Norge VIP Area 'A Hit,' Being Offered Again This Year

FOX RIVER GROVE, IL — After a successful first year, Norge Ski Club is again offering VIP tickets this year for those wishing to watch the winter ski jumping tournament from the comfort of the ski club's heated clubhouse.

Norge's 118th Annual Ski Jump Tournament will be held Jan. 28 to 29 at the ski club, 100 Ski Hill Road, Fox River Grove. Norge first offered VIP passes during last year's competition, and after receiving plenty of positive feedback, 100 VIP tickets are up for grabs this year, said Sage McWilliams of Crystal Lake, who is coordinating the VIP effort.

McWilliams is the sister of Garrett Fisk, 36, a former Norge ski jumper who now coaches ski jumping in Steamboat, Colorado. McWilliams mother, Tricia Fisk, organized a private VIP area for years, which was only offered to an elite group of ski jumpers from Norway, McWilliams said.

As Fisk began to scale back from her duties at Norge, McWilliams stepped into help. Last year, Norge officials decided to try fort the first time selling VIP tickets being offered to the public for the first time last year. In total, 60 VIP passes were sold, allowing those with the tickets access to the heated clubhouse at Norge.

"It was a huge hit so this year we are trying to get 100 tickets sold, to people who want to experience Norge in a different way," McWilliams said. She said people who purchased the VIP tickets enjoyed the variety of food and drink, which is included in the VIP tickets and is different than the concession food at Norge; being able to get out of the cold; and having access to indoor bathrooms and not having to wait in line outside for a Porte-potty.

The VIP passes are currently being sold online and are $125 through Jan. 5 and $150 if purchased on Jan. 6 or later. The pass will give ticket holders access to the clubhouse from noon to 5 p.m. on Jan. 29 where they can watch the ski jumping tournament. Food and drink, including soda, beer, wine, hard seltzer and water, are included, and there will also be a silent auction and raffle.

Lunch will include a variety of soups, pulled pork sandwiches, appetizers, and a variety of Norwegian-inspired foods, including Norwegian-style waffles. There will also be desserts.

Proceeds from tickets sold to the tournament and the VIP area will help pay for upkeep at the Norge Ski Club, including the costs to maintain the hill and ski equipment.