Celebrating 128 Years on Suicide Hill

Ishpeming's Annual Ski Jumping Tournament

Competitor in the 128th Annual Ski Jumping Event in Upper Peninsula Michigan. (photo by Ron Caspi)

It was a beautiful night for jumping on Suicide Hill Tuesday Jan. 27, 2015.  Over 600 local residents turned out for the Ishpeming Ski Club’s 128th Annual Ski Jumping Tournament which featured an international line-up of participants from the U.S. Ski Team, Finland, Poland, and Slovenia.

Parallel ski form is the classic style used before the 1988 World Cup season. (photo by Ron Caspi)

Winds were low, temperatures mild, and the bonfires were hot! It really couldn’t have been a better mix of variables for the event and spectators packed the hill climbing and sliding alongside the track to get the best view of their aerial flights. The crackling of fires mingled in the air with the sound cow bells and horns as the crowd cheered them on and creating a festive atmosphere that the competitors look forward to each year when they come to Suicide Hill.

Since 1988 a v-shaped formation has been adopted in competitions as it provides extra lift to the jumps. (photo by Ron Caspi)

People have been coming together for this annual event since 1888 and almost all of the support for the Ishpeming Ski Club is volunteered by the local community itself.  Generations of dedication to maintaining Ishpeming’s legacy of ski history have resulted in one of the best ski jumping hills in the country and a reputation for hosting quality events which have been attracting the world’s best skiers for decades.

Jumpers strive to pull a good ‘telemark’ landing with one foot in front of the other. (photo by Ron Caspi)

The Ski Club is stronger now than ever with a professional coach and summer facilities that allow for training all year round. The club works hard to support any kids interested in learning the sport at little or no charge. Check out the Ishpeming Ski Club online for more info.

by Ron Caspi

Ron Caspi has lived and worked as a photojournalist and visual artist for over 25 years. His travels have taken him from the shores of the Mediterranean Sea to New York, Los Angeles, Honolulu, and now Marquette. Caspi cares about what's happening in his community and the world at large and encourages others to express their opinions and take action!

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