February 2022 Newsletter

Thank you to all who have generously donated to PRIME THE PUMPWith your help, we are over a third of the way to paying for the drilling of the high capacity well.  We are grateful to be in this position, but we have a long road ahead.  The price of steel is steep, and the size of the hole (to the well) is deep.  We need your support today to make this pump a reality tomorrow (next fall)!  Please consider a donation today!

Open Hours and Winter Maps 

Open ski hours and winter maps can be found here. Keep an eye on the website, email, and Instagram and Facebook for information about when we’ll be closing for the spring, as well as mountain bike trail conditions. 

Olympic Spirits Run High at Blackhawk 

Did your family watch the Winter Olympics? We know many Blackhawk kids (and adults!) were inspired to try new winter sports after seeing the events. If you've got a fun story about your Olympics inspiration, we’d love to hear about it! We know many of our kids were inspired by Blackhawk’s own Olympic ski jumper Anna Hoffmann, who represented the U.S. (and Blackhawk!) so positively. Here's a wonderful news story about how Anna's determination is inspiring other Blackhawk ski jumpers! Read more news coverage about Anna here, and read more about Anna's history at Blackhawk here.  

 

Help us Control Invasive Plants and Plant New Shrubs and Trees 

European buckthorn is an exotic invasive species seen in many locations at Blackhawk. Last year, we removed many invasive plants,  including buckthorn (which looks similar to our native cherry but is identified by the inner bark layer.)  Buckthorn destroys wildlife habitat, replaces native vegetation and forms an understory layer that is virtually impenetrable. This dense understory layer prevents the growth of native tree seedlings. Blackhawk volunteers will continue to control this and other invasive plants on our property and will begin planting native shrubs and trees this Spring. Contact Jill Stevenson (jill.stevenson@blackhawkskiclub.org) if you are interested in fulfilling your volunteer commitment by joining in the planting party! No experience necessary, and kids welcome, too! 

 

News from the Otter Den 

Stay tuned for news about Spring Otter Den programming on the website. Activities will include shelter building, fire making and outdoor cooking, fishing, and more! 

 

Reminders 

 

35% off at Enjoy Winter website 

EnjoyWinter, a local distributor of bike and ski gear, has offered Blackhawk Ski Club members a 35% discount on in-stock items. Visit EnjoyWinter https://enjoywinter.com/ and use code “BlackHawk” at checkout. Pick up at EnjoyWinter warehouse on the East side or ship to your house for a small fee. 

 

Blackhawk buffs for sale 

As another way to fundraise for the capital campaign, we’re selling buffs (neck gators) for $10/each. Email your program director if you’d like to buy one. Payment can be made by check or credit card via the donation tab on the front page of the website (please put "BH buffs" in the notes). 

Need more gear? Visit our Facebook page for swapping ski and snowboard equipment. 

 

Downhill Safety Reminders 

Please remember these important, universal safety tips used by skiers and snowboarders around the world to keep themselves and their fellow downhill enthusiasts safe. Thank you! 

 

Join Our Cross Country Google Group 

Stay up on xc news, connect with skiers, volunteer, and more! Email xc@blackhawkskiclub.org to join. 
 

Reminder: 4WD Required to Access Ski Jump, Nordic, and Biathlon area 

If your vehicle does not have 4WD, please park in the East or West Chalet lots and walk (or xc ski) down. We’ve had a few cars get stuck! Check out the new perimeter trail from the West Chalet parking lot to make this easier! Note: Parking near Biathlon Haus is limited to biathletes during practices, Tue, Wed & Thur, 5-8pm.  Please use caution if walking from the large parking lot to the biathlon area (we recommend skiing!) 

See you soon! 

The Blackhawk Board of Directors