IRONWOOD, Mich. (WLUC) – Standing 26 stories high, Copper Peak is the only ski flying hill in the Western Hemisphere.
“The view is absolutely incredible, it shows just how beautiful Michigan is,” said Governor Rick Snyder in Monday’s visit to Ironwood.
Copper Peak is poised to become the next new destination on the international ski jumping circuit. Currently Senate bill efforts are underway to secure $10 million for this investment.
“I was proud and happy to get here,” said Snyder. “It’s great to see the excitement of the people that are behind wanting to develop this place. I think it will give me a stronger message to take back to Lansing.”
This Saturday, May 12, Copper Peak will host hundreds of elite athletes in the international Red Bull 400 race.
“It’s a 400 meter dash up Copper Peak so they race up the landing hill, all the way up to the tippy top,” said Kassi Huotari, the Marketing and Community for Copper Peak.
Saturday will be the first of 17 other Red Bull races around the world. Because of Copper Peak’s size, the race sold out in under 48 hours with more than 300 athletes on the waiting list.
“Trying to get it the jump ready was the big thing, so there was some rocks on the hill and we had to clean it up and build some stuff but this race is great for the area and the world,” explained Huotari.
Officials hope the passing of the bill and the Red Bull 400 is the beginning of a new era for Copper Peak.
“We hope that they go and tell their friends and there will be tons of pictures and publicity and build up Copper Peak to where it should be,” said Huotari.
Officials said if this year’s race is successful, Copper Peak could host it for the next five years.
Click here, for more information on Saturday’s Red Bull 400.
