BIATHLON

Biathlon Bears Program Description

Biathlon Bears is a three-level progressive skills development program for youth ages 9-12.

The goal of the program is to continuously develop and refine skiing and shooting skills in a safe and fun environment through a combination of drills, games and relays, and to provide an introduction to an active, outdoor sport-for-life.

Biathlon Bears is for young athletes in the FUNdamentals and Learn to Train developmental stages of the Canadian Sport for Life Long Term Athlete Development Model. Biathlon Bears leads into our Development Team program or our Recreational Biathlon Program.

Registration Prerequisites

In order to participate in our Biathlon Bears program, you must meet the following prerequisites:

– membership with the Sea to Sky Nordics (click here to register)
– registration with Biathlon Canada as a “Recreational Athlete” (click here to register)
– registration with CCBC (part of Zone 4 registration)
– no biathlon or shooting experience is required, but prior participation in a biathlon camp, recreational biathlon race or demo day is recommended
– at least one season of cross country skiing experience is required for all levels of Biathlon Bears

Program Levels

The three levels of the program are called Black Bears, Grizzly Bears, and Polar Bears.

Athletes will be assigned into one of the three different levels based on their experience, ability, personal goals, and approach to training.

Black Bears is the entry level for our biathlon program. At this level the goal is to develop existing skiing skills while acquiring basic shooting skills. All participants without prior shooting experience will begin at the Black Bears level.

Grizzly Bears is the next level for experienced biathletes. At this level the goal is to continue to develop skiing skills while consolidating basic shooting skills. At least two years of skiing experience and one year in Black Bears, Young Vikings or equivalent shooting experience is a prerequisite for the Grizzly Bears level.

Polar Bears is for advanced skiers who are passionate about Biathlon and consider it their primary winter sport activity. This level is for young athletes who are interested in progressing to our Development Team. This level is designed to develop and refine skiing skills including speed, power and aerobic fitness, strength and flexibility, and to develop a solid foundation of basic shooting skills for progressing to the Development Team.

2021/21 Fall Schedule

This year we will be offering Fall Training sessions for Bears, starting the week of September 28th. This training is optional, but highly encouraged for athletes who plan to make biathlon their main winter sport.

TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS (choose one or both days)

Tuesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Squamish 4:30 – 6:00
Whistler 6:00 – 7:30 

Wednesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Whistler Olympic Park 4:30 – 6:00

Saturday
Whistler Olympic Park 10:00 – 2:00

Winter Schedule

This winter, the Biathlon Bears program offers training sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays. Optional additional skiing sessions on Tuesday/Thursday nights in Whistler are also available.

In the winter, we recommend that Black and Grizzly Bears ski once on weekends and at least one during the week. Polar Bears should be skiing three times a week.

SUNDAYS
Location: Whistler Olympic Park
Activities: skiing and shooting training.

WEDNESDAYS
Two times/locations to choose from
Cypress 6:00 – 8:00
Whistler Olympic Park 5:30 – 7:30
Activities: Skiing only, no shooting training.

Program Fees

Program fees cover coaching, lane fees, ammunition, and use of club biathlon rifles.

Main winter session (Wed and Sun) $600

Fall add-on $100 per night

Winter add-on $100 per night

Trail passes are not included in the program fee. Passes can be purchased directly from Lost Lake and/or Whistler Olympic Park. A dual area youth pass is available for $120.

Equipment Required

Participants are required to provide their own ski equipment (skis, boots, poles), for both skate and classic skiing techniques. The skiing program follows the Track Attack coaching model and skiing techniques are split equally between classic and skate sessions throughout the season.

Equipment rentals are available through Whistler Olympic Park, Cypress, and local ski shops.

Participants should come to practice prepared for the weather conditions with multiple sets of pants, jackets, gloves, and hats. At least 3 pairs of gloves and 3 jackets are recommended in wet weather!

PARENT PARTICIPATION

Parent involvement is a required part of our Biathlon Bears program. This requirement can be fulfilled by helping with coaching, doing setup/takedown at practices, assisting on the range, volunteering at events, or by assisting with the administration of the program.

Parents who are interested in coaching or volunteering at events are encouraged to take a Silver Coach workshop and an Entry Level Officials Course. More info available.

Juniors 12-14 

Fall Training Days

Monday
Online

Tuesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Squamish 4:30 – 6:00
Whistler 6:00 – 7:30 

Wednesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Whistler Olympic Park 4:30 – 6:00

Saturday
Whistler Olympic Park 9:00 – 2:00

Winter Training Days

Monday
Online

Wednesday
Ski: Cypress, Whistler Olympic Park 

Saturday
Saturday – Shooting and ski 

**Optional Ski sessions Tuesday and Thursday – Lost Lake Whistler.

Program Descriptions

Full Program ~140 sessions

Comprehensive program and training from May until March.

Multisport Athlete ~ 130 sessions

This program is meant for athletes in other programming in the spring. 
Athletes can choose one dryland training session in the spring only.
Athletes need to consult with the coach if the program is appropriate. 
Full programming in Fall and Winter

Fall and winter only ~100 sessions

Designed for first year juniors.
Athletes will need to attend a summer camp to become familiar with shooting with a sling prior to fall training.

Included: 

• General training plan
• Coach monitored training log through Training Peaks – Basic account
• 3 Individual Coach meetings/ year

Expectations/Commitments:  

• Committed to attend training sessions
• Strives to achieve 350-400 hours of training per year
• Learns to communicate independently with coaches
• Makes an effort to complete training log
• Maintains a positive growth mindset

Juniors Program Fees:

Full Program $1700.00

Multi Sport Athlete $1500.00

Fall and Winter $1250.00

Winter add-on $100 per night

Seniors 15-18

Fall Training Days

Monday
Online

Tuesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Squamish 4:30 – 6:00
Whistler 6:00 – 7:30 

Wednesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Whistler Olympic Park 4:30 – 6:00

Saturday
Whistler Olympic Park 9:00 – 2:00

Winter Training Days

Monday
Online session

Tuesday
Ski Lost Lake Whistler

Wednesday
Ski: Cypress, Whistler Olympic Park 

Thursday
Ski Lost Lake Whistler 

Saturday
Shooting and ski 

PROGRAM DESCRIPTIONS

Full Program ~190 sessions

Comprehensive program and training from May until March.

Multi Sport Athlete ~170 sessions

This program is meant for athletes in other programming in the spring. 
Athletes can choose one dryland training session in the spring only.
Athletes need to consult with the coach if the program is appropriate. 

Included: 

• Individualized training plan
• Coach monitored training log through Training Peaks – Basic account
• 6 Individual Coach meetings/ year

Expectations/Commitments:  

• Highly motivated
• Committed to attend training sessions
• Strives to achieve 450-600 hours of training per year
• Communicates independently with coaches 
• Completes training log weekly with appropriate RPE and comments
• Maintains a positive growth mindset

Seniors Program Fees :

Full Program $2250.00

Multi Sport Athlete $2000.00

Fall and Winter $1250.00 (coach approved only)

Winter add-on $100 per night

Fees can be paid in full on zone 4 or in three instalments May 15, Sept 15, Nov 15

Additional Costs: 

Sea to Sky Nordics Membership click here

Biathlon Canada Membership click here

CCBC Membership – part of registration

Sport Pass – Whistler Olympic Park click here, Lost Lake Pass click here and/or Cypress Pass click here

Race Fees, race ammo, race wax

Camp fees – ie. Summer training, Christmas and Spring Break

Biathlon Rifle Rental Agreement 2021/22

Recreational Biathlon Program Description

Attention teenagers! Sea to Sky Nordics is expanding it’s biathlon program and we are now offering a Recreational Biathlon program for youth 13 to 17 years! This program is ideal for Nordic skiers or biathletes that are interested in staying in Nordic sports but are not keen on the competitive stream (at least right now!). The goal of this program is to keep teenagers in Nordic sports and to introduce them to the beautiful sport of biathlon. We will focus on fun, teamwork and fitness. Two practices per week are mandatory (one skiing weeknight practice in North Vancouver or Whistler and one skiing and shooting weekend day practice in Whistler). You also have the option of adding another weeknight practice. At least one year of skate skiing training/lessons is required to join (biathlon bears, jackrabbits/track attack or equivalent). No shooting experience is necessary.

2021/21 Fall Schedule

We are offering some optional Fall Training sessions for the Recreational Biathlon program, starting the week of September 28th.

TUESDAYS/WEDNESDAYS (choose one or both days)

Tuesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Squamish 4:30 – 6:00
Whistler 6:00 – 7:30 

Wednesday
NV 6:00 – 7:30
Whistler Olympic Park 4:30 – 6:00

Saturday
Whistler Olympic Park 10:00 – 2:00

Winter Schedule

The Recreational Biathlon program offers training sessions on Wednesdays and Sundays. Optional additional skiing sessions on Tuesday/Thursday nights in Whistler are also available.

SUNDAYS
Location: Whistler Olympic Park
Activities: skiing and shooting training.

WEDNESDAYS
Two times/locations to choose from
Cypress 6:00 – 8:00
Whistler Olympic Park 5:30 – 7:30
Activities: Skiing only, no shooting training.

Program Fees

Program fees cover coaching, lane fees, ammunition, and use of club biathlon rifles.

Recreational Fall and Winter $700

Main winter session (Wed and Sun) $600

Fall add-on $100 per night

Winter add-on $100 per night

Trail passes are not included in the program fee. Passes can be purchased directly from Lost Lake and/or Whistler Olympic Park. A dual area youth pass is available for $120.

Masters Biathlon Program Description

Our Masters Biathlon program is a training program for experienced biathletes age 19 and older. Organized shooting training sessions are provided in connection with our Development Team practices.

Registration Prerequisites

In order to register in our Masters/Recreational Biathlon program, you must meet the following prerequisites:

– previous participation in our Masters Biathlon program or Recreational Biathlon program, or equivalent experience
– membership with the Sea to Sky Nordics (click here to register)
– registration with Biathlon Canada as a “Masters Athlete” (click here to register)
– have a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)
– have your own biathlon rifle

2021-2022 Schedule & Dates

FALL SEASON: SEPTEMBER-NOVEMBER

In Fall, our Masters Biathlon program is offering self-paced training on Saturdays. There is no cost to participate in these sessions.

WINTER SEASON: DECEMBER-MARCH

SATURDAYS

Dates: TBD
Time: TBD
Location: Whistler Olympic Park
Activities: shooting and skiing training.

PROGRAM FEES

Program fees include coaching and lane fees at training sessions. Program fees do not include trail passes or ammunition.

Masters must provide their own ammunition.

WINTER SEASON: DECEMBER-MARCH

Saturdays: $300

Equipment Required

Masters must provide their own biathlon rifle, ammunition, and skate roller ski equipment.

For on-snow training, skate skiing equipment (skis, boots, poles) is required.