BRATTLEBORO, VT (MyKeeneNow) With sunshine in the forecast and a deep base of snow already in place, organizers say conditions are lining up for a near-perfect weekend at the annual Harris Hill Ski Jump.

Appearing Wednesday morning on Good Morning with Dan Mitchell on WKBK Radio, event spokesperson Melissa Gullotti shared an inside look at preparations for the 104th running of the iconic competition at Harris Hill Ski Jump.

“We’re in great shape,” Gullotti said, noting that while natural snowfall has helped, crews proactively made and stockpiled snow several weeks ago to ensure the steep landing hill and in-run grooves are properly packed. “You need way more snow than people think.”

A Key Stop on the Junior Circuit

This year’s event carries added weight. More than 50 athletes are expected — a notable increase from the typical field of about 40 — as Harris Hill serves as the final North American qualifying event for the Junior World Championships in ski jumping and Nordic combined.

Many competitors fall within the junior ranks — roughly ages 14 to 20 — with several also racing in Nordic combined events at the Marlboro Nordic Ski Center.

Gullotti said Harris Hill has long been a launching pad for elite athletes. Four former competitors are currently representing Team USA on the Olympic stage: Tate Frantz, Kevin Bickner, Annika Belshaw and Nicholas Malacinski.

“A majority of the kids who come through here are those up-and-coming athletes we see later in the Olympics,” Gullotti said.

European jumpers are also slated to compete, adding to the international flavor of the weekend.

Saturday: Pepsi Challenge

Saturday features the Pepsi Challenge, a U.S. Cup competition and Junior Worlds qualifier. Gates open at 9 a.m., with opening ceremonies scheduled for 11:45 a.m. Training jumps begin late morning, and the first official round is expected around 1 p.m.

Each athlete completes trial jumps followed by two scored competition jumps. At the end of official competition, the popular “target jump” returns, with athletes aiming for a spray-painted mark on the landing hill for a cash prize.

“It’s casual, it’s fun, and the crowd loves it,” Gullotti said.

Sunday: Fred Harris Memorial Tournament

Sunday’s Fred Harris Memorial Tournament awards the storied Winged Ski Trophy to the top Open-class competitor. A jumper who wins the event three times — not necessarily consecutively — retires the trophy.

Slovenian standout Urh Rožar enters the weekend with two prior wins and a chance to claim it outright.

In another milestone, this year marks the debut of a women’s Open division, with its own trophy awarded Sunday.

A Community Effort

Gullotti emphasized that the event is entirely volunteer-run, from parking crews and shuttle drivers to ticket takers and hill maintenance teams. Mount Snow contributes equipment and manpower, including a winch cat used to groom the steep landing hill.

“We’re doing our part to support these athletes on their journey,” she said. “This is a huge community event.”

The Olympic-sized hill — tucked at the edge of a cornfield — is sanctioned by the International Ski and Snowboard Federation (FIS), making it one of the premier ski jumping venues in the East.

What To Know Before You Go

Spectators can climb more than 300 stairs alongside the landing hill for close-up views of jumpers soaring overhead. Gullotti noted that step sponsorships have sold out, reflecting strong community support.

Tickets remain available online at HarrisHillSkiJump.com and at the gate. Organizers encourage fans to purchase in advance and arrive early, as on-site parking fills quickly. Overflow parking is available at The Retreat Farm and the Brattleboro Retreat, with shuttle buses running throughout the day.

At the gate, tickets are cash only, though QR codes will be available for mobile purchases.

Beyond the competition, attendees can expect food vendors, a beer tent, merchandise, tailgating and a bonfire atmosphere that has made the Harris Hill Ski Jump a winter tradition for more than a century.

As Gullotti told listeners on WKBK, “It’s the same thing you see on TV. This is an Olympic-sized ski jump. And it’s a huge family event. We’re just looking forward to people coming out.”

Listen to the full interview: