One of World’s Largest Ski Jumps Set to Reopen in Michigan’s U.P.

It's been a long time coming. About 28 years to be exact, but Copper Peak Ski Jump in Michigan's Upper Peninsula is set to reopen.

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Closed since 1994, the 469-foot ski jump in Ironwood is larger than most ski jumping hills seen in the Olympics and is the largest ski jump in the Western Hemisphere. Now, thanks to $20 million in funding from the state of Michigan, Copper Peak will once again welcome guests once again for competitions.

“Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula legislators worked together and across the aisle to include funding to transform Copper Peak into a world-class destination for ski jumping competitions and training for Olympic-level athletes from the U.S. and around the world,” said State Sen. Wayne Schmidt.

Although the ski jump has been closed, visitors have been able to hike, bike, and take the chairlift up the mountain to take in the breathtaking views of the Upper Peninsula. With the funding in place to make repairs and adjustments, the reopening will bring Copper Peak back to life.

Once the area is ready, Copper Peak will hold the distinction of being the only ski-flying hill outside of Europe, but also the only ski-flying hill in the world with an all-season surface, so jumps can happen in the summer, as well according to Mlive. 

Copper Peak Ski Jump Planning Committee Chairman Bob Jacquart has commented that State lawmakers expect Copper Peak to bring $50 million of visitor revenue in just its first four years of men’s and women’s competitive events. Jacquart says thousands of European ski jumping fans could travel to Gogebic County.

According to a statement from Copper Peak, the jump should be finished by the end of summer 2024, with its first competition planned for the winter of 2025.