Biathlon Programs

Ski Fast and Shoot Straight

Biathlon is a Winter Olympic sport combining cross country skiing and rifle marksmanship. Our program is about fun, fitness and fulfillment.

1. - Ski a short loop, 1 - 4 km long
2. - Shoot five bullets at five targets
3. - Ski another loop and shoot again.

Race distances and shooting positions vary according to age and competition format. Penalties are assessed for each missed target.

Younger competitors, under 13, compete with air rifles, while older athletes compete with 0.22 cal. rifles. Athletes under fifteen shoot prone (lying down), older athletes shoot both prone and standing. Biathletes usually use skating technique for skiing the loops between shooting bouts.

Biathlon is a very safe and safety conscious sport. The combination of mental discipline and physical effort is unique in winter sports.

Edmonton Nordic has a long tradition in cross country skiing and biathlon, and has produced many National Team members, including current National Biathlon Team member Jaime Robb.

To register for Biathlon Programs visit our registration page.

*New for 2009/2010*

Edmonton Nordic and Biathlon Alberta are teaming up to present "Biathlon: An introductory program for school children", a school visit program for grades 5-8. More information is available in the program brochure.

Biathlon Program Summary (back to top)

The ENSC Biathlon program is integrated with the cross country skiing program and offers both skiing and shooting training. Our ambition is to put on a fun program that leads to fitness and technical accomplishment, while producing a lifelong love of Nordic winter sports in the participants.

Ski training is available on Tuesday and Thursday evenings plus weekends at Gold Bar Park. Shooting training takes place Wednesday evenings and on the weekends at the ENSC Biathlon Facility in Strathcona Science Park (17th St.).

This program is offered to ENSC members aged 9 through to Masters (35+).

Young participants start out in Biathlon Bears and graduate, at age 13 into the main stream Biathlon program. Endurance fitness, technical skill in shooting and skiing, as well as good mental focus is required to participate effectively.

Beginners are welcome. Our highly qualified coaching team will show you how to achieve success in Biathlon.

You must be an Edmonton Nordic Ski Club member to participate in the Biathlon program and a Biathlon Alberta - Biathlon Canada member to compete in Calforex Cup competitions.

Biathlon Bears (back to top)

Biathlon Bears is a safe and fun environment in which children aged 9-12 can learn the basic skills of Biathlon. Each Biathlon Bears program is eight weeks long, offered at the following times:

• Eight sessions, once per week for 8 weeks
• Saturday 10:00, starting November 02nd
• Maximum of 8 per group
• $55.00 for 8 sessions

• Eight sessions, once per week for 8 weeks
• Saturday 10:00, starting January 11th.
• Maximum of 8 per group
• $55.00 for 8 sessions

Each program will provide the young athletes the opportunity to compete in a local race, and those who are very keen may wish to participate in a provincial cup race (cost of race not included in program). These provincial cup races are part of the provincial racing circuit and bring athletes in from all over the province ranging in age from 9- 55.  It is optional register in appropriate level Jack Rabbits ski lessons as well.

Each program will provide the young athletes the opportunity to compete in a local race, and those who are very keen may wish to participate in a provincial Calforex Cup race (cost of Calforex not included).  Participants may register in the Jack Rabbits learn to ski program and or learn to ski with the Bears program.

The Biathlon Bears program has three, progressive, levels:  Black Bears, Grizzly Bears and Polar Bears, with appropriate participation and skill achievement badges for the participants. A take-home skill tracking passport is given to each child enrolled in the program.

Registration: For more information and registration, email Bryan Singleton at: .

2008-2009 Biathlon Race Schedule (back to top)

Edmonton Nordic athletes will be competing in many events this year, including ENSC's regional races, Calforex Cup Races, Alberta and Western Canadian Championships, and the National Biathlon Championships.

For a full race schedule, visit Biathlon Alberta's website and click on "competition calendar".

Cross Country Race Programs Contact Information (back to top)

Brian Singleton Phone:780- 488-7432