Four factors play into a jumper’s total score: distance, style, wind and gate position. While jumpers primarily are scored on distance and style, points can be added or deducted based on changes in wind or the elevation of the starting gate to account for favorable or unfavorable conditions. Each point total is added together for the final score.

Wind and gate compensation points were introduced by the International Ski Federation in 2009 to ensure fair and safe competition. 

Distance points, which are based on the K-point, evaluate the length of an athlete’s jump.

Distance is measured along the curve of the landing hill from the take-off point to the exact place where the jumper’s feet touch the landing slope. Video cameras record the distance of each jump and then the distance is translated into distance points.

The K-point refers to the point of the hill where it begins to flatten out. It typically is designated by two red lines which run down both sides of the landing hill, and it determines the number of distance points awarded to a jump.

A jumper who reaches the K-point automatically receives 60 points. Landing beyond the K-point earns more distance points, while landing before the K-point earns fewer.

A panel of five judges awards style points to jumpers on a scale of 0 to 20, and the highest and lowest scores are eliminated.

Judges evaluate each part of the jump after the in-run: the flight, landing and out-run (the flat area at the bottom of the hill where skiers decelerate). Arms and legs should remain relatively stable through the jump, and the landing should be smooth. Ideally, jumpers land beyond the fall line in the telemark position, with their knees bent and with one ski in front of the other.

A jump with perfect power, boldness, precision, fluidity and control through the entire jump can earn a maximum of 60 style points.

Judges may add or deduct points to a jumper’s overall style score to account for favorable or unfavorable wind conditions. This addition to the scoring was first used at the Olympics in 2014.

For example, if there is a tailwind which pushes the jumper backward, judges may add points; likewise, if there is a headwind, giving athletes more lift, points are subtracted. 

Before an athlete jumps, the technical jury or a coach may adjust the elevation of the starting gate to account for wind changes, athlete skill or other factors which may impact overall safety. 

As such, judges can modify a jumper’s score to account for advantages and disadvantages created by the gate position. Points are reduced for a higher starting gate, while points are added for a lower start gate. 

Points are deducted for style errors during a jump (like instability during flight, failure to land in the telemark position, etc.) and changes in gate elevation or wind.  

Penalties may be assessed for a variety of reasons such as suit violations, incorrect ski length, faulty bindings and false or late starts. Equipment violations, especially those related to jumping suits, often result in disqualification.

The regulations in place for ski jumping suits are very strict because suit with extra surface area could increase the athlete’s lift like wings on a bird, allowing the jumper to hang higher and jump farther. As such, the most common reason for disqualification is a suit violation — even if it’s inadvertent due to normal body weight fluctuations. At the 2022 Winter Olympics, five ski jumpers were disqualified from the mixed team event because their suits were ruled too big.