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A jumper from a previous tournament is pictured. (Photo courtesy of Ron attson)

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Bon fires are sure to light up the night at the tournament. (Photo courtesy of Ron Mattson)

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ISHPEMING — The Ishpeming Ski Club hosts the 139th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament at the U.P. Nordic Ski Complex this weekend, a gathering that brings world-class athletes, passionate fans and a century-long legacy together under the snowy lights of Suicide Hill. This is the longest consecutively run ski jumping tournament in the United States and a cornerstone of Marquette County’s winter culture.

The event is three days of competition, celebration

Today: The weekend begins with a U.S. Cup competition on the K90, part of the regional Four Hills Tournament circuit. Today also opens the JWQ (Junior World Qualifier) on the K90 hill, where athletes start their pursuit of a place at the FIS Nordic Junior World Ski Championships in Trondheim, Norway. Gates open at 4pm and trial round jumping begins at 6pm

Saturday: The morning kicks off with a Nordic Combined cross-country ski race on the Ishpeming Ski Club’s Norman Juhola Trail System, beginning around 8 a.m. Midday brings the Junior National Qualifier on the K60 hill, followed by the Paul Bietila Memorial Tournament on Suicide Hill. Fans can also enjoy the unique Target Jump event, where athletes compete for precision by trying to land on a predetermined mark near the K-point, a true test of control, distance, and accuracy. Saturday also features the concluding round of the JWQ on the K90. Gates open at 4 p.m. and trial round jumping begins at 7 p.m.

Sunday: The day begins with another Nordic Combined ski race on the Norman Juhola Trail System, beginning at 8 a.m., and then all eyes turn to the future with our Junior Ski Jumping Tournament on the K13, K25, and K40 hills, beginning at 11 a.