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

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

Questions about the biathlon program?

Send them by email to our head coach, Scott Gow: biathlon.headcoach@edmontonnordic.ca

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