ISHPEMING, Mich. (WZMQ) – The Ishpeming Ski Club (ISC) was busy grooming jumps and preparing for weekend festivities at the U.P. Nordic Ski Complex on Wednesday morning. The 136th Annual Suicide Ski Hill Tournament is set to begin Friday evening, and crews have been working diligently to make sure the event continues without any major issues.
Temperatures have been approximately 10 degrees warmer than the average for January, but ISC Vice President Peter Copenhaver said he still feels confident that the tournament will still happen.
“It’s always a challenge, but this is our 136th year doing it, consecutive years,” Copenhaver said. “We’ve been through world wars, great depressions, pandemics, and we’re going to pull it off again. You’ve got to believe that this is going to happen.”
Three separate tournaments will be held during the weekend: The U.S. Cup on Friday night, the Junior Tournament being held throughout the day on Saturday, and the Paul Bietala Memorial Tournament on Saturday evening.
There will also be a variety of attractions on-site for attendees, which will include massive bonfires, food trucks, beer tents, and fireworks.
“It’s going to be a great weekend regardless, we’re going to make this happen,” said Copenhaver. “We’ve had to postpone in the past because of weather, wind, snow. So we’re used to this, this is familiar territory for us, but it’s going to be a great weekend.”
The Opening Ceremony is set to begin at 6:30 p.m. on Friday evening.
“Come on out, get some fresh air and socialize with the community, and celebrate our club and the rich history of Nordic skiing in the Upper Peninsula,” Copenhaver said. “It’s all happening here!”
