U.S. Masters Nationals, NorAm Masters Championships Set for February at Ariens Nordic Center

In partnership with Ariens Nordic Center, an official U.S. Biathlon National Training Center, U.S. Biathlon invites all masters athletes to the first-ever U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and NorAm Masters Championships in Brillion, WI February 14-16, 2025.   

To provide the masters biathlon community with additional domestic racing opportunities, Ariens Nordic Center has stepped up to create a three-day race weekend packed with a sprint, mass start, individual, biathlon shootout and a social event for all. This event has been created in collaboration with Biathlon Canada and is conveniently timed to have the American Birkebeiner races and Expo taking place the following weekend just a short road trip away, offering the opportunity for masters biathletes to hit two events in one Midwest adventure.

Medals will be up for grabs in five different masters age categories (30-39, 40-49, 50-59, 60-69, 70+), for both the U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and NorAm Masters Championships. In addition, the event will include a U30 “Open” category so that athletes under 30 years of age may participate for Ariens Nordic Center Biathlon Festival podium prizes.

Gregg Pattison, U.S. Biathlon masters athlete, co-RD, and Ariens Nordic Center coach encourages the masters community to participate this February! "Come do this sport we love. Whether a lanterne rouge or podium finisher, this is a world class venue and event for our masters athletes," said Pattison. 

Ariens Nordic Center features a 5k lighted trail network for cross-country skiing designed by Morton Trails, 20-point Kurvinen Biathlon Target System and a robust snowmaking system, a world-class facility to host the masters biathlon community! Visit AriensNordic.com for more information.

Registration is now live, so click HERE to sign up! Once you are on the registration page, click the DOWNLOADS tab for the latest invitation letter, course maps, and profiles. While this event will serve as the official U.S. Biathlon National Championships for Masters athletes, all masters athletes are also encouraged to race at the 2025 U.S. Biathlon Senior Nationals & Spring Festival March 26-30, taking place in Bozeman, MT at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center. 

Schedule of Events - U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals & NorAm Masters Championships

(SUBJECT TO CHANGE)

Thursday, February 13

8:00 AM – 5:00 PM Open skiing, course preview

2:00 PM – 4:00 PM Open Range

5:00 PM – 5:30 PM Athlete Meeting (ZOOM option)

Friday, February 14

8:00 AM – 4:00 PM Open skiing, course preview

10:00 PM – 1:00 PM Training with open range

1:00 PM – 2:30 PM Bib pickup

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Equipment Control

2:00 PM – 3:30 PM Zero (duration determined by qty of athletes, includes paper change)

4:00 PM – 6:00 PM Sprint Race - 30 second interval start

Saturday, February 15

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Bib pickup

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM ZERO (duration determined by qty of athletes, includes paper change)

10:45 AM  Mass Start Race, Wave 1 – approx. 40 athletes 

11:30 AM Mass Start Race, Wave 2 – next approx. 40 athletes

12:15 PM Mass Start Race, Wave 3 – next approx. 40 athletes

Quantity of waves will increase or diminish based upon qty of athletes racing

3:45 PM – 4:15 PM Shootout Challenge for all

4:30 PM – 7:00 PM Social event for all at Ariens Nordic Center

Sunday, February 16

8:00 AM – 9:00 AM Bib pickup

9:00 AM – 10:30 AM Zero (duration determined by qty of athletes, includes paper change)

10:45 AM  Individual Race - 30 second interval start