BIATHLON
Our biathlon programs and for ages 10 and up. Click on each program link for more details on each program including upcoming program dates and registration.
September 2021 Update – Volunteer Coaches Needed!
The capacity of our biathlon programs is limited by the number of NCCP certified skiing and shooting coaches we have. We are currently recruiting coaches to increase the capacity of our Biathlon Bears and Development Team programs. NCCP coaching courses and technical training are provided by local facilitators. Parents who coach are guaranteed spots in our programs for their children! If you are interested in becoming a coach for our biathlon program, please contact biathlon@seatoskynordics.ca.
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Biathlon Bears
Biathlon Bears is a three-level progressive skills development program for youth ages 9-12.LEARN MORE -
Development Team
A skills development, training and race program for experienced skiers ages 12-18.LEARN MORE -
Recreational Biathlon
Recreational Biathlon program for youth 13 to 17 yearsLEARN MORE -
Masters Biathlon
Our Masters Biathlon program is a training program for experienced biathletes age 19 and older.LEARN MORE
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 – from December 5, 2021 to March 12, 2022.
Location: Whistler Olympic Park 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Activities: Skiing and shooting training.
WEDNESDAYS – from December 15 – March 9, 2022
Two times/locations to choose from
Cypress 6:30 – 8:00
Whistler Olympic Park 5:00 – 6:30 pm
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.
Sign up for Biathlon Bears
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
Sign up for Development Team
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 – from December 5, 2021 to March 12, 2022.
Location: Whistler Olympic Park 9:30 am – 3:30 pm
Activities: Skiing and shooting training.
WEDNESDAYS – from December 15 – March 9, 2022
Two times/locations to choose from
Cypress 6:30 – 8:00
Whistler Olympic Park 5:00 – 6:30 pm
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.
Sign up for Recreational Biathlon
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.
