IRON MOUNTAIN - The Kiwanis Ski Club announces that booster buttons for the Bellin Health Pine Mountain Continental Cup 2012 to be held Feb. 10-12 are on sale at various locations throughout Dickinson County.
Locations include all branches of the First National Bank & Trust Co. of Iron Mountain-Kingsford, the Dickinson Area Partnership and Northern Michigan Bank.
Pre-sale button prices are $20 for adults and $15 for juniors, ages 11 to 17. Sale ends Thursday, Feb. 9, at 5 p.m.
Gate prices are $25 for adults and $20 for juniors.
Admission buttons are required starting Friday, Feb. 10, and must be worn and visible at all times.
To order booster buttons by mail, call the Dickinson Area Partnership at 1-800-236-2447.
Up to 12 countries are expected to be represented in the 2012 Bellin Health Pine Mountain Continental Cup Ski Jumping Competition.
For the 73rd year, ski jumpers from around the globe will gather in Iron Mountain to try and claim king of the mountain at the 120 meter Pine Mountain Ski Jump.
Known around the world as one of the more challenging ski jumping venues, giant Pine Mountain over time has attracted some of the world's best athletes.
Countries expected to compete in the 2012 competition include Austria, Czech Republic, Norway, Sweden, Poland, Slovenia, Canada, Kazakhstan, Finland, Germany, Turkey and, of course, the United States.
The schedule of events for the upcoming competition include:
- Thursday, Feb. 9 from 6 p.m. to 8 p.m., "Meet The Skiers" at Pine Mountain Resort. This is an informal gathering to meet the skiers and coaches as well as get autographs. There is no charge for this event, although reservations are requested by calling the Dickinson Area Partnership at 1-800-236-2447 or 906-774-2002.
- Friday, Feb. 10, official training for the athletes at 1 p.m., weather permitting 7 p.m. to 9 p.m., U.S. Ski Jumping Team fundraiser at Sol Blu in downtown Iron Mountain. A $10 fee will be charged to get in. Current and former members of the U.S. Ski Team will be in attendance. Prizes to be given away. All Proceeds will go to the Self-Funded U.S. Ski Jumping Team (men and women). Band to follow at 9 p.m.
- Saturday, Feb. 11 at 11 a.m., trial round; 12:15 p.m., opening ceremony; 1 p.m., competition
- Sunday, Feb. 12 at 11 a.m., trial round; 12:15 p.m., opening ceremony; 1 p.m., competition
- All times are weather permitting.
To reserve parking on the west side of the landing for the weekend, contact Paul Smith at (906) 282-8513 or in the rows of parking at the end of the landing hill, contact Nick Blagec at (906) 396-1212. Officials said there are plenty of general admission (free parking) available on a first come first serve basis behind the third row.
Those who wish to reserve a Porta potty for a fee of $75 should indicate that when reserving a parking spot.
Officials remind attendees that as a courtesy of those behind them. In addition, shelters must not exceed 6 feet in height. Lower is better as a courtesy to those behind.
Markers are needed. To volunteer as a distance marker, contact Bob Werner at 779-9712.