Wielka Krokiew

The Wielka Krokiew im. Stanisława Marusarza is the largest ski jumping hill in Poland, with a K125 construction point and an HS140 size, located in Zakopane on the northern slope of Krokiew Mountain. It was opened on March 22, 1925, and built according to the design of engineer Karol Stryjeński. Managed by the Central Sports Center, the facility is an integral part of the Olympic Preparation Center in Zakopane. The hill is natural, sheltered by forest, and equipped with infrastructure that allows jumping in various weather conditions. Wielka Krokiew has hosted numerous international events, including World Championships and World Cup competitions, making it an important sports hub. The hill also hosts the annual Polish Championships and other national competitions. It attracts thousands of spectators, as evidenced by the record attendance of 120,000 fans during the 1962 World Championships. The history of the hill is closely tied to the development of skiing in Poland; after regaining independence in 1918, Zakopane gained the status of a health resort, and new sports facilities became an important part of social life. Over the years, the hill has been repeatedly rebuilt to meet the growing demands of athletes and spectators. The largest investments took place between 2000 and 2017, resulting in a modern and functional facility that attracts both ski jumpers and tourists. Interestingly, the first record holder of the hill was Stanisław Gąsienica-Sieczka, and the current record belongs to Yukiya Satō, who jumped 147 meters in 2020. The hill is not only an important site on Poland's sports map but also a cultural one, having witnessed many historical events, including a mass celebrated by Pope John Paul II in 1997. Wielka Krokiew continues its mission as a training base for ski jumpers from Zakopane clubs and as a venue for both sacred and sporting events, underscoring its significance in Polish history and culture.