Held every year since its founding in 1887, the event stands as one of the longest-running winter sports traditions in North America. As the birthplace of organized skiing in the United States and home to the U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame, Ishpeming continues to play a central role in American ski history. This year’s tournament also marks the 100th anniversary of Suicide Hill, the 90-meter ski jump that has shaped winter sport in the Upper Peninsula for a century.

“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,” said Peter Copenhaver, vice president of the Ishpeming Ski Club. “Generations have watched athletes fly here. Pairing that legacy with national qualifiers and a full weekend of events makes this the year to experience ski jumping in Ishpeming.”

National junior events featured

The 2026 tournament will include nationally sanctioned junior competitions under U.S. Ski & Snowboard, drawing athletes from across the country:

A past event on the large ski jump at Suicide Hill in Ishpeming, probably from the 1930s or 1940s. (Courtesy photo)

— Jan. 16-17: Junior World Qualifier, 90 meter hill;

— Jan. 17: Junior National Qualifier, 60 meter hill;


– Jan. 17-18: Junior World and National Qualifier, Nordic Combined — ski jumping and cross-country skiing.

These events reinforce Ishpeming’s role as an important stop on the U.S. junior athlete-development pathway during this milestone anniversary year.

Weekend schedule

Friday, Jan. 16


— Opening night on Suicide Hill, featuring national-level ski jumping, bonfires, concessions and a beer tent.

Saturday, Jan. 17


— Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament, includes junior qualifier ski jumping and Nordic combined ski race competitions. The busiest day of the weekend, featuring national-level ski jumping, ski racing, bonfires, concessions, beer tent and fireworks show immediately after competition.

Sunday, Jan. 18


– Central Division Junior Tournament, includes junior qualifiers in jumping and Nordic combined. A family-friendly event featuring up-and-coming, Central Division athletes and national-level ski racing.

Admission is a booster button, required for entry Friday and Saturday. Proceeds support ISC youth ski programs. Cost is $15 in advance, $20 at the gate; ages 12 and younger will be admitted for free. Full purchasing information for buttons is available at www.ishskiclub.com.

Park and ride shuttle service will be available to and from North Iron Church on U.S. 41 in Ishpeming.

On-site parking will open at 4 p.m. Friday and costs $10 per vehicle per night, with limited parking available. No roadside parking will be allowed on County Road or Cliffs Drive; vehicles will be towed.

Founded in 1887, the Ishpeming Ski Club is one of the oldest in the United States and part of the birthplace of organized skiing in America. The club is a 501(c)(3) nonprofit dedicated to ski jumping, Nordic combined and cross-country skiing, preserving the region’s Nordic heritage while supporting year-round youth development programs. For more information, go to www.ishskiclub.com or
on Facebook at facebook.com/ishskiclub.