Emil Thorpe

Norwegian architect who revolutionized winter sports infrastructure design

Emil Thorpe (1908-1983) transformed ski jumping through his groundbreaking cantilevered hill designs. While working for the Norwegian Public Roads Administration, Thorpe developed the first mathematically calculated plasticine modeling techniques for optimizing ski jump curves.

His 1932 Lillehammer prototype introduced:

• Parabolic transition zones
• Variable radius profiles
• Contoured outrun areas

This 3D terrain modeling approach increased flight stability by 62% and became the FIS standard after 1954. Thorpe later consulted on over 70 international jumps including Planica and Holmenkollen.