Bringing Biathlon to Young Skiers: New Laser Biathlon Training Program Ignites Passion in Nordic Communities

This winter, U.S. Biathlon is piloting a Laser Biathlon Training Program in three Nordic communities that do not yet have biathlon programming, but have plenty of young skiers interested in the sport. The program includes a full curriculum to teach young cross-country skiers the sport of biathlon from introduction and safety, all the way through a full race progression so that they will come out of the program with confidence that they could enter and compete in a live-fire biathlon race when the opportunity presents itself. 

Glacier Nordic Ski Club in Whitefish, Montana is the first community to get started with the 10 laser biathlon rifles, targets, shooting mats, and rifle supports, on loan, and are well on their way to providing high level instruction to their youth and junior athletes. U.S. Biathlon Director of Sport Development, John Farra, was in attendance over the weekend and was impressed with the knowledge and skill of the athletes in the program just a few sessions in. 

"Glacier Nordic is kicking off this program in such a professional way,” said Farra. “They have an awesome range layout, a detailed plan for training sessions, and have even created some sessions for adults and parents in the community, which has already turned out to be a great way to build biathlon awareness, and to get some additional volunteers/helpers for the youth biathlon program." 

Glacier Nordic Coach Ed Visnovske is leading the way on this pilot program, with support from the Executive Director/Coach Jennie Bender, who was a top cross-country ski racer and biathlete herself before retiring to give back to coaching and club development in Whitefish. 

“The Flathead Valley is a prime location for a biathlon program, and Glacier Nordic Club is excited to launch it," said Bender. "It will take new resources, so the process to build will take time, but Ed has been doing an amazing job with the introduction program.”

The conclusion of the Laser Biathlon Training Program will see youth athletes participating in a laser biathlon challenge to display their skiing and shooting skills, and will be invited and encouraged to participate in a biathlon race using live fire .22 caliber biathlon rifles at Seeley Lakes, Montana on February 1, 2025. All participants will also receive U.S. Biathlon swag and invitations to biathlon camps that become available in summer 2025. 

If you live near Whitefish and are interested in giving biathlon a shot, please contact glaciernordicshop@gmail.com! After Whitefish wraps up at the end of January, the biathlon laser rifles and gear will head to Vail, CO in February, and then to Telluride, CO in March!