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 should 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 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.

Winter Practice Schedule

• High School (10-12) practices will be held on Wednesdays from 5:30 - 7pm.

• 8th and 9th grade practices will be held on Tuesdays from 5:30 - 7pm.

• 5th - 7th grade and new biathletes practices will be held on Thursdays from 5:30 - 7pm.

• Adult biathlon practices will be held on Tuesday evenings from 7-8pm.

USBA Certification

USBA membership is required to participate in practices and races at Blackhawk. To participate in races or adult practices, USBA safety certification is required. Biathlon Safety Clinics are typically offered in December and April. Watch the Blackhawk calendar of events for the next scheduled safety clinic. USBA memberships are from $15 to $75 and are available at:

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