Pigeon Forge: 4 Tips To Enjoy A Comfortable Stay Here!

BY  Abdul Aziz Sep 8, 2022

When you tell somebody, you are planning a trip to Italy. They always answer, “You must visit Florence in Tuscany!”. Florence is a typical river city developed on the two banks of the Arno, a city rich in history and art. Founded and inhabited by Italic people, Florence extends into a green plain, which is surrounded by hills dotted with cypresses, and olive trees, and also crossed by the Arno river. But above all: a city breathing art and culture everywhere!  No wonder Ginori 1735, the iconic porcelain brand, partnered with St. Regis Hotels & Resorts to present Café Ginori.  Café Ginori will blend the elegance of Italian cuisine with Italian artistry to make the tourism experience in Florence more happening.  So, what are the special attractions or the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany? This Tour and Travel blog has all the answers. Special Attractions Of Florence in Tuscany Many of the travelers are asking, is Tuscany in Florence? And what is there? In the past years, it has been awarded internationally as one of the most beautiful cities in the world. You are standing in the middle cradle of the Renaissance. The city is the hub of extraordinary literary, artistic, and scientific development that took place in the 14th-16th centuries. To visit Florence in Tuscany really means jumping back in time!  Note: Appreciated more than anything else is the urban architecture and the presence of traces of a glorious past on every street corner;  with the most iconic places such as the Duomo Cathedral, the Uffizi Gallery, Ponte Vecchio, Palazzo Pitti, etc. You Should Visit Florence For Its Art And Culture Known throughout the world for its artistic masterpieces, the colored marbles of the churches, and the high-sounding architecture, Florence is the city of the Medici, an ancient Tuscan family that became one of the most important dynasties in Italy and Europe. Nowadays, it is home to the most beautiful and important museums in the world; to name a few: the Uffizi Gallery, Palazzo Vecchio, the Accademia Gallery, the Pitti Palace, Florence Cathedral and the Opera del Duomo museum, etc. Best Places To Visit In Florence, Tuscany, To Celebrate Its Art And Culture  With seven UNESCO World Heritage sites, Florence sees tourism as a key resource. Further, its average annual tourism revenue is 300 million euros, establishing its position as a global travel destination.  Further, Florence has places like San Casciano dei Bagni within 200 km that are growing as tourism hubs individually.  San Casciano dei Bagni has won the laurel of “Best Tourism Village” from the United Nations World Tourism Organization (UNWTO). This village is growing for its rich biodiversity and culture.  “San Casciano dei Bagni receiving the ‘Best Tourism Village’ recognition is a testament to the charm and authenticity of Italy’s smaller gems. These villages showcase the excellence of our craftsmanship, gastronomy, traditions, and culture, representing the heart of our national heritage.”Daniela Santanchè, Italian Tourism Minister Nevertheless, these are the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany.  1. Piazza del Duomo Piazza del Duomo, with its bell tower, Baptistery, and cathedral, is one of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany. Also, don’t forget to visit Ponte Vecchio.  2. Uffizi Gallery Location: Piazzale degli Uffizi, 6, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (8:15 AM to 6:30 PM), Monday Closed Uffizi Gallery houses the best collection of paintings and artwork from the medieval era to the modern period.  It was built between 1560 and 1580. 3. Piazza della Signoria Piazza della Signoria is the central square of Florence. It always has a lively ambiance and is Florence's epicenter of history and art.  4. Palazzo Vecchio Location: P.za della Signoria, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Friday-Wednesday (9 AM to 7 PM), Thursday (9 AM to 2 PM) Palazzo Vecchio was built between 1299 and 1314 and was once the home and workplace of the Signoria of Florence.  5. The Accademia Gallery Location: Via Ricasoli, 58/60, 50129 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 8:15 AM to 6:20 PM, (Monday Closed) The Accademia Gallery is home to David by Michelangelo. It is the second-most visited museum in Florence after the Uffizi Gallery.  6. Pitti Palace Location: Piazza de' Pitti, 1, 50125 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: Tuesday-Sunday (8:15 AM to 6:30 PM), Monday Closed Once a symbol of the power of the Medicis in Tuscany, Pitti Palace, or Palazzo Pitti, was also the seat of the House of Habsburg-Lorraine and House of Savoy.  7. Florence Cathedral Location: Piazza del Duomo, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 10:15 AM to 3:45 PM The Cathedral of Santa Maria del Fiore, or Florence Cathedral, is the Cathedral of the Catholic Archdiocese of Florence. The church, founded in 1296, was consecrated in 1436 by Pope Eugenio IV. It stands out with its huge dome structure.  8. Opera Del Duomo Museum Location: Piazza del Duomo, 9, 50122 Firenze FI, Italy Hours Open: 8:30 AM to 7 PM Built in 1891 and renovated in 2015, Opera Del Duomo Museum has the original artwork of the greatest artists and sculptors across seven centuries.  Here, you will find the work of Michelangelo, Brunelleschi, Ghiberti, and many others.  9. Florence City Center Covering an area of 505 ha, the Florence City Center still has the 14th-century boundary walls.  Also, it is a symbol of the Renaissance during the early Medici rule.  10. Siena City Center Siena City Center is a UNESCO World Heritage Site in the Tuscan Hills. It is famous for its food scene and medieval buildings.  11. Pienza The Historic Centre of the City of Pienza is a UNESCO World Heritage Site and it is one of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany. It is also famous for its town-planning concepts during the Renaissance period.  12. San Gimignano San Gimignano, or the Town of Five Towers, will transport you to the medieval era. A preserved hill town, it also has Civic Museums, Contemporary art, and holy art.  13. Piazza Dei Miracoli (Pisa) The Piazza Dei Miracoli, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, is home to the Leaning Tower of Pisa, an architectural wonder.  Further, located in a port city, the Piazza Dei Miracoli is an expression of human creativity.  14. Villas And Giardini Medicei  With 14 villas and gardens, Villas And Giardini Medicei is now a UNESCO World Heritage Site in Tuscany.  One of the best places to visit in Florence, Tuscany, Villas and Giardini Medicei, gives you an insight into the family that played prominent roles in the history of Italy and Europe during the 15th-18th century.  15. Val d’Orcia Val d’Orcia, a UNESCO World Heritage Site, shows the beauty of the countryside in Southern Tuscany. It is famous for its ecological uniqueness and stunning landscape. Culture Also Means Food And Wine But the only culture of Florence in Tuscany is not only art & history, and it means food and wine as well. Florence is a food city (delicious food), and you really can’t go there without trying out its local specials: that’s part of the experience!  Things you should try in Florence: 1. CHIANTI WINE  Chianti wine is a red blend of Tuscany that is made from Sangiovese grapes. These are common tasting notes which include different types of red fruits, smoke, dried herbs, balsamic vinegar, and game. Perfect for any kind of aperitivo admiring monuments or to accompany your dinners in Florence!  2. PICI Pici is a type of fresh pasta, similar to spaghetti, which is made with water, flour, and salt. A simple preparation, typical of the Tuscan culinary tradition: a "poor" dish linked to peasant cuisine. They can be combined with different condiments, thanks to their ability to adapt to various preparations: you can, in fact, make them with cheese and pepper, with crumbs, with garlic, with ragù, and in many other ways. Yummy!  3. FIORENTINA One of the most popular Italian steak dishes, Bistecca Alla Fiorentina, is made of young steer or heifer that, in combination with the specific preparations. What preparations are turning it into one of the famous dishes in Tuscan cuisine.  It is a high cut, including the bone, and also cooked on the embers or on the grill, with a degree of "blood" cooking. Try to accompany this Florence in Tuscany special dish with your Chianti wine; a perfect combo.  Visit Florence For Its Welcoming People  Florence's inhabitants are something on their own; the Fiorentini are really strong characters, very different from the typical Italians international people know. The character of the Florentines is judged in a contradictory way. They are considered polite and honest, but their thriftiness, praised for being able to make money well, is often criticized. In Florence, people tend to say things to your face, and often when they do so, they are not too pleasant things. Don’t take it personally, it’s part of the culture! Learn some useful words:  Topping | Gnocchi Ganzo | Cool Grullo | A silly person Boncitto | A good guy Chetarsi | To be silent So Why Visit Florence? For many, Florence is a city they have only heard about, and important events and things to do, such as those in Rome or Venice, are not attributed to it. Wrong! Florence Is Full Of Things To Do!  Those who know the history of the world will know that Florence, with much of Italy, was the central hub of the Renaissance, and many works of art of the period can be found in this city. One of the most iconic sites that many are likely to recognize is the Duomo, a cathedral with a dome at its top.  The Galleria dell’Accademia in Florence also exhibits Michelangelo's David, one of the most famous sculptures in the world. When it comes to art and history, no one beats Florence for masterpieces! But there are also many fun activities for those who are not very interested in art. Tourists can take a day trip out of town and explore the wonderfully varied landscape of Florence in Tuscany. You can also taste local food and wines.  And events are also an option if you want to dive into the local culture for real. Music festivals, historical reviews, sports events, and much more! To learn everything about Florence and the reasons why you should visit it, learn more at www.ciaoflorence.it Reasons To Visit Florence In Tuscany |Ciao Florence Why should you visit Florence in Tuscany? Art, culture, food, and events. All you need to know about the city of Renaissance! Visit Ciao Florence. So when are you planning to visit Tuscany? Share your opinion through the comment sections.

BY  Sibashree Mar 5, 2026

The Sigiriya Rock was my next big cultural stop in Central Sri Lanka after the Ritigala Forest Monastery.  Also known as the “Lion Rock,” it is a UNESCO World Heritage Site with whiffs of mythology and major archaeological importance.  Despite the absence of any archaeological evidence, there is a strong mythological belief that it is the place of Ravana’s Golden Palace.  However, scientific evidence says that the rock fortress with its massive columns was once the seat of power of King Kashyapa (477-495 AD).  He built the fortress with magnificent frescoes and the palace at the top of the rock column. Also, the palace got such a name because one had to access the fortress through the mouth of an enormously carved lion.  The area was earlier used as a Buddhist monastery from the third to the first century BCE.  So, along with the Hindu temples of Jaffna and the Ambuluwawa Tower, which has Hindu, Buddhist, Christian, and Muslim sites, the Sigiriya Rock also remains a major attraction for religious and spiritual seekers.  Hi, in today’s blog, I will talk about the location of the Sigiriya Rock, how to reach it, the climbing experience, history, the entry fee, the structure, and other details.  What Is The History Of The Sigiriya Rock?  Sigiriya Rock was a Buddhist Monastery. It rose in prominence after King Kashyapa took the throne and shifted the monks to Pidurangala, a nearby outcrop.  He found the top of this near-vertical rock formation more defensible and built a fortress on its top. It had a magnificent moat, water gardens, temples, and meeting halls.  However, deserted by his own force, King Kashyapa killed himself as he did not want to be a captive of his brother.  The Sigiriya Rock again became a monastery after Anuradhapura became the capital again.  However, after a few years, the place was abandoned until George Turnour translated the Buddhist texts and identified the Sigiriya Rock. Further, in 1831, Jonathan Forbes located the city. Then, after 20 years, Harry Bell, the Archaeological Commissioner of Ceylon, at that time discovered the Lion’s Paws.  Finally, the Sigiriya Rock became a UNESCO World Heritage Site in 1982.  Where Is The Sigiriya Rock? How To Reach The Sigiriya Rock?  The Sigiriya Rock is located in the central region of Sri Lanka. Dambulla is the closest town, and it is the gateway to the Sigiriya Rock by road from Colombo and Kandy, the capital of the central province.  The distance is around 17 km, and the travel time is close to 25 minutes.  The distance between Kandy and the Sigiriya Rock is around 89 km, and the travel time by road is close to 2 hours and 31 minutes.  Furthermore, the distance from Colombo to the Sigiriya Rock is 177 km. So, the travel time is around 3 hours and 50 minutes.  Nevertheless, I took a bus from Dambulla to the Sigiriya Rock. The bus ticket price was around 50 LKR.  You will also get taxis and tuk-tuks from Dambulla.  Moreover, Habarana railway station, at a distance of around 20-30 minutes, is the closest to the Sigiriya Rock. Once you are done exploring Colombo or the things to do in Trincomalee, you can easily take a train ride to the Habarana railway station and take a taxi or tuk-tuk from there to the Sigiriya Rock.  What Are The Opening Hours And Entry Fee To The Lion Rock And Museum?  Sigiriya remains open from 7 AM to 6 PM. However, 5:30 PM is the latest time you can enter.  The entry fee to the Sigiriya Rock is around 11,149 LKR or 36 USD. This charge includes the museum entry fee.  However, you can also visit the museum on a different day and pay a fee of $5 or 1600 LKD.  Climbing The Sigiriya Rock  I started from the ancient water garden with the caves on the left. Furthermore, the octagonal man-made lake was in the shadow of the massive monolith.  As I proceeded, I found two big boulders forming a natural arch and creating a circular road upward. The path took a turn to the left.  The entire path was a part of the natural rock garden and was a sheer contrast against the water gardens below.  I met some spiders, monkeys, and street dogs on the way until I reached the Lion’s paws. 1. The Lion’s Paws The Lion’s Paws had a staircase in the center. This stone-made staircase is ancient, and the claws with the Lion’s paws are now the only remnants explaining why the Sigiriya Rock has the nickname of the Lion Rock.  The head and body of the lion are decayed and mostly engulfed by the jungle.  Furthermore, this ancient stone staircase is like a transition from history to the metal route up the mountain.  However, here, you have to be careful and be as silent as possible to avoid the wasp attacks.  2. From The Top Of The Lion Rock After climbing around 1200 steps, I reached the top of the Lion Rock. As Sigiriya is the tallest peak in the region, it offered me a 360-degree view of the surroundings. The sparkling rivers and lakes and the lush greenery of Central Sri Lanka won me over. The Pidurangala Rock was to the north, and it rose like a little volcano from the forest beneath.  3. The Mirror Wall  I walked through the remnants of the Sigiriya Rocks, the platforms, and the pools before I finally reached the Mirror Wall.  On my way, I also had an encounter with a giant lizard and a street dog who just knew how to pose.  Between the first plateau and the Lion’s Paws, there is a fork in the path. I took that path and turned left to come across the Mirror Wall.  With a plaster casing, the ancient Mirror Wall used to shine and reflect light. Also, today, when you visit the mirror wall, you can see thousands of graffiti. 4. The Frescoes From the Mirror Wall, I took a spiral staircase to reach the frescoes. However, for me, the cave paintings were more fascinating. There is a major debate about the figures drawn on the caves. Some claim that these are holy entities and they make offerings to them.  On the other hand, many say that these depict the concubines from the harem of the king.  5. The Cobra Head  I spotted the Cobra Head Cave while descending from the Sigiriya Rock. The cave resembles a cobra, which is ready to attack you with its fangs.  Furthermore, I spotted a reception hall and an ancient urinal.  Wildlife And Safety While Climbing The Sigiriya Rock  I could spot many monkeys while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Also, the moat has signs that crocodiles can be spotted here. However, I could not find any.  Having said that, the lizards here are huge, and they are no less scary than crocodiles.  Furthermore, there is a caution regarding elephants roaming in the water gardens after dark.  Now, the scariest part. You will see huge wasp nests across various sections of the Sigiriya Rock. Keep silent and be responsible not to disturb those nests.  Amenities Available At The Sigiriya Rock Site There are toilet facilities at the base of the Sigiriya Rock. Furthermore, you will get a cafe or food stall near the ticket counter.  You can collect chips, ice creams, soft drinks, and water for this cafe.  Also, you can refill your bottle from the free fountain.  Tips And Tricks While Visiting The Sigiriya Rock  You have to carry enough water while climbing the Sigiriya Rock. Otherwise, you will be dehydrated, especially when climbing up after 8 AM.  Furthermore, you cannot take photos of the frescoes and cave paintings. Noone will allow you to ruin the historical artwork which has been there for more than 1600 years now.  Moreover, the stairs and paths are steep. So, if you have vertigo issues, you have to take precautions. Also, the path is full of wasps. So, be careful while climbing up the rock. 

BY  Sibashree May 18, 2026

Suppose we jump high in the air. We can stay in the air for around half a second. Michael Jordan could even stay off the ground for only one second.  Now, at many events at the Winter Olympics, we see athletes showing strength and athleticism in the air.  However, ski jumping beats them all in terms of jumping high in the air and staying afloat for so long.  Here, you need to understand the physics of sports. Also, for many of us, the ski jump is a mesmerizing event in the Winter Games, showcasing sports physics in action.  The athlete who travels the farthest and shows the best style while flying and landing becomes the winner of the event.  Ski jumpers can fight gravity, and they can turn their bodies and skis into a wing to stay in the air for 5 to 7 seconds.  Within that span, they can travel almost the length of a football field while staying in the air.  But how is it possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long, and how do they train for that?  Let’s delve into the details.  How To Fly?  The answer lies in three important concepts of sports physics.  These are drag, lift, and gravity.  Gravity is the force that pulls any object in flight down. Gravity is a force that works on everybody, and ski jumpers cannot avoid it.  However, ski jumpers, as they move, interact with the air. Now, this interaction further produces lift.  Lift refers to an upward force projected by the air for an upward movement of an object.  In this scenario, if the force of gravity and the force of lift balance each other, an object can fly or glide.  However, producing lift is only possible when the object is moving. Moving objects collide with air particles and push them aside.  Pushing air downward creates an equal, upward reaction known as lift. Here it follows Newton’s third law “For every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction.” You can increase lift by boosting your speed, expanding your surface area, or optimizing your angle of attack (the object's tilt against the airflow).  If this angle is too flat, you generate no lift. If it is too steep, the object stalls.              The Car Window Example  If the concept feels complicated, you can experience the same by just sticking your hand out of a moving car window.  If you keep your hand perfectly flat, it will yield no movement.  However, if you tilt your palm slightly upward, it will force the incoming wind downward. Thus, your hand will be pushed up immediately.  It is a clear example of lift.  The same particle collisions that generate lift also create drag. Drag is a resistive force that slows objects down.  As an object loses speed, its lift drops, cutting the flight short. Because of this, ski jumpers use highly precise body positions to maximize their lift while minimizing speed-killing drag. A Brief History Of The V-Style  The history of ski jumping goes back to the 1800s. Norwegian skiers first started competing for distance on snowy slopes. However, for most of the sport's history, jumpers kept their skis pressed tightly together, parallel to each other, all the way through the flight. The 1980s brought a major change to these practices.  A Swedish jumper named Jan Boklöv began spreading his skis apart mid-air, forming the V-shape you now see in every competition. He drew criticism from experts and judges who considered it a “bad style” because it looked unconventional.  However, Boklöv's V-style increased his jump distances by as much as 10%, simply by giving his body and skis more surface area to catch the air. Then, ignoring the style was impossible.  Within a few years, every serious competitor had switched to the V-style, and judges stopped penalizing it. Even today, it remains a standard technique, and it is the same aerodynamic principle that more surface area means more lift. How To Fly On Skis?  We need to observe the skiers to understand how it is possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long and how they train for that. You will see a skier starting on a high slope, and then they move downhill. They generate speed by skiing in this way.  They also reduce drag by squatting and steer very carefully to minimize the friction between the ramp and skis.  So, when they reach the end, the speed will be close to 60 miles or 96 kms per hour.  Once airborne, ski jumpers use aerodynamics to fight gravity and extend their flight.  While they cannot generate enough lift to stay in the air indefinitely, maximizing this upward force slows their descent and carries them further down the hill. To achieve the longest flight possible, athletes lean forward until their bodies and skis are nearly parallel to the snow.  By spreading their skis into a V-shape just outside their body's silhouette, they gain two major aerodynamic advantages. The spread position creates a larger surface area to catch the wind and generate lift. So they get an expanded surface area.  They also get an optimal angle of attack. The forward tilt places them at the perfect angle relative to the airflow to maximize upward pressure. As the jumper glides forward, drag continuously pushes back against them, draining their forward momentum.  Because lift relies entirely on speed, this deceleration causes the upward force to fade away. As drag robs the athlete of their speed, gravity takes complete control, pulling them faster and faster toward the landing zone. The Takeoff: The Hardest Half-Second Out of everything a ski jumper does, takeoff is the most difficult skill to master. It happens in under half a second.  Furthermore, when the jumper reaches the end of the ramp, known as the "table," they must explosively extend their legs and spring forward and slightly upward. They will do it all while still moving at nearly 60 miles per hour. However, if they jump too early, they will lose speed and distance. Once again, jumping too late can cause a loss of control of their body position in the air, which can be dangerous. In addition, the takeoff also sets the jumper's angle of attack for the entire flight.  Because there's no way to make major corrections once airborne, a fraction-of-a-second error in the takeoff can throw off the aerodynamic position for the whole jump.  This is why ski jumpers spend years drilling this single movement until it becomes automatic. How Ski Jumpers Actually Train? Physics explains the reason why ski jumpers fly so far. However, the training behind it is equally crucial.  Training AreaWhat It InvolvesWhy It MattersStrength and Explosive PowerSquats, box jumps, and plyometric drillsBuilds the fast-twitch power needed for the powerful, split-second leg extension at takeoffSummer Training on Artificial TracksYear-round practice on in-run tracks covered with porcelain or plastic bristles instead of snowLet athletes drill their approach, takeoff, and body position even outside the winter monthsWind Tunnel SessionsFine-tuning arm position, back angle, and ski spread with coachesFlight position is highly sensitive to drag and lift, so small posture adjustments can shave off dragVideo and Biomechanical AnalysisFrame-by-frame review of the in-run, takeoff, flight, and landing from multiple camera anglesHelps compare an athlete's actual form against ideal aerodynamic positionsMental PreparationVisualization techniques and gradual exposure, starting on smaller hills and building up to normal and large hillsBuilds the psychological conditioning needed to launch off a mountainside ramp at speed How Do Judges Score A Jump? The judges will not just assess the ski jump based on the distance covered. So, the question of who becomes the winner depends on the distance and the style.  Scoring ComponentHow It WorksPurposeDistance Points• Measured against the K-point (a reference point on the hill). • Landing exactly on it earns a fixed score, with points added or subtracted for every meter beyond or short of it.Rewards how far the athlete actually travelsStyle Points•Five judges score the flight and landing, including body position in the air and control of the landing in the "telemark" position (one foot in front of the other, knees bent). •Each judge scores up to 20 points; the highest and lowest scores are dropped, and the middle three are added to the distance score.Rewards technique and control, not just distance.Gate and Wind CompensationOfficials apply point adjustments in real time based on wind conditions, since headwinds increase lift and tailwinds reduce it.Prevents a gust of wind from unfairly helping or hurting a competitor's final score. Normal Hill Vs. Large Hill Vs. Ski Flying Not all ski jumps are the same size, and the hill itself determines how far a "long" jump actually is. Hill TypeK-Point (Target Landing Distance)NotesNormal HillUp to 109 metersSmaller competition hillLarge Hill110–184 metersUsed for most Olympic ski jumping eventsSki Flying Hill185 meters or moreIt is a separate discipline where athletes can stay airborne longer, sometimes covering well over 200 meters. The larger the hill, the faster the in-run speed and the longer the flight. That is why ski flying produces the most extreme examples of the physics described earlier. It is maximum lift, sustained over the longest possible time. Record-Breaking Flights The current men's ski flying world record stands at 254.5 meters. Domen Prevc completed it in Planica, Slovenia, on 30 March 2025. (Source: Guinness World Records).  Among women’s ski flying, Nika Prevc holds the record. She completed the jump of 236 meters in Vikersund, Norway, on 14 March 2025. These extreme distances are a direct demonstration of the lift-versus-drag balance. The longer an athlete can hold an efficient aerodynamic position without losing speed to drag, the farther gravity has to work to finally pull them down. How Is It Possible For Ski Jumpers To Stay In The Air Long? The Rules Follow The Physics So, you can see there is pure physics at play behind how it is possible for ski jumpers to stay in the air so long and how they train for that.  However, the body of an athlete, equipment choices, and the wind can impact the quality of the jump in many ways.  Also, there are a lot of rules and regulations to keep a ski jump fair.  You will see many officials changing the starting and ending points up and down the slope during the events.  This adjustment happens to ensure a safe landing, depending on the speed of the wind.  When the headwinds are faster, there will be more lift and longer jumps. As a result, an athlete can go past the safe zone for landing.  Moreover, the regulations of a ski jump will also depend on the height and weight of a skier.  Usually, skis have to be “145% of the skier's height.” Also, if the skier has a body mass index of less than 21, they will get shorter skis.  Again, long skis are not the best in every case. When the ski is heavy, you will need more lift to fly and stay in the air.  Also, you have to wear a tight-fitting suit. You cannot wear anything that will need additional lift.  So, when you see a skiing event, think of how the skiers have also mastered the concept of physics. Why Is Ski Jumping Riskier Than It Looks? Ski jumping looks graceful. However, we cannot undermine how physically demanding and risky the sport is.  Athletes fly through the air at highway speeds with only their skis and body position keeping them stable.  A poor landing, a sudden gust of crosswind, or a small error in the takeoff can cause a loss of balance that's difficult to correct mid-flight.  This is part of why regulations are so strict. The rules on suit tightness, ski length relative to height and BMI, and the ability of officials to adjust the start gate are all safety and fairness measures. Wind is the biggest variable officials can't fully control. Which is why competitions are sometimes paused or delayed when crosswinds pick up. It is also why the point-compensation system exists to account for conditions that shift mid-competition. How Is It Possible For Ski Jumpers To Stay In The Air Long? Some Quick Questions And Answers Here are some quick questions and answers related to how ski jumpers stay in the air for long. 1. Why Do Ski Jumpers Spread Their Skis Into A V-Shape? It increases their surface area and creates a better angle of attack, both of which generate more lift and let them fly farther. 2. How Fast Do Ski Jumpers Go Before Takeoff? Around 60 miles per hour (96 km/h) by the time they reach the end of the ramp. 3. How Long Do Ski Jumpers Actually Stay In The Air?  Roughly 5 to 7 seconds in standard competition, and even longer during ski flying events on the largest hills. 4. Is Ski Jumping Scored Only On Distance?  No. Final scores combine distance points with style points awarded by judges for body position and landing control. 5. What Is The Difference Between Ski Jumping And Ski Flying?  Ski flying happens on larger hills built for greater distances. It allows longer flights and higher speeds than standard normal or large hill ski jumping. Read Also: Car Travel On PaxTravelTweaks: How Does It Help In Smartly Planning Budget-Friendly Road Trips? 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