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Ishpeming Ski Club carries on area’s ski jumping tradition

The annual ski jumping tournament at Suicide Hill proved that the exciting sport is still alive and well in the community after being practiced there for 128 years.

Although experiencing ups and downs since Norwegian immigrants first piled up snow on hills around Ishpeming to launch off of in the late 1800s, the thrill of ski jumping and of watching jumpers was evident Tuesday evening.

More than 700 spectators crowded around the landing of the 90-meter hill to watch the competition, which went off without a hitch as jumpers soared through the sky.

Sponsored by the Ishpeming Ski Club, the evening of fun included large bonfires, concessions, fireworks and a whole lot of socializing for those in attendance.

Ishpeming has been a mecca for ski jumpers from around the world since the ski club’s predecessor – the Norden Ski Club – formed in 1887 and held the first organized ski jumping event.

In the early years, “homemade” jumps of various sizes were scattered around the ishpeming area, with Suicide Hill being home to the tournament since being built in 1925.

This year there were four countries represented in the 128th annual ski jumping tournament. In addition to the United States, jumpers hailed from Finland – including the winner, Aneslmi Ilola – Slovenia and Poland.

It’s certainly a noteworthy accomplishment for the local ski club to carry on the tradition of ski jumping at Suicide Hill.

With the club having active members and a junior jumping program, including summer training on a special plastic jump and landing, it’s pretty much assured that Suicide Hill will continue to provide great winter recreation for jumpers and spectators alike for many years to come.

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