ENSC Biathlon

What is biathlon?

Biathlon is an Olympic winter sport that combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle marksmanship. It’s a demanding discipline that tests both physical stamina and mental focus. During races, athletes alternate between skiing and shooting at fixed intervals, aiming to complete the course in the shortest time possible—while avoiding time penalties for missed targets.

Despite its intensity (or perhaps because of it), the biathlon community is known for being dynamic, supportive, and welcoming to newcomers. So, what are you waiting for? Register today and experience the most exciting winter sport firsthand!

Learn more about biathlon

Shooting

Skiing

Smiling!

Our programs - overview

We separate our programs in four groups: introduction, development, racing and adult programs.

Adult

Age range: 18 years old and older
Rifle type: .22 calibre biathlon rifles. Rifles are available for rent with the club.
Biathlon training sessions are at the Strathcona Science provincial park.

Development and racing

Age range: 12 years old and older
Rifle type: .22 calibre biathlon rifles. Rifles are available for rent with the club.
Biathlon training sessions are at the Strathcona Science Provincial Park.

Introduction

Age range: 9-12 years old
Rifle type: eco aims. Eco aim rifles are a no-risk laser rifles for a 100% safe introduction to the sport!
Jackrabbit eco-aims are located at Gold Bar Park and open to Jackrabbits from Edmonton Nordic and adjacent clubs
U10/U12 eco-aims is open to only skiers registered in Edmonton Nordic’s U10/U12 with practices held at Strathcona Science Provincial Park

Introductory Programs

U10/U12

Eco-aims Bears Program

When:

Monday OR Wednesday nights 6:30 - 7:30 pm
November 16th & 18th to March 8th & 10th
NO programming December 21st & 23rd, 29th & 31st.

Where: Strathcona Science Park

Cost: $120 program base cost & ENSC and Biathlon Canada membership

Who:

Open to Edmonton Nordic’s U10/U12 and Adventure Club youth. Families registered in Track Attack programs from Central Alberta may also register.
Must have graduated level 4 Jackrabbits and be registered in a central Alberta cross country skiing program during the 2026 - 2027 ski season.
Must be 9 before January 1st, 2027

Equipment Required:

1 pair of skate skis, poles and boots. Equipment may be available to rent through the club.
Due to a shortage of equipment, participants in the program are being asked to share a rifle between families. It will be the responsibility of the families to ensure the rifle is charged up and brought to each practice. The Club will have no additional rifles on hand if a family fails to charge or bring their allotted rifle.
$75 eco-aims rental per family; $200 deposit

Volunteer Commitment:

It is expected that one parent will volunteer at each practice to learn the set up and operation of the system, and assist the coach. This system is also designed to train parents so that they can assist with preparation for eco-aims categories at races. Sign up will be through TeamSnap.

Racing:

Racing is NOT included in the program. If people want to race they can purchase a Race Support Pass for either a single race, a weekend or pay $200 for the whole season of Calforex Cup races. These passes can be purchased through TeamSnap with the money going towards supporting the costs of having coaches at races.

Jackrabbit Eco-aims

When:

12:30 - 1:15 pm on Saturdays
December 5th - March 20th

Cost: $100

Where: Gold Bar Park

Who:

Open to Jackrabbits from Devon Nordic, St. Albert Nordic, Edmonton Nordic, Pembina Nordic, Strathcona Wilderness Center, Fort Saskatchewan Nordic and other central Alberta clubs
Must be 9 before January 1st, 2027
Must be registered in level 3 or level 4 Jackrabbits. Edmonton Nordic’s learn to ski program is also eligible. May not be registered in U10/U12 or Track Attack programs.

Equipment Required:

1 pair of skate skis, poles and boots. Equipment may be available to rent through the club.
Eco-aims are provided at no cost.

Development & Racing Programs

U16-U18-U20 Biathlon

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Four days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Tuesday: 6:30-8:00 with cross-country
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Thursday: 6:30-8:00 with cross- country
Saturday: 10:00-12:00 with cross-country

Support at provincial level races, known as the Calforex Cup series, is included.

At least one adult per household needs to have a firearms license (PAL).

Cost:

U16 - U20 biathlon: $1675
Biathlon Canada, Nordiq Canada, Alberta Nordiq, & Edmonton Nordic Ski Club membership is an additional cost.

Required Equipment:

Skis – classic and skate skis
Boots – Classic and skate boots are recommended however combi boots are acceptable
Poles – classic poles, skate poles, ski striding poles
Headlamp
Roller Skis and helmet – must own both classic and skate roller skis
Rock skis are not mandatory but can be useful for early and late season training
Rifle (rental available through the club for $300/season)
Ammunition

U14 Biathlon

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Four days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Tuesday: 6:30-8:00 with cross-country
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Saturday: 10:00-12:00 with cross-country

Support at provincial level races, known as the Calforex Cup series, is included.

At least one adult per household needs to have a firearms license (PAL).

Cost:

U14 biathlon: $1475
Biathlon Canada, Nordiq Canada, Alberta Nordiq, & Edmonton Nordic Ski Club membership is an additional cost.

Required Equipment:

Skis – classic and skate skis
Boots – Classic and skate boots are recommended however combi boots are acceptable
Poles – classic poles, skate poles, ski striding poles
Headlamp
Roller Skis and helmet – must own skate roller skis. Classic roller ski rentals available through ENSC
Rock skis are not mandatory but can be useful for early and late season training
Rifle (rental available through the club for $300/season)
Ammunition

Adult Programs

Edmonton Nordic will not be offering formal adult biathlon programming for the season. Stay tuned for new and revamped program options in 2027 - 2028!

Our coaches

Scott Gow

Head Coach
Does Scott even need an introduction? One of the most successful biathletes in Canadian history, Scott Gow has represented Canada on the world stage for over a decade, including a top-five finish at the Olympics and a bronze medal at the World Championships. Of course, that wasn’t enough—since retiring, he is now studying medicine at the University of Alberta. His dedication and discipline translate seamlessly into coaching, where athletes appreciate his attention to detail and calm, thoughtful guidance.
Maeve Lindsay

Assistant Coach