Pine Mountain Ski Jump Elevator

Project Name: Pine Mountain Ski Jump, Elevator Structure Addition Phase 1

The Pine Mountain Ski Jump in Iron Mountain, Michigan, stands as one of the most iconic winter sports landmarks in North America. International ski jumping is split into two levels, Continental Cups and World Cups. Without an elevator at the ski jump, Pine Mountain could only hold Continental Cups, showcasing newer athletes and representation from a narrower range of nations. Hosting a World Cup would bring the top competitors to Iron Mountain and with them, the spotlight and international buzz.

In 2020, the galvanizer partnered with the fabricator to galvanize over 400 tons of structural steel for the complete reconstruction of the ski jump tower - including stairs, platforms, and extensive safety rail systems. That project set the foundation for long-term performance in one of the harshest environments in the Midwest.

Fast forward to 2024, and the team was back to add a new elevator shaft to the structure- an additional 120,000 pounds of galvanized steel. Even after years of exposure to Michigan’s extreme winters, the original galvanized steel still looked new. This made it the decision to hot dip galvanize the addition, an easy one. Hot-Dip Galvanizing doesn’t just protect steel- it allows projects to grow and evolve without missing a beat.

The elevator addition includes new tower framing, access platforms, handrails, and stair sections. Each piece was galvanized to ASTM A123 standards to ensure full corrosion protection and a uniform appearance alongside the original work.

Due to the reduction in maintenance required by utilizing hot-dip galvanizing, the integration of freshly galvanized components into an existing structure allows the material to maintain the same maintenance cycle without introducing additional upkeep demands. The project reinforced how galvanizing supports both longevity and adaptability- even years later, the new steel blended seamlessly with the original work.

The Pine Mountain Ski Jump project continues to be a showcase the promise held by the galvanizer: consistency, durability, and a commitment to quality that stands up year after year- in this case, quite literally, on one of the tallest ski jumps in the country.