U.P. Lawmakers Support Infrastructure, Copper Peak Ski Flying

Senate Bill 565, which contains funding for much-needed road and water infrastructure repairs, also included funds for local park projects across the state. SB 565 includes $20 million for the restoration and development of the Copper Peak ski jump facility in Gogebic County. The world-class facility will attract international ski competitions and provide sports-related tourism to the region. The ski jump is expected to generate $50 million for the region in visitor revenue over its first four years of competitive events.

“Northern Michigan and Upper Peninsula legislators worked together and across the aisle to include funding to transform Copper Peak into a world-class destination for ski jumping competitions and training for Olympic-level athletes from the U.S. and around the world,” said State Sen. Wayne Schmidt, R-Traverse City. “We already have an international commitment to host ski competitions once upgrades are complete.”

State Rep. Beau LaFave (R-Iron Mountain) says legislative passage Thursday of legislation directing federal dollars toward improving Copper Peak will make the U.P. a global destination for ski jumping and have a positive impact across the region.

State Rep. Sara Cambensy (D-Marquette), called this a critical investment for the area and Michigan as a whole.

“This monumental funding to rebuild the historic Copper Peak ski flying jump is truly a once in a lifetime opportunity for the entire state of Michigan. The economic growth that will come from this unprecedented investment is unlike anything U.P. legislators have been able to capture since building the Mackinac Bridge,” said Cambensy. “Bob Jacquart had a dream to bring international ski flying back to the United States and his hometown of Ironwood, and his consistent ask to the U.P. delegation of legislators has finally paid off. What a gift this appropriation is for every Michigander, but especially our Yoopers who share our ski jumping and flying heritage.”

Copper Peak is the largest artificial ski jump in the world. The 35 degree, 469 foot, cantilevered inrun was constructed using 300 tons of COR-TEN steel in 1969 at a cost of just over $1 million.

• The upper observation platform is 1782 feet above sea level and 1180 feet above Lake Superior.
• The platform provides the highest, unobstructed, 360 degree vista in the Midwest, overlooking nearly 40 miles in every direction.
• The 810-foot chairlift rises 365 fee to the crest of the hill.
• The 18-story elevator ride takes about 55 seconds.
• The structure is designed to withstand winds in excess of 190 mph.
• In a brisk wind, the top of Copper Peak has been observed to sway as much as 18 inches, by design.
• During construction, a 104-pound piece of native copper was unearthed.
  The first international ski flying competition was held at Copper Peak in February and March of 1970.

Envisioned as a world class ski jumping facility, Copper Peak had a relatively short run of ski flying events ending in 1994. Since that time the “Peak” has been in a holding pattern with the organization focused on keeping a positive financial position while doing the groundwork to get back to hosting World Class Ski Flying events. Although no jumps have been taken for many years, thousands of visitors every year take the chairlift up the landing and the elevator up the tower and walk the final 8 stories to take in the 26-story view. Others mountain bike on the single-track trails that wind through the surrounding hills and still more come to take pictures of the fall colors, enjoy the birds and wildlife or just relax.

The mission is to re-establish Copper Peak as the western hemisphere’s biggest active ski jump and host Summer Grand Prix competitions that will showcase Northern Wisconsin and Michigan’s Upper Peninsula as a global outdoor recreation destination.

The vision is to expand Michigan’s Upper Peninsula positioning as a world-class destination for outdoor enthusiasts; ignite interest in the region as a unique place to live, work and play; and to spur business investment in the region.

“This plan moves our state and our region forward,” State Rep. Greg Markkanen (R-Hancock) said. “I frequently hear from people who say Michigan needs to do more for road repairs from driveway to highway, and the state needs to do a better job providing people in rural areas with high-speed internet in today’s technological world. This plan is a commitment that acts on those concerns.”

Rep. John Damoose (R-Harbor Springs) says House passage Thursday of a bipartisan infrastructure package brings with it almost $250 million for broadband expansion in rural Michigan, adding broadband service can no longer be considered a luxury.

The funding measure has also garnered support from local organizations, including Jacquart, who serves as chairman of the Copper Peak Organizing Committee.

“We are thrilled that a portion of the funding for local and state parks and trails will help the U.P. become a global destination for competitive ski jumping,” Jacquart said. “Recently, the International Ski Federation selected Copper Peak to become the exclusive, year-round competition and training venue for Olympic-level skiers. Funding in the bill will help cover the cost of extensive renovations that the Copper Peak Ski jump must undergo to meet competition requirements.”

SB 565 will now go to Gov. Gretchen Whitmer for consideration.