IRONWOOD, Mich. (WZMQ) – Copper Peak Ski Jump in Gogebic County is one step closer to completing its multi-year renovation.
The world-famous ski jump just received $20 million in state ARPA funding which will bring the landing area up to FIS standards, allowing for international competition. The renovations of the landing area also make the venerable ski jump safer for participants whereas before, jumpers would be as high as 60 feet in the air. But with the improvements, it will only be 12 feet. Copper Peak’s, last jump was back in 1994 however, with the planned renovations, it may be open for international competition within five years. Copper Peak Vice President Jim Durkee explains the renovations.
“We have two different phases. The first phase is the landing hill, and the second phase is the jump and judges tower. And we kicked off the landing hill yesterday,” said Durkee.
Even more interesting than hosting global competition is year round jumping on an artificial surface.
“They slide through that track system, and then when they leave the noses of the jump, they actually land on plastic. It’s just like a “Slip and Slide.” You wet it, and they land on that slip and slide,” explained Durkee.
Republican State Senator Ed McBroom, who was instrumental in securing this funding, believes the reconstruction of Copper Peak will be a boon to not only local businesses, but the entire region.
“To see it happen here in the UP is a great thing for all of us. The community there and even surrounding communities hundreds of miles away will benefit from the increase in traffic,” said McBroom.
And if everything goes right, this will soon be the world’s tallest freestanding ski jump.
Editor’s note: Sen. Ed McBroom is incorrectly listed as a democrat in the video. Sen. McBroom is a Republican representing the 38th Senate District of Michigan.
