‘Cosmic’ distances ahead: FIS approves Planica redesign that could push ski flying toward 270 m

The International Ski Federation (FIS) has given the green light to a major redesign of the iconic Letalnica ski flying hill in Planica, Slovenia. Under updated construction rules, the maximum permitted vertical difference between the start platform and the landing area increases from 135 to 140 meters.

According to Slovenian official Jelko Gros, this change, combined with a new hill profile, should allow athletes to reach distances approaching 270 meters. Such jumps would surpass the current world record of 254.5 m, held by Domen Prevc on this very hill.

Work on the reconstruction is planned to begin in the summer of 2027. The Gorišek brothers’ hill will receive a new profile and is scheduled to be ready for the winter season of 2027/28. Gros noted that coordination with the sports ministry is underway; a conceptual design is expected this year, and a construction tender should be launched by the end of next year.

Beyond enabling longer flights, the modernization is also intended to improve athlete safety. The revised geometry aims to provide better control at higher speeds and during longer airtime—crucial for minimizing risk as distances increase. The project is to be completed ahead of the 2028 Ski Flying World Championships.

For Polish fans, the news holds special appeal: the upgraded hill may offer an opportunity to break the Polish national distance record of 251.5 m, set by Kamil Stoch in Planica in 2017.