Black Jack Cross Country Ski Club and Our Sport

Back Ground Information

Our mission is to build a community of Nordic skiers by providing
and sustaining excellence in programs and services

Black Jack (BJSC) has been incorporated as a non-profit society since 1983. Over the years we have made significant improvements to our facilities through generous grants and the tireless efforts of volunteers. Thanks to grant funding we have successfully managed projects large and small, from start to finish, to improve our club.

Some of our projects include:

Created new and expanded trails

Created lighted trail network (1.3km)

Constructed a new stadium area for hosting large events

Constructed a biathlon range and additional trails at the Neptune Creek area

Added siding to our trailhead cabin and built new outhouses

Built a large four season equipment shed to house grooming equipment

Purchased a snowmobile for use in medical emergencies

Purchased sturdy metal target frames, custom made for biathlon

Built two timing huts and much more.

Currently we have 640 members from the Greater Trail and Rossland area. After a few static years we have started to grow- last year we increased membership by 10%.

BJSC owns 20 acres at our trail head. We are stewards for approximately 1855 additional acres, owned by the City of Rossland, Beaumont Timber Company Ltd. and the Ministry of Forests. We pay a lease for the Beaumont land based on 3% of our annual revenue.

Our skier development program for youth has seen a huge increase- doubling the number of children served last year. Our Jack Rabbits program (children 5-11 yrs) increased from 24- 42 participants. Our Junior Racer (ages 12-18) program increased from 23 to 34. We have instituted a biathlon program in conjunction to the Junior Racer program which will add another 8-10 athletes.

Black Jack is considered in the top 5% of cross country ski facilities in BC due to our excellent grooming, the variety of our trails, the abundant snowfall in our area and the convenience of our proximity to Rossland. We host about 1,000 day-skier visits per year and anticipate more visitors as Rossland and Trail develop tourism infrastructure and real estate expansion continues.

Cross country skiing differs from alpine skiing in that while it is an aerobic and a very healthy sport, it is also low impact; ours is a sport that can be enjoyed for an athlete’s entire life. Cross country skiing can be done in the classic style- more like gliding through the woods on skis or the very popular skate skiing style – which is similar to running or speed skating.

The key to maintaining a top facility is grooming. Both forms of the sport benefit from superior grooming. For skate skiing it is essential! Good grooming requires excellent equipment. Large snow cats outfitted with proper track setting attachments must work on the trails practically every day to keep them in top shape. The operator of the snow cat must be trained in the art of grooming trails properly for both classic skiers as well as for skate skiers. Classic skiers require a track set to each side of the trail for each ski to follow while skate skiing necessitates a wide, smooth, firm surface suitable for high speed travel. The temperature of the snow is critical for proper grooming; typically the work is done in the very early hours of the day, giving the tracks time to set up firmly before the first skiers arrive.

The costs associated with running a top cross country skiing facility are significant. Minimum cost for the operator and the grooming machine is $75 per hour. The machine must be kept in top shape and requires ongoing maintenance. The club spends an average $24,000 per year to operate and maintain the groomers. To buy a reliable used machine will cost more than $130,000. Obtaining replacement equipment must be done through grants and donations. Most grants exclude operating costs. Our machines have over 14,000 hours on them- normal lifespan is approximately 9,000 to 10,000 working hours. Additionally, we hire three kiosk staff, part-time workers for four months of the year. These staff monitor trail use, sell season and day passes, and provide emergency response. We also have property expenses: a mortgage, insurance, utilities, snow removal, and general property and building maintenance.

Cross country skiing is tremendously popular in Europe and Scandinavia and interest is growing in North America. Clubs throughout BC are reporting increased membership with more young children taking up the sport. Canada is actively promoting a long term athlete development program (LTAD) designed to train international caliber athletes. The program starts with children as young as 5 and progresses throughout the formative years building strong bodies and superior athletic skills. Our most well known member is George Grey, currently the top male cross country skier in Canada. BJSC has produced other Provincial and National team members. This year, there are six teenage club members who have been selected for the BC Talent Development Squad; an important step up the ladder to becoming an elite competitor.

BJSC has hosted several large events in the past, which put Rossland and Black Jack on the map. We have been complimented by our provincial sport organization (CCBC) on our ability to host large events and have been asked to host other events in the future. 2007 will bring the Haywood NorAm Canada Cup race to Rossland as well as the Canadian Junior & U23 World trials. These are highly competitive events that will bring athletes and spectators from all over North America. In addition we will be hosting the Canadian Masters Championship- a week of racing for athletes over 30 years old. We are also planning on hosting disabled events at both of these races. These events are inspirational for our athletes, young and old. Spectators and athletes purchase goods and services from our local businesses, supporting the economies of Trail and Rossland.

Black Jack is an active contributor to the Rossland community - each season elementary school children come out for at least one skiing experience at the club. No child who wants to join our program is excluded for economic reasons. We are inclusive to all. We also host the mentally disabled for a day of skiing and outdoor enjoyment.

We have adopted a Strategic Plan, based on the results of member focus groups, to chart our development for the next five years. We intend to replace and upgrade our snow grooming machinery, continue to develop our facilities, expand our skier development program by adding a paid coaching position, and adopting the LTAD program endorsed by our Provincial Sport Organization (CCBC) and the National Sport Organization (CCC). We plan to continue to host several large events each year. We also plan to make Black Jack facilities and trails fully accessible to all who wish to ski. Lastly we intend to make Black Jack a year round recreation site through partnerships with other outdoor recreation groups and businesses.

Strong support from our community, businesses, and industry has enabled Black Jack to develop to its current level. We greatly appreciate all the support we receive from our members, donors and sponsors. Thank you.