Jack Jumping

Vermont’s Homemade Adrenaline Sport

By Riley Momenee

People’s reactions when they first see someone on a jackjumper are often the same. “What the heck is that?” and then shortly after, “How can I get on one?”

Jack jumping is often referred to as “Vermont’s newest old pastime” or a “Vermont secret tradition.” In reality though, any jumper would happily share with you the best spot to shred or the very humble makeup of their rig. That’s what’s special about the sport – it’s scrappy, homespun, and community-driven. 

A jackjumper is essentially a ski with a seat, though the specific makeup of the build varies greatly depending on what materials people have access to. Most are made from discarded skis and scrap wood, but some are crafted with excellent skill, beautifully carved wood, or meticulously machined braces and mountain bike forks. No matter what, those who engage in the sport take pride in building their own equipment. 

Jack jumping, also known as skibock in Europe, dates back to the 1800s and has always been very do-it-yourself. While its true origins are unknown, the most agreed upon theory is that it was invented as a fun and speedy commute home for French-Canadian loggers in the Green Mountains. Though it started in Vermont, the sport also has enthusiasts in New York and greater New England. Jackjumpers were originally made from wood using a barrel stave as the “ski.” It has gone through many waves of popularity, even accruing a few patents around 1914. Though there were a few attempts at manufacturing them, they never took off commercially and have kept their hodgepodge charm throughout the generations, largely due to them being so cheap and easy to make. 

When trying to research the sport online you will mostly find videos on how to perform a jumping jack (mind the ordering of the words there) or very low resolution videos of someone flying down a mountain. The easiest way to get into the sport is to stop a jackjumper and ask questions! They are almost always happy to let you try it out and might even have an extra jackjumper and a few tips to share. After chatting with a few jumpers myself I decided that I should try my hand in crafting one of these curious contraptions. With a few simple tools, some scrap wood, a set of secondhand skis, and an afternoon to kill, I went ahead and made one. Actually, I should say that we made four! After explaining to a few friends the ridiculous makeup of a jackjumper and how fun they are to ride, they eagerly wanted in.

They were a very simple build, going off of what I’ve seen on the trails and a few pictures online. We were able to crank them out in a few hours – there is no right way to make a jackjumper as the concept is very flexible. We tested ours down a small hill near our apartment, then brought them to Mt. Philo State Park’s Access Road in Charlotte, VT, for the real deal – which un-coincentidentally has been THE jack jumping spot since 1920. On nice days you are bound to find a few jumpers zipping down, and it’s where I first encountered the sport, so it seemed fitting for the maiden voyage of my new chariot. The park’s steep, closed-to-traffic access road provides a 1.5-mile downhill run, with enthusiasts (and sledders) often utilizing the upper, steeper sections with banked turns. Lincoln Gap in Warren, VT is another spot, as is Bolton Valley Resort.

While it took some getting used to, we picked it up pretty quickly and learned some crucial things: always lean back! It keeps the front of the ski unweighted and feels more stable and maneuverable. We built our seats with a slight tilt backwards, forcing us to shift our weight towards the tail of the ski, lifting our feet into the air. Under-the-seat handles and a good cushion make it easier to control your speed over bumps. And remember to take breaks, your face will start to hurt from the huge grin you’ll wear when seated on one of these things! Check out Riley in action video on Mt. Philo by Abigail Caron: [video link at top of page].

Although a niche sport, the jack jumping community is strong and creates ways to come together and celebrate the sport – with racing. The third annual Hill Country Holiday Jack Jumper at Gove Hill in Lincoln, VT was held in February. Mount Snow even hosts the annual Jack Jumping World Championship (yes, you read that right), approaching its 46th year with the upcoming competition on Sunday, March 15, boasting around 70 competitors. It’s open to anyone of any skill level, with age groups from 12 and under to 60-plus, featuring a dual slalom-style course, with the lowest combined times overall being dubbed the male and female world champ. And the best part? Every single jackjumper is homemade, personalized tip to tail featuring an old junker ski being given a second life. It’s a hoot to watch and I highly recommend making the trip even if you don’t plan on racing yourself. I know I will be there! 

Riley Momenee (riley@adksports.com) spends most of his time outdoors while currently finishing up his final semester in undergrad. During the winter, you can find him in the Green Mountains hiking, skiing, and now with his newest bit of gear, jack jumping. During the summer, he will be hiking, biking, and trying to figure out the best way to use his jackjumper on grass.