Held every year since its founding, 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 includes nationally sanctioned junior competitions under U.S. Ski & Snowboard, drawing athletes from across the country:

This collage is a collection of scenes from past ski jumping events held at Suicide Hill in Ishpeming. The black-and-white photo is of the large jumping hill during a tourney held in the 1930s or 1940s. (Courtesy photos)

• Junior World Qualifier (JWQ) — 90 meter hill
 Friday and Saturday

• Junior National Qualifier (JNQ) –60 meter hill
 Saturday

• Nordic Combined (NC) — ski jumping + cross-country skiing
 Saturday and Sunday (JNQ & WJQ)

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
, 139th Annual ISC Ski Jumping Tournament

Includes USA Ski Jumping, U.S. Cup and JWQ Ski Jumping Competition. 
Opening night on Suicide Hill, featuring national-level ski jumping, bonfires, concessions and a beer tent.

Saturday, Jan. 17
, Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament
 includes JWQ and JNQ Ski Jumping and NC Ski Race Competitions
. The busiest day of the weekend, featuring national-level ski jumping, ski racing, bonfires, concessions, beer tent and fireworks show immediately following competition.

Sunday, Jan. 18, 
Central Division Junior Tournament 
includes JWQ and JNQ, NC Ski Race Competition. 
A family-friendly event featuring up-and-coming, Central Division athletes and national-level ski racing.

Admission — Booster Buttons

Required for entry Friday and Saturday. Proceeds support ISC youth ski programs.

• $15 in advance

• $20 at the gate

• Ages 12 and under free

Full purchasing information for Booster Buttons is available at:
www.ishskiclub.com

Parking & Shuttles

• Park and Ride Shuttle service to and from North Iron Church (U.S. 41, Ishpeming)

• On-site Parking: $10 per vehicle per night; limited parking available; opens 4 p.m. Friday.

• No roadside parking on County Road or Cliffs Drive. Vehicles will be towed.

About the Ishpeming Ski Club

Founded in 1887, the Ishpeming Ski Club is one of the oldest ski clubs 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.

More information: www.ishskiclub.com
Facebook: facebook.com/ishskiclub