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!
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!
Biathlon training sessions are at Gold Bar park.
Introductory Programs
2026/2027 Program Information Coming Soon!
Don't panic! We are excited to be making some changes to our programming and will be taking down our program information while we review and update the descriptions. Details and registration will return soon.
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 in both xc skiing and biathlon 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 in both xc skiing and biathlon 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
Adults programs
2026/2027 Program Information Coming Soon!
Don't panic! We are excited to be making some changes to our programming and will be taking down our program information while we review and update the descriptions. Details and registration will return soon.
Our coaches
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Emma Osness
Head coach
Emma has coached ENSC biathlon and cross-country programs since 2024, joining after spending five years coaching with Foothills Nordic. She has raced internationally for the Canadian National Team, and is a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sport. Emma is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and is currently completing a masters in medical sciences.
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Dan Utting
Assistant coach
Dan has been a cornerstone of ENSC Biathlon for many years, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't appreciate his energy and kindness. He's a certified Biathlon Canada Introduction to Competition coach, and when it comes to skiing, you'll most often find him at Goldbar—though Peter Lougheed Provincial Park also has a special place in his heart. Dan’s favourite World Cup skier: is ENSC’s very own Alison Mackie, and his favourite biathlete is Quentin Fillon Maillet (France).
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Peter Rojkovski
Assistant coach
Peter joined ENSC’s coaching crew in 2025 and quickly became a favourite among athletes. He trained and competed with Foothills Nordic and the Biathlon Alberta Training Center before beginning a robotics engineering degree at the UofA in 2023. Whether he's discussing shooting technique, waxing conditions, or robot electronics, Peter brings an infectious enthusiasm and depth of knowledge to everything he does.
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Odessa Bauer
Lead coach - eco aim programs
Our Eco Aims program lead coach, Odessa, has been part of the club since she was a little kid. She embodies everything we love about sport: dedication, passion, and a contagious joy that lifts everyone around her. Odessa takes great pride in connecting with athletes and making sure they feel seen and valued—she’s a cornerstone of our program, and we’re incredibly grateful for her involvement. Outside the club, Odessa is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the UofA, specializing in aerodynamics.
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Scott Gow
Assistant 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.
Questions about the biathlon program?
Send them by email to our head coach, Emma Osness: biathlon.headcoach@edmontonnordic.ca
