The Men’s Team Large Hill / 4 × 5 km Relay in 2026 Winter Olympics is one of the most complex and strategic medal events in Nordic combined. What makes this event distinct from other Nordic combined competitions is the combination of team performance, large hill ski jumping, and a relay-style cross-country race. Instead of relying on one athlete’s all-around ability, this event tests depth, balance, and teamwork across four competitors from the same nation.
The first phase of the event is ski jumping from the large hill, which produces longer flight distances and higher speeds than the normal hill used in some other Nordic combined events. Each team fields four jumpers, and their scores are combined to determine the starting order and time gaps for the cross-country portion. Because the large hill allows for bigger point differences, strong jumping teams can build significant early advantages.
This medal event stands apart because a single weak jump can affect the entire team’s position. Nations must balance risk and consistency, as a mistake in the jumping round can leave a team starting far behind on the course. The emphasis on collective performance makes this competition especially dramatic, as every athlete’s result directly impacts teammates.
Event Format at the 2026 Winter Olympics
At the 2026 Winter Olympics, the event begins with the team ski jumping round on the large hill. Each of the four athletes from a country completes one jump. Judges award style points while distance and hill size factor into the overall score. The combined jumping scores are then converted into time differences for the cross-country relay using a points-to-time system.
The second phase is a 4 × 5 km cross-country skiing relay. Teams start in a staggered format based on their jumping results, with the leading team leaving first. Each athlete completes a 5 km leg before tagging the next teammate. The relay format adds tactical elements, as teams must decide the order of skiers based on strengths in pacing, climbing, and finishing speed.
Medal Decision and Competitive Dynamics
The medals are decided by the order in which teams cross the finish line at the end of the relay. Unlike some Nordic combined events that rely more heavily on individual pacing, this team competition requires coordinated strategy across both disciplines. Teams must recover from any deficits in the jumping round while also defending leads built on the hill.
What makes this medal event unique is how momentum can shift throughout the relay. A strong skier can close a time gap quickly, while fatigue or tactical errors can cost valuable seconds. The mix of explosive ski jumping and endurance-based relay racing creates constant changes in position, making the Men’s Team Large Hill / 4 × 5 km Relay one of the most dynamic and unpredictable events in Nordic combined at the 2026 Winter Olympics.