The Most Difficult Figure Skating Jump, Ranked

Voting rules: Choose the figure skating jump you think is the most difficult!

Updated on Apr 28, 2024 06:24

In the world of figure skating, the challenge of executing jumps fuels both the drama of competition and the progress of the sport. Skaters and fans alike debate which jumps are the toughest, considering factors like technical complexity, physical demand, and the sheer thrill of watching a successful attempt. This list provides a space for enthusiasts to voice their opinions on which figure skating jumps push the boundaries of athleticism and artistry the most. By casting your vote, you help shape a community-driven ranking that highlights the extraordinary skills showcased in this captivating sport.

What Is the Most Difficult Figure Skating Jump?

1

75
votes
Quad Lutz

Timothy Goebel

This jump has the highest level of difficulty among all figure skating jumps. It requires four rotations in the air while taking off from the backward outside edge of one foot. Many skaters struggle with this jump due to its complexity and high risk of injury.
The Quad Lutz is one of the most difficult figure skating jumps, considered a high-risk maneuver due to its level of complexity and technical demands. It involves four rotations in the air, executed from a backward outside edge with a toe pick assist for the takeoff. Skaters who successfully land this jump demonstrate exceptional skill, power, and control.

Jump Type: Toe jump

Takeoff Edge: Backward outside edge

Number of Rotations: 4

Jump Direction: Counterclockwise

Takeoff Assist: Toe pick
2

48
votes
Quad Axel

Miki Ando (Japan)

This jump is considered the holy grail of figure skating jumps as it requires four and a half rotations in the air. Only a few skaters in history have landed this jump in competition due to its extreme difficulty.
The Quad Axel is considered to be the most difficult figure skating jump, as it combines the complexity of a quadruple jump with the added rotation of an axel. Skaters need exceptional strength, technique, and control to successfully execute this jump.

Rotation: Four complete rotations

Take-off edge: Forward outside edge

Take-off foot: Left foot

Take-off direction: Counter-clockwise

Number of revolutions: Four
3

20
votes
Nordelch · CC BY-SA 3.0

Triple Axel

Midori Ito

This jump requires three and a half rotations in the air and is considered one of the most difficult triple jumps due to its takeoff from the forward outside edge. Only a few female skaters have landed this jump in competition.
The Triple Axel is a difficult and highly challenging figure skating jump that involves three and a half rotations in the air. It is considered one of the most technically demanding jumps in figure skating.

Rotation: 3.5 rotations

Takeoff Edge: Forward outside edge

Entry: Backward

Number of Turns: Three

Landing Edge: Backward outside edge
Triple Axel in other rankings
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult move in Figure Skating
- Position 2 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
4

22
votes
Quad Toe Loop

Kurt Browning

This jump requires four rotations in the air and is typically the first quad jump that skaters attempt. However, it still requires a high level of technical skill and strength.
The Quad Toe Loop is a highly challenging figure skating jump performed by skaters. It consists of four rotations in the air, with the skater taking off from a forward outside edge and landing on the same foot they took off with. The skater completes the jump by extending their free leg and executing a clean landing.

Rotation: 4

Takeoff Edge: Forward outside edge

Landing: On the same foot as the takeoff

Free Leg Extension: Fully extended

Difficulty Level: High
5

7
votes
Triple Lutz

Werner Rittberger

This jump requires three rotations in the air while taking off from the backward outside edge of one foot. It is considered one of the most difficult triple jumps due to its takeoff edge and entry.
The Triple Lutz is a high-level figure skating jump that is performed with an entry from a backward edge. It is known for its difficulty and technicality, requiring a significant amount of skill, strength, and precision to execute successfully. The skater takes off from the back outside edge of one foot and rotates three times in the air before landing on the back outside edge of the opposite foot.

Number of rotations: 3

Take-off edge: Back outside edge

Landing edge: Back outside edge

Entry: From a backward edge

Direction of rotation: Counterclockwise (for right-handed skaters)
Triple Lutz in other rankings
- Position 3 of 10 in Most difficult move in Figure Skating
6

16
votes
Triple Flip

This jump requires three rotations in the air while taking off from the backward inside edge of one foot. It is considered one of the most difficult triple jumps due to its entry and edge.
Triple Flip in other rankings
- Position 8 of 10 in Most difficult ice skating move
- Position 10 of 10 in Most difficult move in Figure Skating
7

5
votes
Triple Loop

This jump requires three rotations in the air while taking off from the backward outside edge of one foot. It is considered one of the most difficult triple jumps due to its entry and edge.
The Triple Loop is a difficult figure skating jump that is performed in both singles and pairs skating. It belongs to the category of edge jumps where skaters take off from a back outside edge and complete three rotations in the air before landing on the same back outside edge.

Jump Type: Edge Jump

Number of Rotations: 3

Takeoff Edge: Back Outside Edge

Landing Edge: Back Outside Edge

Entry: Skating backward on a left (or right) back outside edge
8

8
votes
Quad Salchow

Ulrich Salchow

This jump requires four rotations in the air while taking off from the back inside edge of one foot. It is considered one of the easier quad jumps to attempt, but still requires a high level of technical skill and strength.
The Quad Salchow is a highly difficult and complex figure skating jump in which the skater takes off from the back inside edge of one foot, completes four rotations in the air, and lands on the back outside edge of the opposite foot. It is one of the most challenging jumps in figure skating due to the large number of rotations and the precision required for execution.

Rotation: 4 revolutions

Takeoff edge: Back inside edge

Landing edge: Back outside edge

Difficulty level: Very difficult

Scoring base value: 10.5 points
9

7
votes
Nordelch · CC BY-SA 3.0

Double Axel

Dick Button

This jump requires two and a half rotations in the air while taking off from the forward outside edge. It is considered one of the most difficult double jumps due to its entry and edge.
The Double Axel is a figure skating jump that requires two and a half rotations in the air. It is considered one of the most difficult jumps due to its unique entry and takeoff. Skaters must first execute a forward outside edge entrance, followed by a backward inside edge takeoff. The jump is then executed with a toe pick assist, launching the skater into the air with precision and speed. Successful execution of the Double Axel requires excellent control, timing, and body positioning.

Rotation: 2.5 revolutions

Entrance: Forward outside edge

Takeoff: Backward inside edge

Assist: Toe pick

Height: Approximately 0.7-1 meter
10

9
votes
Double Lutz

Gustav Lussi

This jump requires two rotations in the air while taking off from the backward outside edge of one foot. It is considered one of the most difficult double jumps due to its entry and edge.
The Double Lutz is a challenging figure skating jump that involves launching off a backward edge and rotating twice in the air before landing on the outside edge of the opposite foot. It is known for its unique entry and complex technique.

Rotation: 2 revolutions

Edge Takeoff: Backward

Landing Edge: Outside edge of opposite foot

Jump Type: Toe jump

Jump Group: Double jumps

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Ranking factors for difficult figure skating jump

Number of rotations

More rotations imply a higher level of difficulty because skaters must generate more angular momentum and maintain control throughout the jump.
Take-off edge

Jumps can be executed from either the inside or outside edge of the skate, with the outside edge generally considered more challenging due to the increased instability during take-off.
Landing edge

Skaters must land on the outside edge of the skate for all jumps, requiring great balance and control.
Entry and flight

The approach and position of the skater during take-off and airborne play a vital role in determining the difficulty of a jump.
Combination

Performing several jumps in quick succession without any turns or connecting steps adds to the overall difficulty of the jump.
Body position

The skater's body position during take-off, flight, and landing impacts the technical difficulty and aesthetic quality of the jump.
Control and stability

Jumps demand precision, balance, and control throughout their execution. Higher difficult jumps require stronger skating skills and coordination, making them more challenging to perform consistently and successfully.
Speed and height

Higher speed and height during a jump increase the difficulty, as they add more force and impact during take-off and landing.
Adaptability and innovation

A skater's ability to master advanced or unconventional jumps and incorporate them creatively into their routines can also increase the level of difficulty.

About this ranking

This is a community-based ranking of the most difficult figure skating jump. We do our best to provide fair voting, but it is not intended to be exhaustive. So if you notice something or jump is missing, feel free to help improve the ranking!

Statistics

2650 views
203 votes
10 ranked items

Voting Rules

A participant may cast an up or down vote for each jump once every 24 hours. The rank of each jump is then calculated from the weighted sum of all up and down votes.

More information on most difficult figure skating jump

Figure skating is a sport that requires a high level of technical skill, grace, and athleticism. One of the most challenging aspects of figure skating is executing the jumps, which are an essential component of any routine. Skaters must leap into the air and complete a series of rotations before landing on one foot. There are several different types of jumps in figure skating, each with its own level of difficulty. However, many experts agree that the most challenging jump is the quadruple jump, which involves four full rotations in the air. Only a select few skaters have been able to consistently perform this difficult maneuver in competition. Regardless of the type of jump, figure skaters must train tirelessly to perfect their technique and execute these moves with precision and artistry.