BIATHLON

Program Description

For athletes 13+ who want to commit to training all year. Athletes will attend between 2-3 dryland sessions and 1-2 shooting sessions a week. Athletes are expected to arrive prepared and ready to train with intention. Athletes will make an effort to have a growth mindset, and be ready to learn and progress. It is the expectation that athletes will compete in regional races, BC Cups and if age appropriate Nationals.

*Athletes will need skate roller skis. Classic roller skis are recommended for ages 15 and under, and are required for 16 and over.

*Athletes will need to purchase their own cuff.

*This year we will have a limited number of rifles to rent for senior/youth athletes with priority going to the Race Program.

2022 Fall Sessions

Age : 13+ previous ski and race required

Dates : Sept 11 – Nov 30 (11 weeks)

Shooting Frequency : 1-2x/week

Shooting Sessions : Thurs – Squamish 5-6:30, Sat – WOP 10-2:30

Dryland Frequency : 2-3x/week

Dryland Sessions : Tuesday – Whistler 5:30-7/Squamish 5-6:30/North Van 6-7:30
Wednesday – WOP 5-6:30/North Van 6-7:30, Saturdays – WOP 10-2:30

Program Fees

Saturdays + 2 dryland sessions  : $600

Saturdays + 1 dryland session : $495

Thursdays $140

Dryland only 2x/week $225

Dryland only 3x/week – includes Sat $335

Additional costs

• Biathlon Canada Membership (click here to register)
• Sea to Sky Nordics Membership/CCBC membership (click here to register) 
• Rifle rental *if applicable (click here to view)
• Race Fees

Program Description

For athletes ages 13+ that enjoy the sport of biathlon and want to approach it with a Sport for Life attitude. While still focusing on fundamentals and some training, there is also a focus on fun. This is great for athletes coming out of the Bears program that are not quite ready to make a leap into racing. It is also a great fit for athletes with a minimum of two years cross country ski experience and new to the sport of biathlon. Athletes will be encouraged to participate in club level races as well as BC Cups.

*Athletes will need to purchase their own cuff.

*This year we will have a limited number of rifles to rent for senior/youth athletes with priority going to the Race Program.

2022 Fall Sessions

Age : 13+ with minimum 2 years cross country ski experience

Dates : Sept 11- Nov 30 (11 weeks) ** No Saturday Session Oct 8, Nov 12

Shooting Frequency : 1-2x/week

Shooting Sessions : Thurs – Squamish 5-6:30, Saturday – WOP 10-2:30

Dryland Frequency : 1x/week

Dryland Sessions : Tuesday – Whistler 5:30-7, Squamish 5-6:30,  North Van 6-7:30

Program Fees

Saturdays (9) + 1 dryland (11) $425 ** No session Oct 8, Nov 12

Saturdays (9) $315 ** No session Oct 8, Nov 12

Thursdays (7) $140

Rifle Rental $300

Additional costs

• Biathlon Canada Membership (click here to register)
• Sea to Sky Nordics Membership/CCBC membership (click here to register)
• Rifle rental *if applicable (click here to view)

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

– registration with Biathlon Canada as a “Masters Athlete” (click here to register)

– have a Possession and Acquisition Licence (PAL)

– have your own biathlon rifle

2022 Fall Sessions – updated soon!

Age : 19+

Dates : Sept – Oct

Shooting Frequency : 1-2x/week

Shooting Sessions : Thurs Squamish, Sat WOP  – Times to be determined

Program Fees

** does not include ammo

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.

2022 FALL SESSIONS

This year we will be offering Fall Training sessions for Bears, starting the week of September 18th. This training is optional, but highly encouraged for athletes who plan to make biathlon their main winter sport. Returning Bears are encouraged to attend these sessions and new Bears are welcome!

Age: 9-12

Dates Sept 18 – Oct 30 (no session Oct 9)

Shooting Frequency: 1x/week

Shooting Session: Sunday – Squamish 12:00 – 2:00

Dryland Session: Sunday – Squamish 10-11:30

PROGRAM FEES

Sundays (6) $125

Sea to Sky Nordics Membership (click here to register)
Biathlon Canada membership as a “Recreational Athlete” (click here to register)

Winter Schedule 2022 – updated soon!

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.