IRON MOUNTAIN, Mich. (WZMQ) – In a significant boost for the Pine Mountain Ski Jump and the beloved sport of ski-jumping, state lawmakers allocated $1 million in debt relief as part of the new $82.5 billion state budget for fiscal year 2025. The possibility exists that the ski jump funding could be used toward a new elevator, a much-needed asset to securing another future World Cup Competition in Iron Mountain. Another possibility for the funding could include paying down a $3 million loan secured in 2020 through the Great Lakes Sports Commission.
Susie Fox, the Kiwanis Ski Club Corresponding Secretary, expressed her excitement about the budget allocation. “We were really excited when the budget came out and there was a line item for the Pine Mountain Ski Jump. We’ve been seeking funding and trying to do campaign fundraising to get one of the biggest last elements in—the elevator.”
A new elevator is a requirement for hosting another World Cup competition at Pine Mountain, which last took place in 1996 and 2000, according to Fox. “Facilities around the world have continuously been upgraded, as we have done with our tower,” Fox noted. “But one of the missing links was the elevator. It’s now required if you’re going to host a World Cup competition to have an elevator to bring the athletes from ground level up to the start gate area, and it’s not inexpensive. It’s $1 million, the last time we priced it out.”
Fox highlighted the importance of the donations received from the private sector, saying, “All the donations that have been coming in from the private sector, some anonymous and some not, have helped build up to this moment. To get the million dollars from the state accentuates those very important other donations. We’re going to do great things here.”
Fox highlighted how a new elevator could not only help bring a World Cup Competition back to Iron Mountain, but it would also make the top of the ski jump more accessible to those who might not otherwise be able to access it during holiday tours.
“The event, as special as it is now, I think we’ll be able to do something to make it even more special. Like this beautiful 4th of July weekend, we’ll be able to give tours of the tower, but you wouldn’t have to walk up the steps, you’d be able to use the elevator. And so, I think that will give access to a lot of people that otherwise couldn’t get to the top of the ski jump.”
Looking ahead to this 4th of July weekend, Fox announced, “This Friday & Saturday from 10 a.m. – 4 p.m. [CST], volunteers of the Kiwanis Ski Club will be up here offering tours of the ski jump. We do ask for a $10 donation. It goes right into the operations of the event and maintenance of the facility. Kids are free, but must be accompanied by an adult.” Additionally, the club will be selling souvenirs and historic relics of the old ski jump, with some items still made out of wood.
In another exciting announcement, Fox shared that the Iron Mountain Ski jump isn’t just touted as the favorite jump by international athletes worldwide, it’s been put to the test in a vote, and Iron Mountain has been voted the favorite among athletes worldwide for 2 years running now.
“As a testament to the dedication of the Kiwanis Ski Club volunteers, the International Ski Federation has asked all the ski associations from all the worldwide nations what is their favorite ski jumping event in the world as far as the Continental Cup. Pine Mountain Iron Mountain Kiwanis Ski Club has been rated number one for the past two years. That’s a testament to the dedication of the volunteers of the ski club.”
Fox emphasized the significance of the new elevator in bringing the World Cup competition back to Pine Mountain. “The addition of the elevator on the ski jump tower is a significant step closer to getting the World Cup competition. It would certainly bring more prestige to the area of Dickinson County, the Upper Peninsula, and the state of Michigan. We are very prideful here, and it would just be great to see one come back.”
Expressing gratitude, Fox acknowledged the support of Senator McBroom: “Without the help of Senator McBroom, this million dollars would not have been possible. We have huge gratitude for Ed, and I know he’s going to continue to work for Pine Mountain ski jumping and the Kiwanis Ski Club.”
Those interested in becoming a sponsor of the world-famous favorite ski jump, can fill out a simple form to get started:
