The Copper Peak ski jump is the world’s tallest artificial ski jump superstructure, towering 26 stories over the hilly forests of Michigan’s Upper Peninsula. Three decades after hosting its last competition, the volunteer board of Copper Peak, Inc. is modernizing its facility to meet current International Ski Federation (FIS) standards. As designed, the renovated Copper Peak ski jump will be the only FIS-designated “giant hill” for international training and events and the world’s largest FIS-certified ski jump used year-round.
We’ve partnered with the board in this ambitious effort to bring this facility to the world stage of winter sports. As lead environmental, engineering, and design consultant, Barr has provided the civil, geotechnical, structural, mechanical, and electrical design for the impressive landing hill: a 1,111-foot run at grades exceeding 40 degrees.
Future athletes will land on a synthetic skiing surface secured to a two-acre concrete slab. An innovative irrigation system will lubricate the new surface, enabling use without snow. On this steep hillside, long-term geotechnical stability is vital and the focus of our design. The slab will be strengthened with reinforcement bars made of basalt—produced locally—to reduce the risk of corrosion compared with steel. Hundreds of rock and soil anchors and high-tensile-strength mesh will secure the slab to the hill.
Our design includes the foundation for the new judge’s tower, which will be elevated 70 feet above ground for sufficient visibility, and a set of nearly 500 continuous steps along both sides of the landing hill for maintenance and access in all seasons.
We are currently overseeing the preparation of the landing hill for its new surface. Blasting and grading are complete, and placement of soil and rock anchors, drainage rock, and mesh has begun. The slab, stairs, and irrigation and drainage system will be completed in 2026.
The renovated Copper Peak facility will be the first of its kind to host international training and competitions for both men and women—introducing new possibilities and expanding global access to the sport of ski jumping.
