ISHPEMING, MI— Everything’s set for the 138th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament in Ishpeming this weekend.
Ishpeming Ski Club Vice President Peter Copenhaver says the hill at the U.P. Nordic Ski Complex is in great shape, though it took a lot of manufactured snow to get it up to par.
About 20 athletes from around the country are coming to compete in the tournament, which started in 1888. Copenhaver says the longevity of the event is a testament to Ishpeming being the birthplace of organized skiing.
“Scandinavian immigrants came over here and brought their passion for Nordic skiing and ski jumping, and it all began right here. So, we have a rich history and, of course, a supportive community. Almost everyone who lives here knows of someone or is related to someone that used to ski jump at the Ishpeming Ski Club.”
Copenhaver says one of the biggest draws of the tournament is the enormous bonfires—made with eight-foot-long logs—whose flames leap about 60 feet into the air.
The full schedule of this weekend’s events can be found at www.ishskiclub.org.
