Ski jumpers descend on Suicide Hill
Ski jumpers from Finland, Norway, Slovenia, Canada and the U.S. will descend upon Ishpeming tomorrow for the 127th annual Ski Jumping Tournament.
Professionals and amateurs from around the world will climb some 295 feet up Suicide Hill for a chance to fly off into the record books. Organizers say “don’t let the name fool you, it’s a family friendly event complete with fireworks, bonfires, concessions and tailgating.”
Jumpers were out today getting in a few practice runs.
“It’s a small hill, a 90-meter hill, but you can still fly. You get a lot of air. You’re flying a little bit higher than normal. It’s an old-style hill. It feels good to jump on that kind of hill. You’re flying a little bit higher, so you feel more air,” laughed Jere Kykkanen, a Finnish ski jumper.
“As far as you can go, just like you would in competition,” noted Nick Mattoon, a ski jumper from Eau Claire, Wisconsin. “As far as you can go with good style, which is one foot in front of the other when landing. We just practice that every chance we get. It’s a beautiful day for it.”
The event starts tomorrow night at 6:00. Admission is $10 in advance and $15 at the gate.