The Future of Copper Peak

The future of Copper Peak is about more than Copper Peak: it is an opportunity to support the sport of ski jumping in Michigan and the USA, an opportunity to showcase Michigan's beautiful western Upper Peninsula, and an opportunity for growth and economic development for the entire region.

1972 Ski flying competition

A Brief History

The Iconic Copper Peak Ski Jump tower has been keeping watch over 2500 square miles, 3 states and beautiful Lake Superior for more than 40 years and has hosted 10 ski flying events between 1970 and 1994.  Not a bad history for this iconic landmark...and we believe the best is yet to come!

Envisioned as a world class ski jumping facility, Copper Peak had a relatively short run of what was then known as ski flying events, beginning in 1970 and ending in 1994. 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.

What Do We Hope To
Accomplish In The Next 2 Years?

Our mission is to re-establish Copper Peak as the world's largest active ski jump for both summer and winter competitions that will showcase Michigan’s Upper Peninsula and the entire surrounding region as a global outdoor recreation destination.

Our vision is to position Michigan’s Upper Peninsula 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.

How Will We Get There?

Over the past few years, through the growth of Copper Peak's Adventure Ride, investments have been made in preliminary engineering, geo-tech studies, structural reviews, master planning exercises and business case development for redeveloping the hill to once again hold international competitions.  The Copper Peak Organizing Committee, designated by the full board in 2015, has spent significant time and resources building relationships with the International Ski Federation (FIS), the United States Ski Association (USSA), USA Nordic, and a legion of Michigan legislators, decisionmakers and supporters. The goal has been to develop a pathway to the successful re-introduction of international ski jumping events at Copper Peak.

Now, effective March 30, 2022, Copper Peak has been designated as a recipient of $20 million from the State of Michigan to make this vision a reality. Huge thanks go out to all who have played a role in this important investment by the state.

Stay tuned - More news and details on this exciting development will be available here soon! 

Artist's rendering of the planned redevelopment of Copper Peak Ski Flying hill in Ironwood, Michigan.

Key Requirements On Our Pathway To Success

What's Next?

Copper Peak is absolutely thrilled to announce the approval of $20 million from the State of Michigan to support our redevelopment project! We are now in the process of setting the next steps to get the project underway. Stay tuned to the website for details and announcements as they are available.

FIS Approved Profile Construction Drawing
Copper Peak Master Plan
Copper Peak Site Plan

Join Us!

We see this as a powerful opportunity to use our unique tourism assets to attract talent to our region, keep the home-grown talent in our high schools, colleges and universities and ultimately to spur business investment that the UP needs if we want to create a stronger economy.  If you would like to join our team and be part of the project, you can start by joining our e-mail list to get information and updates on our progress.