These skiers fly more than 300 feet in the air, staring down at the snow below most of the time. The 123rd annual Silver Mine Ski Jump Invitational is going on January 30 through the 31.

Five people from the Eau Claire area plan on jumping. Organizer Dan Mattoon says five years ago, no one from the area jumped in the event. So the sport is growing, which we saw as young kids took their turns at mastering the Silver Mine Hill.

The skiers soar through the air ......

Dan Mattoon said, "They've got their heads right between their skis and they're just rockin."

...at speeds as fast as cars.

Dan Mattoon said, "They'll travel about 50 miles per hour going down that ramp as they enter into the air almost like a little torpedo jumping out."

And these kids are excited to take their chance, soaring down the hill.

Trevor Edlund said, "You start out young. Get fearless and grow up not being afraid of it." Ben Loomis adds, "You can just hear the wind go by you."

10-year-old Ben Loomis took his first jump on Friday. He jumped twice with no falls. He said he liked it a lot.

There were some tumbles. But these kids can't wait to get better and are excited to see the professionals jump.

Trevor Edlund said, "I like to see how they do and if I can match up with them." Ben Loomis adds, "A lot of long jumps." Dan Mattoon said, "90 meters is an Olympic size hill. So it's their first chance and they are usually grinning ear to ear."