Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site

🏆🏆🏆🏆🏆 New Hampshire — Once the LARGEST ski jump in the Eastern United States — the Nansen Jump in Milan hosted Olympic-qualifying events from 1937-1985! Norwegian immigrants built it and named it after explorer Fridtjof Nansen. The 171-foot steel tower still stands as a monument to skiing history.

Visitor Information

About Nansen Ski Jump

Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site preserves the ruins of a WPA-built ski jump in Milan — once among the largest in the eastern US. The 171-foot steel and wood structure, named for Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen, hosted major competitions through the 1980s and represents New Hampshire’s Scandinavian-influenced winter sports heritage.

Things to Do

Viewing the historic ski jump structure, hiking the surrounding trails, photography, and learning about New England’s ski jumping tradition.

Getting There

Located on Nansen Wayside Road in Milan, Coos County — accessible from Route 110. The remote North Country setting adds to the experience. Berlin (15 minutes south) was once the paper-making capital of New England. The Androscoggin River valley scenery is spectacular in autumn. Winter access may be limited by snowfall.

History & Ecology

The ski jump attracted competitors from across New England and eastern Canada during its active years (1936-1985). The WPA construction employed local workers during the Great Depression. Scandinavian immigrants in Berlin and Milan brought ski jumping traditions from Norway and Finland. The rusted steel and weathered wood of the abandoned jump create a hauntingly photogenic ruin in the North Country forest.

Insider Tips

Ski jumping heritage: The Nansen Ski Jump (1936) was once one of the largest ski jumps in the eastern US — attracting 10,000+ spectators. Pro tip: Norwegian immigrants brought ski jumping to New Hampshire — the sport was a major winter attraction. Olympic heritage: New Hampshire ski jumpers competed in multiple Winter Olympics — the state’s ski jumping tradition rivaled Scandinavia in its prime.

Best Time to Visit

Winter: Snow on the historic jump. Summer: Hike the jump hill for views. Year-round: Interpretive panels. Fall: Foliage from the jump hill.

Frequently Asked Questions

Was ski jumping popular in New Hampshire?

Ski jumping was hugely popular in New Hampshire from the 1920s-1960s — Norwegian immigrants in Berlin and Milan built multiple jumps. The Nansen Ski Club (named after Norwegian explorer Fridtjof Nansen) drew crowds of 10,000+ for competitions. The sport declined as alpine skiing became more popular. The Nansen Jump is preserved as a monument to New Hampshire’s Scandinavian heritage.

Wildlife & Nature

Nansen Ski Jump State Historic Site — an alternate listing for the historic 171-foot ski jump in Milan, built by Norwegian immigrants in 1936. The jump hosted regional ski jumping competitions through the 1980s. The forested hillside supports moose, black bears, and ruffed grouse. The site represents the important Scandinavian cultural heritage of northern New Hampshire.

Nearby Attractions

Milan Hill State Park — nearby — has panoramic fire tower views. Berlin — 5 miles south. White Mountain National Forest — 15 miles south. North Country moose viewing is excellent on Route 16.