Copper Peak Michigan: Fall Colors, Sky-High Views, and a Ski Jump Reborn

Last Saturday, we had the chance to visit Copper Peak near Ironwood, Michigan — and what an experience it was! From the moment we stepped onto the chairlift to the final climb to the top of the ski jump, it felt like an adventure that combined both natural beauty and a piece of sports history.

The Ride to the Top of Copper Peak

The journey begins with a scenic chairlift ride that carries you up the side of the hill, surrounded by the changing leaves of the Ottawa National Forest. From there, an 18-story elevator whisks visitors partway up the iconic steel ski jump tower.

But the adventure doesn’t stop there. For those willing to go the extra distance, you can climb an additional eight flights of stairs to the very top — the starting gate once used by world-class ski flyers. Standing up there, with the wind rushing past and the trees spread out below, is both exhilarating and just a little bit dizzying!

A Front-Row Seat to Fall

Fall is one of the best times to visit Copper Peak Michigan. From the observation deck, the forest below looks like a quilt of fiery reds, glowing oranges, and bright yellows. On a clear day, the view stretches for miles — all the way into Wisconsin, Minnesota, and even across Lake Superior into Canada.

Peak color season is right around the corner, and this is easily one of the best spots in the Upper Peninsula to take it all in. The combination of the height, the rolling forested hills, and the vast horizon makes for a view you simply can’t get from the ground.

A Sleeping Giant Awakens

Copper Peak isn’t just an observation tower — it’s a legendary ski flying hill, the only one of its kind in the Western Hemisphere. Built in 1969 and opened in 1970, it hosted major international competitions through the 1980s and early 1990s. The hill record, set in 1994, stands at an incredible 158 meters (518 feet).

After decades of quiet, Copper Peak is now in the middle of an exciting transformation. Thanks to a $20 million grant from the State of Michigan, work began in 2024 to modernize the facility and bring ski jumping competitions back.

Phase One includes regrading and widening the landing hill and pouring a new concrete surface for year-round use. Future plans call for reinforcing the steel tower, installing a faster elevator, moving the judges’ tower, and building new spectator amenities. The goal is to host World Cup events as early as 2028, giving Copper Peak — and the entire Western U.P. — a new place on the international sports map.

Tips for Your Visit to Copper Peak Michigan

• Bring a jacket — it can be breezy and chilly at the top, even on warm days.

• Wear comfortable shoes if you plan to climb the stairs.

• Check the schedule — the Adventure Ride is open seasonally, especially during fall color season.

• Don’t forget your camera or phone — the photos (and videos!) from the top are unforgettable.

Final Thoughts

Standing on top of Copper Peak, surrounded by the fiery colors of fall, is an experience you won’t soon forget. It’s awe-inspiring to imagine the ski flyers who once launched from this very spot — and exciting to know they’ll soon return as the hill comes back to life. If you’re planning a trip to Michigan’s Western U.P., make Copper Peak part of your fall adventure. And when you do, stay with us at Two Rivers Motel & Cabins, your cozy and affordable home base for exploring all the beauty our region has to offer.