Blackhawk has approximately 5km of cross country trails (see map). There are easy trails for beginners by the East Chalet that run through a stand of 40-year-old white pines. There are steeper and longer trails that go down Hill #6, around the 60m ski jump and up to the top of Hill #2. Blackhawk trails also connect with longer trails on Pleasant View Golf Course. Blackhawk makes snow and grooms its cross country trails. Trails are lit during regular hours of operation. When the snow may be gone everywhere else, Blackhawk is sure to have a stretch of snow for cross country enthusiasts.Blackhawk partners with the Madison Nordic Ski Club (MadNorSki) to offer high school and middle school cross country programs for Madison area youth. Many Blackhawk members are members of MadNorSki as well.Blackhawk offers a cross country ski program to disadvantaged youth through the Madison School Community Recreation. Volunteers are needed for this 8-week program. People interested in volunteering should send an email to the address listed below.

Nordic Programs

High School Cross Country Program
This program is for high school students, grades 9-12, of all abilities. Skiers will focus on technique for skate and classical skiing along with developing fitness through strength, speed and endurance workouts. Practices are Monday, Tuesday, Wednesday and Thursday evenings from 5:00-6:30 pm. Practices are held at Blackhawk, Elver Park, and other places depending on weather conditions. For exact practice schedule and description seehttp://www.madnorski.org. Coaching cost for practices and races is included in the program. Races are optional and are held on weekends around the state and Tuesday nights at Elver Park. Travel costs for races and race fees are not included. The season runs November 1st-March 1st. Racers are encouraged to purchase their own equipment. Participants need to be members of Blackhawk and MadNorSki.

Middle School Cross Country Program
This program is for middle school students, grades 6-8, of all abilities. Skiers will focus on technique for skate and classical skiing along with developing fitness through strength, speed and endurance workouts. Practices are Monday and Wednesday evenings from 5:00-6:30 p.m. with an optional Tuesday night race in January and February. Practices are held at Blackhawk, Elver Park and other places depending on weather. For exact practice schedule and description see http://www.madnorski.org. The season runs December 1st-March 1st. Coaching cost for practices and races is included in the program. There will be optional out of town races on weekends. Travel costs for races and race fees are not included. Racers are encouraged to purchase their own equipment. Participants need to be members of Blackhawk and MadNorSki.

Adult Cross Country Ski Options
Blackhawk members can ski the Blackhawk groomed trails during normal club hours or access Blackhawk trails by entering through the pedestrian gate at other times during the day. Blackhawk trails connect with the Pleasant View Golf Course for a longer workout. Madison city parks, Elver and Odana, have groomed trails. An annual or day pass is required to use these trails. Free lessons and weekly races are available at Elver Park when there is snow through the MadNorSki. See http://www.madnorski.org for more details. Adults need to purchase their own equipment. Some sporting good stores offer rentals.

For more information

The information sheet for Nordic Skiing is updated 2012-2013-HS-MSXC Program Information in pdf format for downloading, or please contact us via email.