ENSC Biathlon

What is biathlon?

Biathlon is an Olympic winter sport that combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle marksmanship. It’s a demanding discipline that tests both physical stamina and mental focus. During races, athletes alternate between skiing and shooting at fixed intervals, aiming to complete the course in the shortest time possible—while avoiding time penalties for missed targets.

Despite its intensity (or perhaps because of it), the biathlon community is known for being dynamic, supportive, and welcoming to newcomers. So, what are you waiting for? Register today and experience the most exciting winter sport firsthand!

Learn more about biathlon

Shooting

Skiing

Smiling!

Our programs - overview

We separate our programs in four groups: introduction, development, racing and adult programs.

Adult

Age range: 18 years old and older
Rifle type: .22 calibre biathlon rifles. Rifles are available for rent with the club.
Biathlon training sessions are at the Strathcona Science provincial park.

Development and racing

Age range: 12 years old and older
Rifle type: .22 calibre biathlon rifles. Rifles are available for rent with the club.
Biathlon training sessions are at the Strathcona Science Provincial Park.

Introduction

Age range: 9-12 years old
Rifle type: eco aims. Eco aim rifles are a no-risk laser rifles for a 100% safe introduction to the sport!
Biathlon training sessions are at Gold Bar park.

Introduction programs

Cost:

Jackrabbits: $100 + jackrabbit program fees
U10: $695
U12: $945
Additional costs: Biathlon Canada and ENSC membership.

Option #1: Jackrabbits biathlon

For our youngest biathletes! They will learn to ski with the Jackrabbit program, and will shoot with our eco aim program.

Length: 12 weeks: Dec to mid-March - see Jackrabbit page for details.

Biathlon lessons are on Saturdays 12:30-1:15pm, followed by regular Jackrabbit Lesson.

Athlete must be registered in JR4 or Learn to Ski and born in 2016
$100 for 12 weeks in addition to the regular Jackrabbit fees

Registration opens in September.

Option #2: Eco-aims U10/U12 biathlon

Includes two days per week of cross country skiing with the Cross Country program. Please refer to Cross Country Youth page for program information and equipment requirements.

Three training sessions per week:

Tuesday: 6:30 - 8:00 with Cross Country
Saturday: 10:00 - 12:00 with Cross Country
Saturday: 12:00-12:45pm biathlon training, starting Nov 1 at Gold Bar Park

This program includes one weekend of race support. It is suggested athletes have basic familiarity in both classic skis and skate techniques. Athletes must have both classic skis and skate skis (rent or purchase) as well as a headlamp.

Development and racing programs

Cost:

U14 biathlon: $1175
U16-U18-U20 biathlon: $1425
Rifle rental: $300 / season (not included in program fee)
Additional costs: ammunition, Biathlon Canada and ENSC membership, ski and rollerski equipment.

Option #1: U14 biathlon

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Four days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Tuesday: 6:30-8:00 with cross-country
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Saturday: 10:00-12:00 with cross-country

Support at provincial level races in both xc skiing and biathlon is included.

At least one adult per household needs to have a firearms license (PAL).

Option #2: U16-U18-U20 biathlon

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Four days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Tuesday: 6:30-8:00 with cross-country
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Thursday: 6:30-8:00 with cross- country
Saturday: 10:00-12:00 with cross-country

Support at provincial level races in both xc skiing and biathlon is included.

At least one adult per household needs to have a firearms license (PAL).

Adults programs

Cost:

Adult biathlon: $650 / $1070 / $1200, depending on if you register for 1/2/3 extra days of xc skiing training
Only range access: $200
Rifle rental: $300/season
Additional costs: ammunition, Biathlon Canada and ENSC membership, other equipment.

Option #1: Adult biathlon

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Three to five days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
One to three additional sessions with adult Train to Train cross country skiing program (select when registering)

See the adult Train to Train cross country skiing program for more details on the cross country skiing offer. Support at provincial level races in biathlon is included.

Option #2: only range access

From the first week of September to the last week of March.

Two days of training per week:

Monday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range
Wednesday: 6:30-8:00 at the biathlon range

Support at provincial level races in both xc skiing and biathlon is not included, but can be added at extra cost.

Please note: for all adult programsrifle rentals are subject to availability, and will be offered in priority to the youth programs.

Our coaches

Simon Gauthier

Head coach
Simon has been the biathlon head coach for ENSC since 2025, joining after a successful three-year head coaching stint with Biathlon La Poursuite (Qc) where he won Biathlon Canada’s Ruedi Setz award. He brings extensive coaching and racing experience to the club, and is excited to work with the athletes to help them achieve their goals! Simon is currently completing a Masters in mechanical engineering, his research focusing on ski-snow friction analysis.
Emma Osness

Assistant coach
Emma has coached ENSC biathlon and cross-country programs since 2024, joining after spending five years coaching with Foothills Nordic. She has raced internationally for the Canadian National Team, and is a passionate advocate for women’s participation in sport. Emma is a Certified Exercise Physiologist and is currently completing a masters in medical sciences.
Dan Utting

Assistant coach
Dan has been a cornerstone of ENSC Biathlon for many years, and you'd be hard-pressed to find anyone who doesn't appreciate his energy and kindness. He's a certified Biathlon Canada Introduction to Competition coach, and when it comes to skiing, you'll most often find him at Goldbar—though Peter Lougheed Provincial Park also has a special place in his heart. Dan’s favourite World Cup skier: is ENSC’s very own Alison Mackie, and his favourite biathlete is Quentin Fillon Maillet (France).
Peter Rojkovski

Assistant coach
Peter joined ENSC’s coaching crew in 2025 and quickly became a favourite among athletes. A longtime teammate and friend of Simon, he trained and competed with Foothills Nordic and the Biathlon Alberta Training Center before beginning a robotics engineering degree at the UofA in 2023. Whether he's discussing shooting technique, waxing conditions, or robot electronics, Peter brings an infectious enthusiasm and depth of knowledge to everything he does.
Odessa Bauer

Lead coach - eco aim programs
Our Eco Aims program lead coach, Odessa, has been part of the club since she was a little kid. She embodies everything we love about sport: dedication, passion, and a contagious joy that lifts everyone around her. Odessa takes great pride in connecting with athletes and making sure they feel seen and valued—she’s a cornerstone of our program, and we’re incredibly grateful for her involvement. Outside the club, Odessa is pursuing a master’s degree in mechanical engineering at the UofA, specializing in aerodynamics.
Scott Gow

Assistant coach
Does Scott even need an introduction? One of the most successful biathletes in Canadian history, Scott Gow has represented Canada on the world stage for over a decade, including a top-five finish at the Olympics and a bronze medal at the World Championships. Of course, that wasn’t enough—since retiring, he is now studying medicine at the University of Alberta. His dedication and discipline translate seamlessly into coaching, where athletes appreciate his attention to detail and calm, thoughtful guidance.