About Youth Biathlon

The opportunity to participate in biathlon is available to members who are also enrolled in a Middle School or High School cross-country ski racing program at Blackhawk or another club/school. New participants need to have at least one year of Nordic skate ski racing to be eligible to join a biathlon team. For more information about the Blackhawk Nordic Ski Team, click here.

Youth must demonstrate the mental and physical maturity to handle a biathlon rifle to be in the program. The program is led by USBA certified coaches with many years of experience, and safety is our top priority.

The Introductory Middle School program is geared towards teaching basic biathlon skills including safety. Participants must have experience Nordic Skiing. The cost of the Introductory Middle School program is $200, and the program runs from early December through early March. The fee includes coaching, ammunition, use of a biathlon rifle at practice, and other range equipment. Participants are expected to compete in local races throughout the season. Participation in races may require additional fees paid directly by participants.

The Advanced Middle School program is geared towards teaching biathlon racing skills including Nordic ski racing technique, range procedures, and shooting skills for biathlon racing, while emphasizing safety. The cost of the Advanced Middle School program is $200 and the program runs from late November through early March. The fee includes coaching, ammunition, use of a biathlon rifle at practice and other range equipment. Participants are expected to compete in local and regional races and can participate in their age group at national events, which will require additional fees paid directly by participants.

The High School biathlon program is for biathletes with previous experience in biathlon and Nordic ski races and who plan to continue racing throughout the season. High School biathletes need to be physically strong enough to shoot standing and ski with a rifle. All participants in the high school biathlon program will need to have their own biathlon rifle or lease a biathlon rifle from Blackhawk.  A very limited number of club rifles are available for lease by youth in the high school program for a fee of $250 for the season. Biathletes leasing a rifle are expected to maintain the rifle and return it cleaned and in good condition. The cost of the high school biathlon program is $225 and the program runs from late November through early March. The fee includes coaching and other range equipment and ammunition for practices. Participation in races will require additional fees paid directly by participants.

Adult biathlon participants are expected to have their own skis, rifle, and ammunition. Adults must take the two-part rifle safety certification and become a Blackhawk Ski Club member to participate in any adult practice at Blackhawk. Please visit the Biathlon page for more information.

Summer Practice Schedule

• High School (10-12) TBD

• Middle School TBD

• Adult biathlon TBD

USBA Certification

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

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