ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Ishpeming Ski Club will again host the 138th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament at The Nordic Ski Complex in Ishpeming on January 17th, 18th and 19th.
Since 1887 ski jumpers from across the country have been coming to Ishpeming to compete in the country’s oldest ski jumping tournament. With colder temperatures and some natural snow. Ski Club Vice President Peter Copenhaver says the hill is in good shape, but, we could still use some more snow.
“We’re looking at kind of a window of opportunity here with the cold temperatures, so we can at least be making snow,” said Copenhaver.
Ishpeming is the birthplace of organized skiing, with the club being the oldest in the nation. As such, the ski club enjoys an amazing community support.
“And we pride ourselves on that. You know, we have a heritage that we maintain of Nordic skiing in this area,” said Copenhaver.
This year’s ski tournament promises to be as thrilling as in years past. Copenhaver says the level of competition is fierce. Counting many Olympians as alumni.
“Just in this prior Olympics, for example. We also have an individual who was here two years ago who set our new Hill record on Suicide Hill that is now on the World Cup, and doing very, very well,” explained Copenhaver.
The tournament is known for its enormous bonfires, along with several other amenities,
“We have tailgating that’s always kind of a sought-after thing. People haul their grills out there and bring their family. It’s just a great social event for families and communities. We got concessions, we got food trucks, got fireworks on Saturday Night,” said Copenhaver.
Copenhaver says, if you’ve never witnessed this miracle of flight, you should definitely check it out.
“It’s just absolutely amazing to watch these athletes come off, to take off at almost 60 miles an hour and glide the length of a football field. I mean, they’re in the air for almost five seconds,” remarked Copenhaver.
Tickets are sold in the form of commemorative buttons, which can be purchased at select Local businesses
For a complete list of where to purchase buttons, where to park, and a schedule of all the events and activities, please visit Ishpeming Ski Club’s website, ishskiclub.com
