February 2023 Newsletter

We hope you are all weathering the ups and downs of winter in southern Wisconsin by getting out to the club! Despite the spring-like weather of late, we have had some amazing snow conditions. There are still a few solid weeks of the season, so be sure to get out whenever you can!   

Last week, I enjoyed chatting with a multi-generational group enjoying dinner around the fire after an afternoon open ski. On Sunday, we hosted a ski jump tournament for youth jumpers around the region. One of Blackhawk’s jumpers (now jumping at Steamboat) competed at Junior World’s in Whistler, Canada. Our alpine and nordic race teams were off chasing down medals and best times at Devil’s Head (BART) and at the State Nordic High School championships (BNST) in Cable. Countless members have been logging kilometers and elevation to get their Birkie training in, while many others have enjoyed meandering the fat bike trails in preparation for the Hugh Jass fat bike race coming soon. We are so grateful to the countless hours of work that our volunteers put in to make it all happen at the club! Here’s to a few more weeks of winter fun! 

Amy Grunewald Mattison, Club President 

THANK YOU, SKI PATROL! 

We are grateful for our amazing team of Ski Patrollers who keep us safe on the slopes and trails and help us out when we need them.  Next time you see one, let them know! 

Ski Jump Tournament

On Sunday, we hosted a ski jump tournament for youth jumpers around the region. Around the same time, one of Blackhawk’s jumpers (now jumping at Steamboat) competed at Junior World’s in Whistler, Canada.

Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team Competes at State Ski Championships

Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team (BNST) competed at the State Sprints (hosted by our neighbor CXC) and State Distance meet during the first two weeks of February.  Congratulations to all of our racers who worked hard this season to improve their times and compete at the state level!  


The Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team Middle Schoolers say “THANKS, JOE! for helping get the Wisconsin State Sprint course ready last weekend!” 

BHNST at State Distance Championships

Blackhawk Alpine Race Team (BART) is currently in 3rd for the season, following 3 race weekends. Lots of great skiing! 

Hugh Jass Bike Race February 25

Get your fat tires pumped up and join the Hugh Jass Bike Race February 25! Be sure to take advantage of the member discount - members are invited to participate in the event at 50% off! Members can use discount code HLFHUGH101 and can sign up here: https://hughjass.bike/races/race-5-blackhawkskiclub 

A huge thank you to Mike Dobriant for all his work getting the trails ready to ride and to Andrea Dlugos for coordinating with Wheel and Sprocket to put on this annual event. Here's hoping for the ground-hog's prediction of at least 6 more weeks of winter! 

Questions? Want to volunteer? Reach out to Andrea at andrea.dlugos@blackhawkskiclub.org 

Novice Biathlon Race March 5

Have you been skiing and wanting to try biathlon?  On March 5, we will be hosting a novice race at the club. Instruction and rifles provided. Sign up at webscorer.com. Brats and treats to follow! 

Winter Carnival February 18, 12:30-3pm

2022 Winter Carnival

Nature Exploration Volunteers Needed

The Blackhawk Nature Exploration program seeks a volunteer to plan and lead hiking/snowshoeing events at the club. In the past we have had a Full Moon hike, a birding hike, and bird feeder making and hike. Please respond to Jill Stevenson at jill.t.stevenson@gmail.com (note the "t"). This program can be once a quarter or more frequent, depending on your interests and time commitment. Since all members need to volunteer, you could choose this as a fun way to get connected to the club and other members.

We're looking forward to offering a Nature Exploration Spring session in 2023! Mud, fishing, animals, planting seeds, survival skills and more! Please contact Jill Stevenson at jill.t.stevenson@gmail.com (note the 't') if you are available for 1-1/2 hours on Sunday afternoons in the Spring (4 Sundays, but we can find a sub for 1 if necessary).  You will get a game plan and basic training but will need to feel comfortable leading Blackhawk kids on fun learning outdoor adventures in various weather conditions. If you volunteer, your kids will automatically get spots in the session. We can't do it without you! 

New Lost and Found Listing

Did you lose something at Blackhawk? Or find something on the ski hill, the bike trail, or in the chalet that seemed too valuable to just leave there? This is a resource for you

Save the Dates 

February 18: Winter Carnival at the West Chalet--food, games and festivities! 

February 25: Hugh Jass bike race 

March 5: Novice/Adult/Youth Biathlon Races  

March 5: 2pm Nordic Kids Cookie Race