When ski jumping came to Hampstead Heath

"Organisers built an 18m (59ft) high jump from scaffolding in the north-west corner of the heath. Much like today, snow in London was a rarity. This meant 45 tonnes of snow had to be imported from Norway, packed into wooden boxes and insulated with dry ice, then transported to the heath via refrigerated barges and lorries. This was brought to the UK by the Norwegian skiers who were coming over to compete."

"Former British alpine skier Ingrid Christophersen grew up in Norway, and remembers her father coming to Britain to commentate on the Hampstead Heath event. She pointed out that the post-war period was a difficult time for Norwegians. "It surprises me that Norway not only had the money, but also the energy to send tonnes of snow and a troupe of Norwegian ski jumpers to London."

"A 10cm layer of snow was packed down on top of a base layer of straw, although there was not enough snow to cover the whole slope. This meant only a narrow channel could be laid along the centre of the ramp. Ms Christphersen said that, although the jump was not particularly big, this made it particularly dangerous."

In March 1950 an 18m scaffolded ski jump was constructed on Hampstead Heath and attracted around 100,000 spectators. Organisers imported 45 tonnes of snow from Norway, packed in wooden boxes and insulated with dry ice, then transported via refrigerated barges and lorries. Norwegian competitors supplied the snow and took part despite post-war hardship in Norway. A 10cm layer of snow was laid over straw, creating only a narrow central channel and a short run-out, which made the jump particularly hazardous despite its modest height.

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