New for 2024/2025 - team communications will be via the SportsYou app.  If you did not yet receive an invitation, please email Alysa.hinde@blackhawkskiclub.org to be added.

Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team (BNST) is a competitive team for high-school and middle-school cross-country skiers. Our goal is to provide:

• A positive, team-focused Nordic skiing experience.
• Racing opportunities as catalysts for learning to ski and train well.
• A lifelong interest in Nordic skiing and fitness.
• Development and growth for skiers of all abilities.

BNST competes in select Wisconsin Nordic Ski League (WNSL) events on weekends from mid-December through early March (https://www.wisconsinxcski.org/events/).  Race participation is strongly encouraged at all skill levels!

Some of our skiers compete in Junior National Qualifiers (JNQ) events (https://cxcskiing.org/programs/great-lakes-division/about.html); success at the JNQ level generally requires a skier to train year-round (coaches can provide additional information on resources available to support this level of commitment).

Some of our skiers participate in the Blackhawk Youth Biathlon program (https://blackhawkskiclub.org/programs/youth-biathlon); BNST coaches coordinate closely with the Biathlon coaches to schedule practices and racing opportunities.

Our coaching team brings a wealth of Nordic Skiing experience, including racing at the NCAA and elite citizen level.  Most coaches are parents of current, former, and future BNST skiers.  Our coaches continue to be involved with BNST because they love all things Nordic Skiing!  All coaches and adult volunteers who ski with the team are Safe-Sport certified.

Blackhawk Ski Club has extensive snowmaking infrastructure and grooming equipment, which ensures fun, safe skiing even when natural snow is scarce.

Middle School Team (grades 5-8). Program cost, $200 plus optional gear rental.

• Optional Dryland training begins November 5, 2025 (check SportsYou calendar "BNST-MS" for practice times & locations).

• On-Snow training begins December 1, 2025 (may be earlier or later subject to snow conditions), Mondays and Wednesdays 5:30-7:00 pm at Blackhawk Ski Club.

High School Team (grades 9-12). Program cost, $420 plus optional gear rental. 

• Optional Dryland training starts November 3, 2025 (check SportsYou calendar "BNST-HS" for practice times & locations).  Activities include roller-skiing, strength training, pole hiking, hill bounding, running. Locations may vary.

• On-Snow training begins in December 1, 2025 (may be earlier or later subject to snow conditions) and takes place 4 days per week (Mondays, Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays from 5:30 – 7:00 pm) at Blackhawk Ski Club.

Gear Rental

• We rental skis and poles only, you must have your own boots.  Boots can be purchased through Out There Nordic (our equipment partner) or other retailers.  We have a Buy/Sell/Trade group on our SportsYou.

• "A" Skis (new or slightly used equipment):  $100 for Skate / $100 for Classic.

• "B" Skis (equipment that is a few years old):  $50 for Skate / $50 for Classic.

• Rollerskis and Poles (HS only):  $30 for Skate (no classic rentals). 

Skiers must have a Limited Access Membership or Full Access Membership in Blackhawk Ski Club before registering for the HS or MS program.  Registration for the 2025-2026 season opens September 9, 2025 (for returning club members) and September 30, 2025 (for new club members). For instructions, refer to:  https://blackhawkskiclub.org/membership-types

After registration, skier families will be included in team communication via SportsYou.

Questions?  Email alysa.hinde@blackhawkskiclub.org.

BNST Coaching, Management, and Equipment Leadership 2025-2026

 

High School:

Alysa Hinde

Danny Sonnentag

Tim Bertram

Alice House

 

Middle School:

Amy Grunewald Mattison

Braedon Annex

Chris Lawn

Alice House

Bob Hubanks

Melissa Hornung

Norah Lee?

Blaise Nemeth?

Hans Hinke?

 

Management:

Alysa Hinde – Head Coach, High School

Amy Grunewald Mattison – Head Coach, Middle School

Dan Blasiole – Equipment Manager

Allyson McGinty – Equipment Manager

Mike Engen – Wax Bench Manager

Suzanne Cheadle – Parent Volunteer Coordinator

Kathryn Durlacher – Roster Management

 

2025-26 Event Schedule (UPDATED 8/202025, final calendar will be posted in SportYou):

10/21:  Out There Nordic Team Event (ski fitting, gear purchases)

12/5-12/7:  Ironwood On-Snow Camp

12/13:  Pre-Season Intramural Race (Blackhawk)

1/110:  Snekkevik (Wausau) 

1/11:  Iola Skate Invite (Iola) 

1/17-1/18:  Hodag Challenge (Rhinelander)

1/24-2/25: Great Lakes JNQ (Brillion)

1/31-2/1:  State Sprint Championships (Brillion)

2/7-2/8:  State Distance Championships (Cable)

1/14-2/15: Great Lakes/Midwest JNQ (Minneapolis)

3/1:  Amazing Race (Team tradition fun race at Blackhawk)