Skip to main content

Register Now

The Blackhawk Biathlon program first started in 2002 when Mark Torresani set up a makeshift range with a handful of air rifles and targets. Since then, it has grown into a full-fledged biathlon club with a ten-lane range and snow making capabilities. Blackhawk Biathlon Club is a racing program for youth ages 10 and older. Beginner and less experienced biathletes will start as a part of the Developmental Race Team. On this team, participants will learn the basics of rifle safety, shooting and racing. Once an athlete has fully developed the basic skills they may then advance to the Junior Race Team to hone their shooting and skiing skills before joining the Senior Race Team.

Our coaches are experienced and USBA certified. Their goal is to make biathlon a safe, fun experience while building self confidence and athletic skills in our biathletes. 

Safety is a priority. To be considered for a spot on one of our race teams, youth must demonstrate the mental and physical maturity to handle a biathlon rifle. 

Blackhawk Biathlon’s winter race season begins in early November for the junior and senior teams and early December for the developmental team.  The season ends in mid-March. There are options for summer and fall training for those interested.


 

The Development Race Team 

  • Must have a minimum of one year on a nordic race team, such as Nordic Kids Junior Ski team, Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team, Madnorski Nordic Ski Team, etc. and be proficient at skate skiing.

  • Need to pass the United States Biathlon Association (USBA) Basic Rifle Safety Certification Course

  • Will use 22 caliber rifles and ammunition provided by the club

  • Will learn the proper shooting and skiing skills needed to be a biathlete

  • Stay for one to two years depending on skills developed, attitude, and available space at the junior level.

  • Participate in all Blackhawk club races (usually 4/winter season; other races at other venues will be considered optional)

The Junior Race Team 

  • Must have spent at least one year on the Developmental Race Team

  • Continue as a member of a nordic race team

  • Will develop more precision shooting skills

  • Train outside of organized practice team practices. This would include skiing (snow and rollerskiing), dry firing, summer camps, and strength and endurance training.

  • Purchase own rifle by the end of 8th grade.

  • Moving from the Junior Race Team to the Senior Race Team dependent on development of solid and consistent shooting and skiing skills and available space at senior level.

  • Participate in all races in Wisconsin with the possibility of going to nationals' competitions.

The Senior Race Team 

  • Develop higher level shooting and skiing skills

  • Train year around, including high performance camps

  • Attend Midwest races, with the possibility of attending the Youth and Junior Nationals and Senior Nationals

 

General Program Information 

Registration for the 2024-2025 season opens September 10, 2024 (for returning club members) and September 24, 2024 (for new club members). For instructions, refer to:  https://blackhawkskiclub.org/membership-types

After registration, skier families will be included in team communication via SportsYou.

For questions regarding the youth biathlon program contact Josh Wilson at joshua.wilson.215@gmail.com

Requirements 

Skiers must have a Limited Access Membership or Full Access Membership in Blackhawk Ski Club before registering for the HS or MS program.  

A USBA membership and Basic Rifle Safety Course, both online and in person portions, are required to participate in practices or races at BlackHawk. 

https://www.teamusa.org/us-biathlon/membership/join-usba-online

Skate skis, boots and poles. Rentals are available through the Nordic program.

Rifles and ammo will be provided for biathletes.


 

Classifieds

Blackhawk Biathlon Club Buy Sell

To place an add contact jrenehamel@gmail.com

 Also see theses other biathlon club classifieds- https://www.coloradobiathlon.org/  ,  http://washingtonbiathlon.org/classifieds

IMPORTANT: Know the laws in your state that pertain to buying and selling rifles. If you are selling to someone in another state it has to be shipped to an FFL dealer.

 

Two Izhmash 7-2’s        (10-22-25)
#1 Izhmash 7-2 RH
    Lost Nation Stock
    Williams front and rear sights (no snow covers)
    Biatar Harness 
    Lost Nation Sling 
    4 mags. 
    $2450

#2 Izhmash 7-2 RH
    Lost Nation Stock
    Gehman rear sight
     Lost Nation front sight 
     Barnett sling
     4 magazines
     $2850
If not a Wisconsin resident or it needs to be shipped, shipping costs will be added to the total price of the rifle.
Contact jrenehamel at gmail dot com

Savage MK II FVT
    Lost Nation Stock
    Gehmann sights
    Biatar harness
    Lost Nation sling
    2 magazines
    Larsen carry bag
$1750 plus shipping if needed
Contact jlc004 at yahoo dot com

 

Ammo - 300 rounds of Browning Pro 22 Target and 155 rounds of CCI target $45 for all
Contact jrenehamel at gmail dot com

Coaches 

Senior Race Team 
   Lead Caoch - Dave Varland   dave.varland@gmail.com
   Assistants - Karl Hassrick and Todd LeBeau

Junior Race Team
  Lead Coach - Ian Olson Ian   ianolson@gmail.com
  Assistants - Todd Breiby and Jeff Lee

Developmental Race Team
  Lead Coach - Mark Torresoni Mark torresanimark@gmail.com
  Assistants - Mike Conway and Michael Cheadle 

Schedule 

Practices will begin the first week in November for the Junior and Senior race teams and the first week in December for the Developmental race team.

  • Senior Race Team - Wednesday evenings 5:30 - 7:00 pm

  • Junior Race Team - Tuesday evenings 5:30 - 7:00 pm

  • Developmental Race Team - Thursday evenings 5:30 - 6:30

Winter fees are $225for junior and seniors, $200 for the Developmental Race Team. Fees include coaching, ammunition and use of club rifles.

2025/26 Race schedule

December 
6-7 Mt. Itasca Regional races 1 & 2
13th Ariens Club race
14th Blackhawk Club race
27-31 USBA Youth and Junior Trails, Lake Placid

January
4th Elk River Club race
11th Ariens Club race
17-18 Regional races 3&4 Blackhawk
25th Elk River

February
13-15 USBA Masters Championship
28th Duluth Club race

March
1st Blackhawk Club race
1st Duluth Club race
6-7 Regional Race 5 & 6 Ariens
26-31 USBA Senior National Chamionships

*Race dates and location are subject to change based on snow and weather conditions.