Ishpeming, Michigan –
This weekend is the beginning of a three day saga on the Suicide Hill Ski Jumps in Ishpeming. It marks the 137th iteration of the event where athletes in top condition compete to see who can fly the farthest. Skiers essentially slingshot themselves off of an incredibly large ski jump that measures 335 feet in height. These death-defying stunts are a favorite of the area locals. The event reminds us what life in the U.P. is all about.
- Gutsiness – To show up in the conditions, and watch these athletes take risks for the adrenaline and the trophy takes guts on both sides! Yoopers are gutsy folk!
- Taking your environment & turning it into opportunity – Sliding down the side of Suicide Hill, blazing a bonfire, or climbing to the top for the view. All are on the area bucket list.
- Good food, drink, and company – Everyone (especially those with parking) sets up camp right there in the parking lot beneath Suicide Hill, and shares in laughs, food, drink, and company while in reverence of the athletes physical feats.
The schedule for the weekend is as follows:
Friday Jan. 19th – U.S Cup Ski Jumping
Suicide Hill is a part of the U.S. Cup Circuit for Ski Jumping. It actually marks the middle of the competition. The U.S. Cup is ranked base don points to see who the top 23 placements will be. Athletes are ranked by their top 5 results as defined by point total, not rank, per competition. If fewer than 5 competitions are held, all results will count towards the season total. This is where things get serious.
- 8-10am Measurement
- 8:30-12 noon Open training – all hills
- 2pm Captain’s meeting
- 6:00pm Opening ceremony
- 6:30pm Trial round on K90
- 7pm US Cup Tournament
Saturday Jan. 20th – The Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament
This tournament is in honor of legendary Ishpeming native ski jumper, Paul Bietila. It is a day of celebration for the sport and has different types of very entertaining challenges for the ski jumpers, making the event a whole lot of fun for all ages.
- 8:30-10am Open training – all hills
- 8:30am US Cup Nordic Combined 5km ski race
- 10am US Cup Awards ceremony
- 10:45am Opening ceremony for Junior Tournament
- 2pm JNQ/NCJNQ ALT on K60
- 6:00pm Opening ceremony
- 6:30pm Trial round on K90
- 7pm Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament
- Fireworks following competition
Sunday Jan. 21st – The Junior Tournament
A day dedicated to the young guns who carry the torch for this incredible sport.
8:30-10:30am Open training – K13, K25, K40
11:00am – Junior Tournament on K13, K25, K40
1:00pm/30 minutes after completion of jumping – Junior Tournament Nordic combined race
2:00pm Junior Tournament awards
2:30pm End of Tournament
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