Ski Jumps for Joy

Standing at the top of an Olympic ski jump offers more than a thrill. It creates a unique perspective.

Everyone should stand at the top of a ski jump at least once in his or her life.

The experience is fascinating, intimidating and breathtaking.

For those of a certain age, it inevitably elicits the impulse to yell out the famous James Cagney line from the 1949 film White Heat: "Made it, Ma! Top of the world!"

Or something.

I've just returned from Oslo, Norway, where Penny and I climbed to the top of the Holmenkollen jump - a national Norwegian icon - That means I've now made it the top of the world, ma, at ski jumps in Park City, Utah; Lake Placid, New York; Calgary, Alberta; and Innsbruck, Austria.

Each was totally cool. Better, it was a thrill.

Lake Placid, in particular, should be visited in autumn. On a clear day, you can not only see forever, you can see a foliage display as spectacular as anything you'll find anywhere.

In Innsbruck and Oslo, it's the unique combination of urban and natural views that startle the imagination. At the one, downtown Innsbruck is framed by an incredible mountain range; at the other, all of Oslo perches beside a remarkable fjord.

Calgary lets you see the city in the distance, and the Rockies looking out the other way. Plus, in winter, schoolkids come there to ski as part of their phys ed curriculum.

In Park City, you can attain more than the views. There, if you're an intermediate skier or better, they'll actually teach you how to jump. In two hours, you'll find yourself jumping off a 10-meter, or even an 18-meter, jump. That's only about one-tenth Olympic size, but it gives you the idea.

And, all those places bring out a combined sense of intimated wonderment. You can't help but look down the in-ramp without wondering "How the hell do these guys do it? What are they, nuts?"

Maybe. But, I'm sure they're having fun.

Related story: Oslo's Ski Jump and Museum