A group of men grooming the ski hill in preparation for the Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament

UP Nordic Ski Complex

The UP Nordic Ski Complex in Ishpeming, MI is home to the renowned Suicide Bowl and Annual Ski Jumping Tournament. Every January, local and international jumpers gather to take on this legendary hill. This tournament has been taking place since 1888, even before the creation of the Suicide Bowl.

Historic image of Suicide Bowl in Negaunee, MI

The Ski Complex consists of five ski jumps, from the beginner K13 hill to the K90 Suicide Hill. The hill made its tournament debut on February 26, 1926. The name "Suicide Hill" was coined by a journalist after skier Walter “Huns” Anderson sustained a non-fatal injury while skiing on the hill. Despite its name, Suicide Hill is a safe and competitive hill. In the last 20 years, the Ishpeming Ski Club installed plastic surfaces on the K40, K13, and K25 to enable year-round ski jumping.

A skier suspended in air, looking over a crowd of spectators and giant bonfire at the Annual Ishpeming Ski Jumping Tournament in Ishpeming, MI

Aside from hosting the Annual Ski Jumping Tournament, the hill is also the home of the Ishpeming Ski Club. The Nordic Ski Club was established in 1887 and officially became the Ishpeming Ski Club in 1901. The Ski Club has raised and trained 20 National Championships, 13 Olympic team members, and 6 FIS world championship team members.

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