. The dramatic angles of the jump, especially during different times of day, offer compelling shots.Instagram Drone pilots will find this location particularly rewarding, with ample space to capture unique aerial perspectives of the entire complex and surrounding landscape.Instagram Visiting during an event can also provide opportunities for action photography, capturing the thrill of ski jumping.

🚗 Road Trippers

The Nansen Ski Jump is an excellent and easily accessible roadside attraction along Route 16. It's a perfect place to break up a long drive, offering a chance to stretch your legs and marvel at a piece of sporting history.InstagramReddit The adjacent Nansen Wayside Park provides a pleasant spot for a picnic lunch or a brief moment of relaxation amidst nature. It’s a quick, memorable stop that adds a unique point of interest to any journey through the North Country.

Deep Dives

In-depth insights and expert knowledge

History of the Nansen Ski Jump

The Nansen Ski Jump, affectionately known as 'The Big Nansen,' holds a significant place in ski jumping history. It was the site of the Eastern Elimination Contests in March 1938, which were crucial for selecting the 1940 U.S. Winter Olympic ski team.Instagram For nearly fifty years, it stood as the largest ski jump in the eastern United States, a testament to the sport's popularity and the ambition of its athletes. The Nansen Ski Club, one of the oldest in the country, continues to maintain and operate the jump, preserving this legacy.Instagram

Today, the jump serves not only as a monument to its storied past but also as an inspiration for future generations. Visitors often remark on its imposing presence and the dreams it represents. While there is ongoing work to restore it to its former operational glory, its presence alone is a powerful reminder of athletic achievement and the spirit of challenging oneself.Reddit The site is a unique piece of sporting heritage, offering a glimpse into a bygone era of winter sports.

Experiencing Nansen Wayside Park

Adjacent to the iconic ski jump lies Nansen Wayside Park, a tranquil natural space that complements the athletic history of the site. This park is a beloved spot for locals and travelers alike, offering a peaceful retreat with a natural shoreline along the river. It's equipped with picnic tables, making it an ideal location for a leisurely lunch or a family gathering amidst scenic surroundings.Reddit

The park's natural setting is a haven for wildlife. Visitors frequently report seeing songbirds and have even observed great blue herons in the area.Reddit The moving current of the river provides opportunities for wading and launching canoes, adding an element of gentle adventure. For those looking to teach younger children about nature or fishing, the park's accessible shoreline is perfect.Reddit It’s a place to simply relax, breathe in the fresh air, and appreciate the natural beauty of New Hampshire's North Country.

Nansen Ski Jump Events and Community

The Nansen Ski Club is the heart of activity at the Nansen Ski Jump, representing the oldest ski club in the country.Instagram They are dedicated to preserving the history of the jump and fostering the sport of ski jumping. Throughout the year, the club hosts various events, including competitions on both the smaller 'Lil' Nansen' and the main 'Big Nansen' jumps.Instagram+1 These events are a fantastic opportunity for spectators to witness the skill and bravery of young ski jumpers, even in challenging weather conditions.Instagram

Attending an event at the Nansen Ski Jump offers a unique glimpse into the vibrant ski jumping community. It's a chance to see the dedication of the athletes and the support of their families and the club members. The atmosphere is often described as energetic and inspiring, showcasing the passion for this niche sport. Checking the Nansen Ski Club's schedule is recommended for those looking to experience the jump in its full, active glory.

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