April 15 - Lower trails no longer being maintained, Biathlon open til May 15

Trail Update for April 15th.

The ski season is not over yet - We will continue to groom the Biathlon Trails until May 15th!

Yesterday evening was our last snowcat groom of the year and the last day for grooming on the lower trails. Tomorrow we will begin the annual maintenance on the snowcats so that they will be ready to go for next season. While we won't be grooming with the snowcats anymore we are far from being done with grooming. Isaac, with the help of volunteer groomers, will continue to maintain the Biathlon network with snowmobile and ginzu until May 15th (unless summer really kicks into overdrive and we get a fast melt).

Remember, membership and day pass fees still apply while we are grooming. Hope to see you all out there

March 31 - Trail Update

Trail Update!

As the temps get warmer and we get into spring skiing conditions, we will continue to update everyone on what the trails are looking like. The trails are still in incredible shape for this time of year! Some creeks are starting to open up on the lower trails so please ski with caution out there. We are going to close striders and adventure trail starting today, the tree well melt out and debris on the trail is too much to ski safely. Aquaduct is still holding on but the tree debris down on the trail is starting to accumulate as the snow melts and I would hazard to guess that we only have a couple days before the debris makes it too unsafe to ski.

All other trails are in great shape! And a reminder to everyone that we are going to continue to groom until winter is over. We will see how the weather plays out but I would imagine we have a couple good weeks left on the lower trails before we move the grooming up to only at biathlon.

And today (March 31) is the last day the Kiosk is open for the year. Trail fees still apply so please pay by dropping cash in the dropbox or using the QR code or website to pay with card.

Last day the Kiosk is open for the season - March 31

Well its that time of the year. Monday March 31 will be the last day the Kiosk is open for the season. If you are looking for rentals you have a few days left to make it happen. Kiosk will be open from 9-2pm daily until March 31st and will be closed for the season starting April 1.

After March 31st, day pass fees still apply, pay either by cash in the drop box or by card through the QR code at the trailhead. We still have loads of snow and will most likely be skiing all the way through April. Hope to see you out there!

If you are coming to Black Jack and looking for rentals after March 31 please email us at info@skiblackjack.ca a couple days before and we are happy to come and get people rentals on an as needed basis.

MARCH BREAK MADNESS

Black Jack is offering some March Break deals for those looking to try Cross Country Skiing while they enjoy their break from school!

Anyone 18 and under skis for free with a paying adult and pays only $15 for a day of rentals. There has never been a better time to come out and ski at Black Jack!

These deals are on from March 15th to March 30th. Come down to our Rental Kiosk at 310 Campbell Rd to take advantage of them. The Kiosk is open from 9am-2pm daily.

Can’t wait to see all the new faces out there trying cross country skiing.

Any questions please give us a call at 250-362-7164 from 9am-2pm or email us at info@skiblackjack.ca

A big thanks to Gerick’s For their support with this promotion.

Teck Kootenay Cup and Al Fisher Loppet Trail Update

This weekend, Saturday March 8th and Sunday March 9th, we have the Teck Kootenay Cup and the 41st annual Al Fisher Lopper happening at Black Jack. We are expecting over 100 athletes at Black Jack over the weekend.

Parking will be very tight, and we expect big crowds around the stadium. We ask all members not participating to ski from the Biathlon trailhead this coming weekend.

Here's the details:

- Friday March 7 will be a training and set up day. Watch out for athletes if coming to Black Jack on Friday

- Saturday March 8th the lower trails and trailhead are CLOSED from 7 am to 5 pm. Evening skiing will be open.

- Sunday 26th: the lower trails and trailhead are CLOSED from 7 am to 3 pm.

-the lower dog loop is also closed this weekend

- The kiosk will remain open for rentals all days! There will be a reserved parking space for rental pick-up - just let the parking attendant know that's what you're here for. You can drive your rentals to the other trailheads. And to encourage people to pick up their rentals early, we are offering a special longer rental period -- 2 days for the price of one if you pick up on Friday!

- We are still looking for a few more volunteers - please check out this link and help out for a couple hours if you can! Anyone is welcome to help! https://volunteersignup.org/9WEXR

Tour De Soup and Ski For Free For Family Day

Make a donation to our Skier Development Program and ski on out to our cabins for delicious soup donated by local restaurants.

This year's event is in honour of Karen Trueman. An avid Black Jack Member and coach for Black Jack's Skier Development Program.

On top of it being Tour de Soup, trail fees are also free that day! So bring out the whole family to enjoy the Tour De Soup. It is usually one of the busiest days of the season so if you need rentals make sure to get here early.

NEW for this year's Tour de Soup is we are also including the cabin up at biathlon, so instead of the usual three cabins with soup we will have four cabins you can ski too. Mike Heximer who runs the Biathlon Program will also have the new Eco-Rifles for the public to try at the Range. If you have ever wanted to try Biathlon, this could be the day.

Hope to see everyone out there!

TECK KOOTENAY CUP & AL FISHER LOPPET

MARCH 8 - 9, 2025

Race Location: Black Jack Ski Club, main trailhead

Race Fees:

• $5 per race for U6 Bunnies (no Day License required)

• $15 per race for U8 to U12

• $25 per race for U14 to U23, Seniors, Masters, Recreational, and Loppet categories

Credit card fees (2.4%) Zone 4 fees, and Nordiq Canada Tier 3 Event Day License ($3) are in addition to the race fees.

Courses

Click on distances to view course maps.

Sat Mar 8 Kootenay Cup Events: Classic, Interval Start

• 500 m (U8)

• 1 km (U10)

• 2.5 km (U12)

• 2 x 2.5 km (U14 & U16)

• 2 x 5 km (U18, U20, U23, Senior, Masters, and Recreational)

Sun Mar 9 Kootenay Cup Free: Free, Mass Start

• 150 m (Bunnies, U6)

• 1 km (U8, U10)

• 3 km (U12)

• 2 x 3 km (U14, U16)

• 10 km (U18, U20, U23, Senior, Master)

Sun Mar 9 Al Fisher Black Jack Loppet Events: Mass Start, Skate or Classic

• 10 km, 2 x 10 km, or 3 x 10km - skiers of all ages and abilities are welcome!

Confirmation List: availalable on Zone4

Trail Conditions: available on Nordic Pulse

Accommodations: Red Mountain Resort Lodging offered a 30% discount on accommodations with the code MARCHMADNESS2025.

Volunteers: volunteers are an essential part of the weekend. Thank you to all who helped out!

Email RaceSecretaryBJSC@gmail.com for more information

Trail Closure Update for the TECK Track Attack Championships

This weekend, Saturday January 25 and Sunday January 26, Black Jack is proudly hosting the 2025 Teck BC Track Attack Championships! We are expecting more than 170 athletes, ages 9 to 13 from across the province!

Parking will be very tight, and we expect big crowds around the stadium. We ask all members not participating to ski from the Biathlon or Little Rock trailheads this weekend.

Here's the details:

- Friday January 24 will be a training and set up day. Expect the stadium area to be closed in the afternoon for set-up, and young athletes on the trails through the afternoon and evening.

- Saturday January 25th the lower trails and trailhead are CLOSED from 7 am to 5 pm. Evening skiing is open, but access limited to Gibbards (and beyond) while the race course trails remain closed overnight.

- Sunday 26th: the lower trails and trailhead are CLOSED from 7 am to 3 pm.

-please note that lower trail closures includes includes the dog trails

- The kiosk will remain open for rentals all days! There will be a reserved parking space for rental pick-up - just let the parking attendant know that's what you're here for. You can drive your rentals to the other trailheads. And to encourage people to pick up their rentals early, we are offering a special longer rental period -- 2 days for the price of one if you pick up on Friday! The kiosk will be open late - until 4 pm - on Friday to get your rentals for the weekend.

- We are still looking for a few more volunteers - please check out this link and help out for a couple hours if you can! Anyone is welcome to help, not just families of participants: https://volunteersignup.org/LJYP4

Paint Night at the Rich Thorpe Cabin

Enjoy a fundraising evening of painting with local artist Sue Deane.

This event is sold out. Thank you for the support!

Learn to paint one of Sue’s paintings and help support the Black Jack Ski Team exchange with Yellowknife this spring! 60% of your fee will go towards the exchange!

When: Wednesday February 12th 6pm-9pm

Where: The Rich Thorpe (Trailhead) Cabin at Black Jack

Cost: $50.00 per person

Come as you are. All supplies will be provided. Wear something you don’t mind getting paint on. Bring your own drinks and snacks.

To reserve your spot email Sue at suedeane38@gmail.com and etransfer to the same email.

Lower Trails are Re-opened

The Lower Trails are re-opened! More than 50 trees and many more branches came down over the weekend. The crew of Isaac, Brad, Patrick and volunteers Steve and Dan have been out there since the early hours clearing and grooming. A big thank you to this team!

We're not through this tree stuff yet though... here's a few things to note:

- If you stop on a trail, look around before choosing a spot to stop. There are lots of trees still hung up on other trees and still some risk.

- There are no lights for night skiing until we can get a couple more trees removed. You are still welcome to night ski, but won't have the usual lights.

- Aquaduct, Ophirs, and Reservoir Trails remain closed. Hopefully the crew can get these ones cleared and back open on Tuesday. Hemlock and Mugwump/Spitzee remain closed as well. Remember to check Nordic Pulse for the most up to date trail closures and conditions.

Lower Trails closed until Monday December 16th

ALL LOWER TRAILS ARE CLOSED as of Thursday December 12.

Due to the ongoing risk of falling trees overladen with snow, the main trail network, including the Dog Loop, and the Little Rock Dog Loop will be closed starting Thursday December 12th. Closed trails have been cordoned off and signed.

The Kiosk is open for ticket sales and rentals, and the biathlon trail network is open and in fantastic condition. You can get your rentals and drive up to the Biathlon trailhead to use them.

The re-opening of the main trail network will be assessed over the weekend based on the expected new snow and the anticipation of more downed trees. This decision was made by the Black Jack Board of Directors in consultation with the Black Jack General Manager and was done for the safety for all trail users.

Please respect the closures. Updates on trail status will be posted via the newsletter, Nordic Pulse, and our social media platforms

Trail Update: Hemlock closed until further notice

We unfortunately have some bad news, Hemlock will be closed until further notice. Brad, Isaac and Rick were out clearing the fallen trees on hemlock yesterday. As they were working they became quite concerned about the number of trees leaning over the trail with the potential to fall at any time . In consultation with a Danger Tree Assessor we have decided to close Hemlock until further notice. The number of trees on the trail at risk of immanent failure is in the hundreds. It is unfortunately too unsafe to have people skiing on Hemlock. We will re-evaluate in the new year, but please respect the trail closures for your own safety. Thank you for your cooperation.

Full Moon Toonie Skis are Back!

Full Moon Toonie skis are back for the 2023-25 season. Come out and ski for only $2 on the evening of the full moon.

For this season we have decided to move some of the Toonie skis to the closest weekend of a full moon to allow more of you to get out and enjoy the evening! The dates for this year are:

• Saturday December 11th

• Saturday January 11th

• Wednesday February 12th

• Friday March 14th

Hope to see everyone out there

TECK REGIONAL SNOW CAMP

NOVEMBER 29 - DECEMBER 1, 2024

Welcome to the 2024 Teck Regional Snow Camp (Kootenay) at Black Jack near Rossland!

We respectfully acknowledge that we live, work and play on the traditional, ancestral, and unceded territories of the Sinixt, Sylix, and Ktunaxa First Nations. We honour all other Indigenous people who walked on and care for these lands before us and continue to do so.

We are excited to have Kootenay region athletes, coaches, volunteers, and families here at Black Jack for a great weekend building our skills, having fun and training! We have plenty of snow and activities are planned at both our Main Trailhead and Biathlon Trailhead.

Job Opportunity: Kiosk Attendant

Black Jack Ski Club is seeking a PART-TIME kiosk attendant for the 2024-2025 season.

The position averages 12-15 hours a week and is flexible as to both weekday, evening and weekend shifts.  Weekend and evening shifts will be required. Pay is $18/HR + you will receive a complimentary Black Jack Season’s Pass

The position is seasonal and runs from December 1st – March 31st snow conditions dependant.

Experience with the sport of cross-country skiing is a benefit but not essential. The position involves pass sales, ski rentals, snow shoveling and other trailhead tasks. Experience with customer service, a cheerful disposition, and ability for self- direction will be advantageous.

Please email a short letter of introduction and resume to Patrick at generalmanager@skiblackjack.ca  before November 18th.

Fall Work Party - CANCELLED

UPDATE: Fall Work Party IS CANCELLED
 

Good news / bad news: we have snow / we have too much snow for the work party.

Thank you to everyone who reached out to Greg about volunteering. Our Work Party is unfortunately cancelled for 2024.

Winter is coming and there is work to be done. We are hosting our annual work party Sunday, Nov. 3rd. 

Meet at the garage by the main trailhead at 9 am, rain or shine. Stick around for an hour, two, or twenty. Refreshments to be provided. 

Tasks to be completed include:

• Replace support posts for info board beside base kiosk

• Splitting and stacking wood

• Brushing + removing brush from trails edge

• Fill ruts on trails

• Cleaning Richard Thorpe Cabin

• Walking trails, clearing missed rocks and pruning back the sides.

What to bring: Gloves, safety glasses, water and a snack. If you have a truck, chainsaw, brush saw, or favorite splitting axe, feel free to bring those along with all of the appropriate PPE too. 

If you plan to join us, kindly RSVP to Greg Kilroy info@skiblackjack.ca.

If you arrive late, see the whiteboard at the base lodge for on-site contact information.

A special thanks to LA Narayan and Eva Gifford who have generously taken on an annual fall initiative themselves, getting Torresan's and Johan's cabins prepped for the season. Torresan's and Johan's cabins are looking fantastic for the start of the season. Help was also provided this season by Aladar Reusz, who helped get the outside windows sparkling clean. 

Ski Swap 2024

Black Jack Annual Ski Swap - NOV 2, 2024

Black Jack ‘s Cross Country Ski Swap fundraiser hosted by the Skier Development Program will be held on Nov 2nd at the Main Trailhead Cabin (310 Campbell Road). 

Clean out your closets and bring all nordic gear that you are no longer using. There are a lot of people looking for used cross country ski gear.

TIMING

• Gear check-in:  9:00 am - 11:00 am

• Sales: 11:30 am - 1:30 pm (cash sales only)

• Pick-up of unsold gear and cash out: 2:00 pm  

Cash only

CASH SALES

Note that we are only able to accept cash sales, thank you.

There will also be a waxing fundraiser, BBQ, and samples of Deahlie Sportswear Club and Team apparel.

AGM: Nov 27, 2024 @ 7:00pm

2024 AGM: JOIN in person or online

Black Jack Ski Club members are invited to our Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Wednesday November 27, 2024, at 7:00pm. Hear a summary of the activities from last season and a preview of what is to come.

Attend in person at Miners’ Hall, Lily May Room, 1765 Columbia Avenue. The Lily May room is upstairs. You can also join us remotely through Zoom, using the link below. Contact info@skiblackjack.ca with any questions or concerns.

Input from membership is welcome!

Click the button to join the AGM through Zoom, or use Meeting ID 833 8118 1068 with Passcode 282692. To join through your phone, call 1 778 907 2071. You will initially be in a waiting room and will join the Lily May participants shortly before 7pm.

• Black Jack’s Constitution and Bylaws are posted on our Archive page.

• Miniutes from the board meetings are also accessible from our Archive page.

• Black Jack Ski Club is a society under the BC Societies Act. The board must have at least 3 and no more than 11 members (Part 5 of the Bylaws). Required positions on the board are President, Vice President, Treasurer, and Secretary, with the remaining board members as Directors at Large.

• All voting members in attendance at the AGM are entitled to vote for the board members.

For more information, email info@skiblackjack.ca

Golden City Grind 2024

GOLDEN CITY GRIND 2024

This is a family fun run designed to build community spirit and fitness. Net proceeds are donated to the Black Jack Skier Development Group.

Thank you to all participants and volunteers for another successful Golden City Grind!

9AM SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 8

Registration on Zone4 closed at 6pm on September 7.

1K, 3K, 5K, and 10K

T-SHIRTS

We have shirts for the 2024 Golden City Grind!

Deadline to order is Sat Aug 25.

Adult and youth sizes available.

Lesley Chisholm Photography

View more of Lesley’s photos on Facebook and on Lesley’s webpage.