Norge Ski Club postpones annual ski jump tournament until February, due to lack of snow
CHICAGO (CBS) -- A lack of snow and wintry weather has prompted the Norge Ski Club to postpone its 118th annual Winter Ski Jump Tournament in Fox River Grove.
The tournament was supposed to be held this weekend, but is being pushed back to Feb. 11 and 12, because the weather so far in January hasn't been cold enough for them to make enough snow.
"The good news is sustained cold temperatures are expected this weekend and next week. That means conditions should allow us to start making snow again. A few inches of snow from Mother Nature look nice – it's not nearly enough snow to create safe conditions for our athletes. It takes tons of snow and grooming to cover the Norge jumps and hills," Norge Ski Club said on their website.
The club needs about a foot of natural or man-made snow to safely open its ski jump.
Tradition forges on at the Norge Ski Club, but President Scott Smith will admit this year, the path looks different in Fox River Grove.
"This is odd that we're not skiing right now," Smith said. "We just had too long of a period with warm temperatures."
Over the last 10 years, Smith said the club usually sees between 8,000 and 10,000 people for the annual tournament.
People who already bought buttons and VIP tickets for the tournament will be able to use them on the new dates.
Gates will open at 11 a.m. both days, with opening ceremonies starting at noon.