Laser Biathlon Try-It events to see over 2,200 Nordic athletes this winter

As part of the International Biathlon Union’s (IBU) Biathlon 4 All campaign, U.S. Biathlon has hosted Laser Biathlon Try-It events all over the country, with more to come this season. The program aims to grow the interest of biathlon at the grassroots level by providing an opportunity for Nordic athletes to try biathlon using a laser rifle set-up, which doesn’t require range, allowing for all interested communities to participate. 

So far this winter, events have taken place at locations in all regions of the United States: Ariens Nordic Center, Soldier Hollow Nordic Center, Anchorage Biathlon Club, Fairbanks Biathlon Club, Sleetmute, AK, Craftsbury Outdoor Center, HSC Massachusetts Biathlon Club, Colorado Biathlon Club, Crested Butte Nordic Club, Glacier Nordic Club, Vail Ski & Snowboard Club, and the American Birkebiner Expo. This season’s goal is to introduce over 2,000 youth Nordic skiers to biathlon, which is well within reach as there are still events to come this winter season.

This past weekend, the Laser Try-It program had its largest one-day participation at multiple venues around the country with over 750 youth Nordic skiers giving biathlon a shot at three different youth ski festivals: Bill Koch Ski Festival in Waterville, ME, Rocky Mountain Ski Festival in Frisco, CO, and Intermountain Nordic Youth Ski Festival in Driggs, ID. 

Still to come this winter, the Laser Try-It program will hold events in California, Alaska, and Colorado, projected to exceed 2,200 youth participants. Thank you to the U.S. Biathlon clubs, venues and Nordic communities for your support and effort to grow the sport of biathlon in the United States.