U.S. Ski & Snowboard Hall Of Fame And Museum Makes First Ever Request For CDS Federal Funding Through Senator Slotkin (Mi)

The U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum, Inc. has formally submitted its first-ever request for Congressionally Directed Spending (CDS) funding through Senator Elissa Slotkin, marking a significant step forward in pursuing a federal investment to preserve one of the nation’s most important winter sports institutions.

The mission of the U.S. National Ski & Snowboard Hall of Fame and Museum is to honor and celebrate the athletes, pioneers, and visionaries of the United States who have significantly enriched the global sports of skiing and snowboarding, and to showcase their stories and historic memorabilia in a national museum located at the birthplace of organized skiing in America, Ishpeming, Michigan.

“This is the first time in our history that we have pursued federal funding at this level,” said Executive Director Justin Koski. “We need a significant level of federal and congressional investment to maintain our building, protect our national collection, and ensure that the Hall of Fame remains a lasting presence in Michigan.”

The request seeks $1 million in federal funding as part of a broader $5 million Capital Preservation and Modernization Project to address critical structural, mechanical, environmental, accessibility, and life-safety deficiencies at the museum facility in Ishpeming, Michigan. The project is based on recommendations from a 2024 federally supported Collections Assessment for Preservation conducted by the Institute of Museum and Library Services.

Founded in 1956, the Hall of Fame serves as the official repository for the history and legacy of American skiing and snowboarding, preserving more than 18,000 nationally significant artifacts. Located in Michigan’s Upper Peninsula, the museum draws visitors, athletes, and researchers from across the country and around the world while contributing to local tourism and economic activity.

“Senator Slotkin’s office encouraged us to apply for CDS funding,” said Koski. “While we know competition is strong and museum projects face challenges in this process, it is important to advance projects like ours into the congressional pipeline for consideration.”

The proposed project includes upgrades to climate control systems, structural stabilization, plumbing and infrastructure replacement, fire detection and suppression systems, and ADA accessibility improvements. These investments are necessary to protect the facility, ensure continued safe public access, and preserve more than a century of winter sports history.

Letters of support for the project were provided by the City of Ishpeming, InvestUP, and Olympic snowboarder Nick Baumgartner, reflecting strong regional and national backing for the initiative.

CDS requests submitted during the current federal appropriations cycle will be reviewed by congressional offices and the Senate Appropriations Committee throughout the summer and fall of 2026. Final funding determinations are anticipated as part of the FY2027 federal appropriations process, with potential award announcements occurring in late 2026 or early 2027.