January 2022 Blackhawk Ski Club Newsletter
Dear Members,
Thank you so much to those of you who have already generously donated to our Prime the Pump fundraising campaign for our new high capacity well for snowmaking! If you haven't yet donated to support this capstone piece in our snowmaking infrastructure, we would welcome your support in creating snow opportunities at our club for decades to come. Donate here.
Ski jump tournament 1/23
Ever wondered what it is like to soar through the sky on skis? Come out and watch our youth compete in a ski jump tournament hosted by Blackhawk on January 23. Events take place throughout the morning and early afternoon.
Nordic skiing story trail is open!
Our cross-country skiing story trail is open by the Nordic Kids gear trailer! Follow the pages of Owl Moon by Jane Yolen as you explore Blackhawk’s cross-country ski trails. The trail is .35 miles start to finish, and the signs will be on your right. The trail passes through the biathlon range, so please avoid it when the biathlon range is open: Tue and Thur 5:30-7pm and Wed 7-8:30pm. The trail and story finish in the woods, and then you can head back to the beginning and listen for owls! Blackhawk is a great place to go owling, and the beautifully-rendered illustrations of this story remind us in these difficult times of “The kind of hope that flies on silent wings under a shining Owl Moon.” Cross country skis are required for access to the story trail for adults and children alike (footprints damage the ski trails).
Women's cross-country evening ski Jan 29
Join fellow Blackhawk ladies on an evening ski next weekend, Jan 29. Meet at the Biathlon Haus at 5pm to watch the sunset and ski into the darkness. Hot drinks and treats provided! Questions? Email xckids@blackhawkskiclub.org
Snowshoeing at Blackhawk
Did you know that Blackhawk has some of the best trails in the area for both fat biking and snowshoeing? In fact, these two activities not only can share the same trails, but they work well together. Snowshoeing helps smooth out the trail, especially after it has snowed. And fat bikers use a special groomer to keep the trails in great shape. The only thing that we ask is that everyone walk or ride carefully, and that those on snowshoes step off the trail as bikers go by. As they say, "We're better together!” Check out the trail map.
Nordic skier safety
Please maintain a distance of at least 15 feet from the groomers when skiing. Visibility of the drivers to skiers is limited and the equipment can be dangerous. Please pull aside and wait for the groomer to pass if the groomer is approaching. Note that when the groomer is returning from the East side, there is no room on the trail for both the groomer and skiers, so please avoid that area if the groomer is out.
Blackhawk equipment is in good hands!
Our mechanic Craig Kleinsteiber led a small engine maintenance workshop for local 4-H members on Dec. 28. He taught the students about 2- and 4-stroke engines, and they changed the oil on our ride-on lawn mower, brush cutter, and a log splitter. Craig is the resident caretaker of most things mechanical at Blackhawk.
Sign Up to Be a Rope Tow Monitor
We are asking every full access family to sign up for a rope tow monitor shift during open ski and/or scheduled programs in which your family participates. We need at least 2 per hour during all open skiing. Please sign up for a shift here and refer to our rope tow monitor info for more details. Thank you!
News from the Otter Den
January Snowshoe hike Email Jill Stevenson (jill.stevenson@blackhawkskiclub.org) if you are an adult or teen interested in exploring Blackhawk on snowshoes M-Th (indicate day or evening), and we’ll arrange a group walk. Must supply your own snowshoes (but REI rents them!).
February 19: Winter Carnival Make and take hanging bird treats (or hang them on a tree at Blackhawk!); Story Trail Owl Moon (Nordic ski trails). Lots of fun activities for all at West Chalet parking lot.
Stay tuned for news about Spring Otter Den programming in February's newsletter. Activities will include shelter building, fire making and outdoor cooking, fishing, and more!
Reminders
4WD (and good tires!) required for access to jump chalet, bully barn, and biathlon haus.
We’ve had a few cars get stuck at the bottom of the hill. Do not drive down unless you have 4WD, and check those tires – if they don’t have grip, they will slip!
Blackhawk buffs for sale
As another way to fundraise for the capital campaign, we’re selling buffs (neck gators) for $10/each. See a board member at alpine lessons or ask your program director if you’d like to buy one. Payment can be made by check or credit card via the donation tab on our website (please put "BH buffs" in the notes).
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. EnjoyWinter carries Bliz eyewear & helmets, Swenor roller-skis and Start brand ski wax. 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.
Follow downhill safety guidelines
Please follow these universal guidelines used by skiers and snowboarders around the world to keep themselves and their fellow skiers safe.
Cross-country Google group
Join our xc google group to hear the lastest in xc news around the club, connect with skiers, volunteer and more! Email xc@blackhawkskiclub.org to join.
Open hours and winter maps
Open ski hours and winter maps can be found here.
See you soon!
The Blackhawk Board of Directors
