Industry News
Suicide Hill, located in the town of Ispheming, high in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, is celebrating its 100th anniversary as a ski area in January. To go along with the anniversary, the hill’s even longer tradition of an annual ski jumping tournament is in its 139th year and set for January as well. The tournament will take place January 16-18 at the U.P. Nordic Ski Complex, and athletes under the age of 20 can compete to qualify for the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships held in Trondheim, Norway.
The celebration and tournament will have various festivities such as tailgating, bonfires, food trucks, and a beer tent. The celebration will conclude with a fireworks show to brighten the sky over Suicide Hill.
“Reaching the 100th anniversary of Suicide Hill isn’t just a milestone; it’s a reminder of how deeply this hill is woven into our community’s identity,” Ishpeming Ski Club vice president Peter Copenhaver said in an article by northern Michigan’s Daily Press.
The Ishpeming Ski Club, one of the oldest ski clubs in the United States, will be hosting the tournament. They have held the tournament every year since its founding in 1887, making it one of the oldest winter sports competitions. The town of Ishpeming is also home to the U.S. Ski and Snowboard Hall of Fame, further cementing its place in the country’s skiing history.
The tournament will have both a 90-meter jump and a 60-meter jump, both of which will see competitors vying for spots in other ski jumping competitions. Additionally, cross-country ski races will be held by the Ishpeming Ski Club, adding to the festivities surrounding the anniversary.
As Suicide Hill begins its second century of operations, its longevity is a testament to its connection to the Ishpeming community. As athletes and volunteers prepare for an exciting celebration and another successful tournament, Northern Michigan once again shows how much skiing means to the Midwest.
