General Membership FAQs
- I want to join Blackhawk as a new member, what do I need to do?
First, create an account. You can create an account at any time prior to purchasing your membership. We recommend that you create your account days in advance of the opening of New Membership availability in September. Go to Membership and then My Account. This will take you to a new website, which is the Blackhawk registration platform. On the left-hand side of the page, you will see Account and below that Create Account. Click on Create Account and follow the instructions on how to create a new account. You must completely fill in all fields, especially the names of your dependents. If you do not fill in dependent names, you will not be able to register them for lessons or competitive teams.
- When can I join?
Our 12-month memberships (Full Access, including alpine skiing, or Limited Access, including xc skiing/biking) start in September and run until the following September. Keep an eye on our website and Facebook page for updates on the date new annual membership will be available. If you purchase a membership after September, it will still expire in the following September. Our summer mountain biking/hiking memberships are sold from April 1 to March 31 each year. Our winter fat biking/snowshoe memberships are available from November to March.
- Can I buy a one-day pass?
No, to use the facilities at Blackhawk you must purchase a membership. We are a 501c3 non-profit educational organization with a mission to promote outdoor recreational activities and competitive sports for children and families. As a private organization, we depend upon our memberships and donations to support our educational programs and trail development. Our summer memberships are available at these rates: Family ($90), Individual ($45), Student ($25) (April 1-March 31). If you are not sure that you want to join, come out to the East Trailhead to check out the trails and talk with members who are riding. If you like what you see (and most people do!), you can join on your smartphone at: https://blackhawk.skiclubpro.com/user
- Do I need to provide my own equipment?
Yes, you will need to bring your own ski/snowboard/biking equipment, as we do not provide rentals. If your children participate in our Nordic, Biathlon, and Ski Jumping youth programs, they may be eligible to borrow equipment. Please see the Program FAQs below for more details.
- Can I bring guests?
No, Blackhawk is a member-only hill, and only the individual(s) on your membership may participate in activities at Blackhawk.
- Are there membership limits at Blackhawk?
There are no membership limits at this time. In the past, Blackhawk has had membership limits for the annual full-family (I.e., alpine skiing) memberships. There is a possibility that limits could return in the future for this membership category.
- Should I have a Blackhawk membership card, parking pass, or is there an ID number I should have available?
Please hang your Blackhawk parking pass on your car's front mirror and be prepared to provide Ambassadors with your member username and email.
Program FAQs
- If we buy a membership, will our children be guaranteed a lesson spot?
Not necessarily. Our lesson programs (Ski Jumping, Alpine Ski School, Nordic Kids, and Youth Mountain biking) are very popular with our members! For Alpine ski school, it may be challenging to get a group lesson spot without priority registration. Nordic Kids is becoming similar. Mountain biking does not have a priority registration process. Priority registration is assigned to those members who have been Limited or Full Access members the previous year. These memberships must be purchased during the previous year’s ski season (October-March). Priority membership is not granted to mtn bike/hike memberships. Wait lists are used after spots are filled. Families will be contacted in the order in which they appear on the wait list. Some programs grant priority to those families who have an instructor in the family who is teaching lessons.
- Are lessons an extra cost on top of my membership?
Yes. All lessons and competitive teams have an additional cost.
- Do I have to be a member for my kids to take lessons?
Yes. Alpine lessons require a Full Access Membership and Nordic lessons require a Limited Access Membership.
- How old do my kids need to be to take lessons?
Children must be at least 5 years old to participate in group Alpine Lessons. Private lessons can accommodate younger children. Parent-tot lessons are available for cross country skiing for children under 5. Children must be 6 years old to take a mountain bike lesson.
- Can I rent equipment for my kids?
Blackhawk does not provide equipment, with the following exceptions for youth nordic teams and programs: Cross country ski rentals are available for Nordic Kids lessons, youth biathlon lessons, and middle school and high school nordic race teams. Specialized ski jumping skis are available for ski jumping team members. Biathlon rifles are available for biathlon team members.
Mountain Bike FAQs
- What type of membership is required to use the trails?
Mountain Bike memberships ($25/student, $45/single, $90/family) are available for the 12-month (annual) mountain bike season (April 1-March 31). For Winter Fat Bike-only enthusiasts, Winter Fat Bike memberships ($25/single, $50/family) are available for those who wish to use the club only during the winter "Fat Bike" season (November 1-March 31). The trails are open to Fat Bikes only when snow is present, but winter fat biking is included in the annual Mountain Bike membership.
- Where can I find more information about mountain biking at Blackhawk?
For more information, visit our Facebook page or join the Blackhawk Mountain Bike Members Facebook Group. Or email us at: bike@blackhawkskiclub.org
- How to I know if the trails are open?
Please check out the trail conditions at the CORP-sponsored website, and while you're there, please consider joining CORP to promote local trails (like Middleton Bike Park, our sister trail system) and other area programs.
- Mountain Bike Rules:
Remember these five rules: ride safely, protect yourself, protect others, respect the trails, and communicate.
- What are the "Bike Ambassadors?"
Blackhawk mountain bike ambassadors help improve member experience, promote safe riding, and serve as the "eyes and ears" of the club during peak riding times.
- Are there Mountain Biking Lessons?
Learn about our youth lessons here.
- What are the plans for the mountain bike program this summer?
Our plans for this year can be found here:
- Mountain Bike Trail Funding
Please help us build and maintain our trails. Considering matching your membership with an equal size donation. Come out to volunteer to help maintain our trails, or join our list of Trail Supporters by making a larger donation. Learn more about how we pay for our trails here. Donate here to fund our trails.
- Blackhawk's Mountain Biking History:
Read about our mountain biking program history.
- Check out more Mountain Biking and Hiking FAQs
Mountain Biking and Hiking FAQs*
Q: Where can I find a map?
A: Mountain bike trail maps are available at our kiosks at the East and West Trailhead, and here on our website. Cross country ski maps are available here on our website. A map of the property and hours of operation can be found here on our website.
Q: Are guided or unguided tours of the property are available?
A: In the summer of 2024, we will be starting our first "Club Ride" on Thursdays, at 6 PM. This is the best time to come out to ride, and/or talk with members and Ambassadors about the trails. You may also leave us a message on our Facebook page, and one of our members can meet you there to show you around. We also have kiosks there, with more information. A map of the property can be found here on our website.
Q; Should I have a Blackhawk membership card or is there an ID number I should have available?
A: We do not currently provide membership card. Instead, we ask that members keep a record of their username and the email used when signing up.
Q: When do the gates open and close? Is there any chance that I could get locked in? If so, who do I contact and how?
A: For security purposes and to prevent vandalism, the gates are open during the daylight hours. The person who locks the gate will check to make sure that no cars are on the property. Once you join, you will get the gate lock combination.
Q: Which trails are open for walking/running?
A: We have a "Perimeter Hiking Trail" that is marked, and designated for hiking only. Hiking is permitted on some of the bike trails (e.g., green trails like the Springs Trail or Creekside), and prohibited on others (e.g., advanced, downhill flow trails).
Q: Are dogs allowed?
A: Yes, but dogs must be controlled and within sight at all times. They must be on leashes near parking areas and chalets and whenever encountering other club members using the facility. And please don't forget to pick up waste and put it in the large garbage bin near the East entrance.
Q: Where do I park?
A: If you are coming to mountain bike, you may park at the East or West Trailhead.
Q: Is there a lost and found?
A: Yes, you can check in the East or West Chalet. If you don’t find the lost item, you can send us a message on Facebook or email us at info@blackhawkskiclub.org to see if another member happened to find it.
Q: Can have a party or gathering with non-members?
A: Unfortunately, no. In order to use the facilities of the club, everyone who is present must be a member of the club. See questions about becoming a member for more information about how to join.
Q: Are e-bikes allowed? If so, which types?
A: Yes, but we permit only Class 1 eBikes. These are pedal-assist only, with no throttle, and have a maximum assisted speed of 20 mph. We do not permit Class 2 eBikes (those that do not require peddaling and use a throttle) and Class 3 eBikes (those that have a maximum assisted speed of 28 mph). We promote safe riding on all types of bikes (e.g., riding too fast when young riders are present).
Q: Are "One-Wheels" permitted on the trails?
A: Yes, but they should only be used on trails where they can be ridden safely (e.g., avoid expert trails where riders might come upon somone quickly).
Winter Fat Bike FAQs
- What is a “fat bike?”
A fat bike has larger tires that are able to ride on snow without making ruts. Tires are at least 3.8 inches wide, more often 4 to 5 inches wide.
- When is the fat bike season?
The fat biking season at Blackhawk runs from November 1 – March 31.
- Can I use my regular mountain bike during the winter season?
You may use your regular mountain bike during the winter, but only when there is no snow on the ground. Once the trails have packed snow, you must use a “fat bike” that has wider tires.
- What does “freeze-thaw cycle” mean?
The weather in November causes a “freeze-thaw” situation, where the trails freeze at night, but thaw during the day, as the temperature goes above freezing. This leads to muddy trails are dangerous to ride, and easy to damage. For more information, check out: http://www.combomtb.com/blog/2014/12/5/freezethaw-cycles-explained
- What is the best time of day to ride trails:
It is best to ride trails when the temperatures are below freezing, and even better if the temperatures are below 28 degrees.
- Does Blackhawk groom the fat bike trails?
Yes, volunteers use a specially made groomer, called a “Snow Dog” to groom the trails.
- What trails can I ride on at Blackhawk?
A fat bike winter bike map is available at: https://www.blackhawkskiclub.org/news/winter-fat-bike-trail-map
- Can I walk on the fat bike trails in the winter?
Unfortunately, walking on the fat bike trails creates holes where your boots sink into the snow. If you want to walk on the trails, please use snowshoes, so that your feet do not ruin the trails.
- What trails are open during the winter?
· Creek Trail
· East Connector
· Gully Flow Trail (new)
· Howling Wolff
· Roller Coaster
· Springs Trail
· Twist and Shout
· West Connector
· Ziggy Up
- Why are some trails are closed during the winter?
To avoid conflicts with alpine and Nordic skiing, some trails are closed once the ski trails are groomed. The following trails will be closed during the winter:
· Gully Climb
· Pines Trails
· Switchbacks
· Ziggy Down
- Can I ride on the ski trails?
No. Riding is not permitted on any alpine (downhill) ski trails. Riding is not permitted on cross country ski trails, except at a few places where the fat bike trails cross the ski trails. These crossing are marked with sign, advising bikers to yield to skiers.
- Where can I learn more about fat biking?
There are many excellent websites that describe fat biking. A few include: https://bendtrails.org/tips-for-riding-in-snow/ https://gearjunkie.com/fat-bike-basics-tips-winter-snow
*Please post any questions that you have about Blackhawk on our Facebook page or email us at information@blackhawkskiclub.org, and we will continue to update this list.