Happy New Year! Thank you for supporting youth skiers in Wisconsin as we host ski and biathlon races, and THANK YOU to our snowmakers for the great snow! Here’s the latest on Blackhawk winter programs, news, and events!
Skijoring has begun!
Skijoring (cross-country skiing while being pulled by a dog) is back on Sundays after Nordic Kids lessons, from 3:30-6pm. Bring your skijoring equipment (required) and your pup! Meet at the maintenance barn. It can be helpful to familiarize your dog with the trails, equipment, and other skiers before you get on your skis, so you may want to walk or snowshoe with your dog in your skijoring harnesses a few times to get them comfortable. You can also teach them "right," "left," and other commands. Please contact Guy Perez at guy.perez@blackhawkskiclub.org for more information.
Alpine Women's Clinics 1/19 and 2/1
We are offering an alpine ski clinic for women taught by women! Do you want to improve your skiing or take it to the next level? Want to ski with friends and make some new friends? Need some tips to ski longer or more efficiently? Join us for an afternoon of skiing on Sunday, January 19 or Sunday, February 2. We are offering two clinics each day, one for beginners who already know how to ski but are most comfortable on green trails from 1-3pm and an intermediate/advanced clinic from 2:30-4:30pm. Cost is $60/per session, and you can sign up for multiple sessions. Email kelsey.berg@blackhawkskiclub.org to with any questions or to sign up.
Nordic Ski Updates
Want to take private cross-country ski lessons? Contact xcprivatelessons@blackhawkskiclub.org.
Free Weds Noon Cross-Country ski lessons with Peter Berbee
Meet at the bottom of Hill 2 on Wednesdays at noon, January 22-February 5. Please be mindful of the road conditions and park at the top of the hill if the road is slippery.
We will work on fundamental skiing skills. The emphasis will be on how we stand on skis, how we glide on skis, how we push on skis, and how we push on poles. We will explore these skills with fun and games, agility practice, and drills. There will be time to practice mindful blending of these skills back into our techniques, as well as addressing specific areas participants would like to work on. Sessions will last for one hour.
Plans to cover classic vs. skating will be discussed at the first session. Bring your preferred style of skis to the first session; we will be able to work in a group with either technique the first day.
Goals for this clinic include fun and increasing efficiency and speed in a safe, collaborative, and welcoming environment.
Who should attend: Any Blackhawk member who wishes to improve their XC skiing and can get away for an hour midday in the week. All levels are welcome. Skiers who are teaching skiing, or thinking about teaching skiing are especially encouraged to attend.
No fee. Participants are encouraged to make a donation to Blackhawk Ski Club in the form of volunteer activity at the club or funds. Full or Limited Blackhawk Ski Club Membership is required.
Peter Berbee will lead this group. Peter is a skiing enthusiast and fully certified (level 3) PSIA cross country instructor. He has over 25 years of experience teaching skiing with several programs and ski schools at this level. He has also taught at clinics to train and certify ski instructors for the PSIA working as a cross-country ski examiner.
Please contact Peter if you have questions at pberbee@gmail.com.
Women's XC ski on Friday, Jan 24, with hot drinks and potluck to follow!
Biathlon Update
There are nine biathlon races scheduled in Wisconsin this season, and many of our athletes will finish off the season with Nationals in Bozeman, Montana, at the end of March. The next biathlon event at Blackhawk will include two days of racing on January 25 and 26. This is a regional race and will attract racers from Minnesota, Michigan and other midwestern states. Come out and cheer for our Blackhawk biathletes.
Winter Fat Biking Has Begun!
Have fun out there! Keep an eye on trail conditions, and here's a map.
Outdoor Exploration New Year’s Day Hike A Success
We enjoyed welcoming many of our new families with young children, who were excited to romp around Blackhawk and enjoy snacks, storytime, and crafts.
Ski Jumping Classes and Team
Introduction to Ski Jumping classes are underway, with experience coaches teaching kids to jump on our smallest hills. Classes are Tuesday evenings at 6:15pm, Saturday mornings at 10:15am, and Sunday afternoons at 12:30pm. The Blackhawk Ski Jumping Team meets Tuesdays and Thursdays from 6-7:30pm and includes youth who have learned to jump and want to take their skills to the next level, possibly including competing in tournaments and working toward Junior Nationals. Blackhawk’s home tournament takes place on February 15. Questions? Email jumping@blackhawkskiclub.org
Winter Carnival 2/15
BART Update
BART had our first race weekend of the season at Chestnut Mountain Resort in Galena, Illinois. We enjoyed gorgeous conditions and views of the Mississippi River, and our athletes had a ton of fun and looked strong and confident on course! Our incredible coaches were a constant source of support throughout.
Blackhawk Puffy Jackets are BACK Til 1/17
GREAT NEWS! We have had a great response to our new Blackhawk custom jackets from NoName, with some skiers saying it’s their favorite jacket! EnjoyWinter is currently taking orders for more jackets until Friday, January 17th. Blackhawk members get 25% off most EnjoyWinter products, including these jackets and hats--use “Blackhawk” promo code at checkout. Shop at enjoywinter.com/blackhawk
For speedy delivery, these items will be customized using heat transfer logoing. Orders should be ready within two weeks of order. You can visit store at 8845 S. Greenview Dr #6, Middleton, WI 53562 if you need to try on sizes. ORDERS ARE FINAL SALE, so be sure to try on the jacket before you order.
Hugh Jass Fat Bike race at Blackhawk on February 22
The Hugh Jass Fat Bike race series comes to blackhawk for a race Feb 22 at 11am. Race day registration opens at 9 am, and fat bikes are available for rent at the event. Blackhawk members who would like to race can get a 50% discount on registration with the coupon code in the text of the January 2025 email. Register at https://hughjass.bike/
Upcoming Events
For more upcoming events and additional details, keep an eye on our club calendar: https://blackhawkskiclub.org/news/club-calendar
1/19 Alpine Women’s Clinic
1/22 Wednesdays, 12-1pm, xc skiing with Peter Berbee
1/24 Women’s Nordic Ski Night
1/25-1/26 Midwest Regional Biathlon Race
2/1 Alpine Women’s Clinic
2/15 Winter Carnival
2/15 Ski Jumping Tournament
2/22 Hugh Jass Fat Bike Race
