The facility is being built in Red Wing in Minnesota at a former ski resort and golf course, at a cost of around $7 million (£5.3 million/€5.9 million).

Bryan Sanders, who competed for the US at the 1992 Winter Olympics in Albertville, said work could begin in the next two months.

"We're still very confident we'll be moving dirt by late August or early September," Sanders, who is also the executive director at the American Ski Jumping Hall of Fame and Museum, said to the Post Bulletin.

It is predicted that the new hill could attract up to 100,000 visitors a year.

The US currently only has one international standard ski jumping hill, in Park City in Utah.

This was used for the 2002 Winter Olympics in Salt Lake City but is not currently on the international circuit for major events such as the International Ski Federation World Cup.

"The hope is this new venue will allow the US to host those events in the future," said Jed Hinkley, sport development director for USA Nordic to the Post Bulletin.

"It's a big deal nationally for us, for the sport in the US and internationally.

"A goal of ours is to have large-scale international competitions there."

As the Park City hill is loacated at 7,000 feet of altitude, the Red Wing venue will help competitors prepare for competitions nearer to sea level, it is claimed.

It will be available to use in both summer and winter.