Prerequisites: Must have a minimum of one year on a Nordic race team, such as Nordic Kids Junior Ski team, Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team, Madnorski Juniors, etc. and be proficient at skate skiing. Participants are required to pass the United States Biathlon Association (USBA) Basic Rifle Safety Certification Course and maintain valid USBA membership. All biathletes must display the level of maturity necessary to learn and practice safe rifle handling.

Participants will use .22 caliber rifles and ammunition provided by the club. They will learn the shooting skills needed for biathlon and will further develop their skiing abilities. Developmental Team members typically stay on this team for one to two years depending on skills developed, attitude, and available space at the Junior Team level. We encourage participation in all Blackhawk club races (usually 3-4/winter season, plus offseason races) and races at other biathlon venues such as Ariens Nordic Center, with a requirement of at least two races per year. All biathlon participants must also be registered for a Nordic race team and fulfill WNSL attendance requirements. 

The Developmental Team is currently full for the 2026-2027 season. If your child meets the prerequisites and would like to be considered for a spot on the 2026-2027 Developmental Team if a spot opens up, please fill out the form here.

General Program Information 

Registration for the 2026-2027 season opens September 15, 2026 (for returning club members) and September 29, 2026 (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 outh biathlon program contact Suzanne Cheadle at suzanne.cheadle@blackhawkskiclub.org

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

 

Equipment 

• RIFLES AND AMMO WILL BE PROVIDED BY THE BLACKHAWK BIATHLON CLUB FOR USE AT PRACTICES AND RACES ONLY. RIFLE USE FEES APPLY TO ALL YOUTH BIATHLETES USING CLUB RIFLES.
  
  Participants need to provide their own skate skis, boots, and poles. 
  
  Skis and poles can be rented through the Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team Program (BNST).  Boots can be purchased through Out There Nordic (our equipment partner) or other retailers.  Please see BNST details for more information on rentals.

   

Coaches 

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. 

Schedule 

Winter practices for the Developmental Race team will begin on December 3rd and end in mid March.

Each Thursday night practice begins at 5:30 and end at 7:00 pm.

Winter fees are $200 for the Developmental team plus a $50 rifle fee. Fees include coaching, ammunition, and use of a club rifle while at practice or races and under a coach's supervision.