Biathlon Overview:
Biathlon originated in Norway in the 1700s, as an alternative training for their military. The combination of cross-country skiing and small bore marksmanship was well-suited to training the Norwegian ski regiments. This challenging sport has evolved over the centuries to become the exciting and dramatic Olympic competition it is today. ENSC will strive to train their biathletes in both the technique of skate skiing and marksmanship required to enjoy this fascinating sport. In addition to our Biathlon Program, we highly recommend our biathletes take a supplementary ski lesson, suitable to his or her skill level and developmental age (CCC-LTAD).
Development and Progressions:
Progression through Biathlon categories is based upon level of ability, rather than age.
Air Rifles 1 & 2: Beginners, under 15, start in Air Rifles-1 and progress to Air Rifles-2. When ready, an athlete advances to a .22 caliber rifle.
.22 Rifles: Beginners, 15 years or older, must start in the Under-17 rifle categories. The first rifle category is Development-Level 1 (DEV-1), then Development-Level 2 (DEV-2), and then Sr. Boys/Girls
Note that there are only upper age limits in these younger categories.
International Biathlon Union (IBU): Athletes 17 years or older progress on the basis of the IBU categories- Youth Men/Women, Jr Men/Women and Sr. Men /Women. This progressive approach to mastering the sport is in line with the Biathlon Canada model for Long-Term Athlete Development (M-LTAD).
Please note: At their discretion, coaches may move any athlete to a training group they deem appropriate.
Adult Recreational: The Sport Men/Women category is intended for athletes over 18 years old, that do not wish to participate in a competitive class (IBU). Master Men/Women is for athletes over the age of 35.
PAL: A PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) is required for each rifle athlete and parents. Athletes over 12 years of age must obtain their own Minor’s PAL. Please ensure a minimum of one adult family member has a PAL by the time programs begin. For information on obtaining a PAL contact aheia.com or a gun range.
ENSC Membership: ENSC Biathlon Program participants must have an ENSC membership.
- Family Membership: $50
Biathlon Alberta Membership: It is very important that all biathlon athletes, coaches, volunteers and officials are active members of Biathlon Alberta. Register here
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Biathlon Rifles Adult:
Sport:
For athletes over 18, who want to train and compete on a recreational level. Participants do not need prior biathlon experience but must have both a valid firearms license (PAL – Possession and Acquisition License) and basic Nordic skate ski skills. Athletes who do not already skate ski MUST take a skate skiing course prior to registering in Biathlon (See ENSC Cross Country for details and options). Due to limited space and rental rifles, registration in Sport Biathlon is only on approval of the Biathlon Coordinator and Head Biathlon Coach. You must contact the Biathlon Coordinator before signing up for this program.
Masters:
For athletes over 35, who want to train and compete on a recreational level. Participants do not need prior biathlon experience but must have both a valid firearms license (PAL – Possession and Acquisition License) and basic Nordic skate ski skills. Athletes who do not already skate ski MUST take a skate skiing course prior to registering in Biathlon (See ENSC Cross Country for details and options). Due to limited space and rental rifles, registration in Masters Biathlon is only on approval of the Biathlon Coordinator and Head Biathlon Coach. You must contact the Biathlon Coordinator before signing up for this program.
Season: late-August to March 31 (weather permitting)
Schedule: Mondays 6:30 – 8:30 pm, athletes will be encouraged to form peer-led training groups for additional training. Focus: Biathlon technique – ski and shooting for Sport and Masters groups.
Cost: 1-Day: $385 (Monday)
Equipment:
- Rifle: A limited number of specialized biathlon rifles can be rented from ENSC for $250 per year plus deposit. ENSC has a limited number of biathlon rifles for rent. Adult biathletes may be able to rent one for one year but if you are continuing in the sport, there will be an expectation that you will provide your own. 2018 ENSC Rifle Rental Agreement
- Ski Equipment: In ENSC Biathlon program you are required to have appropriate skate ski equipment.
- Ammunition: can be purchases through the club. Expect to spend $250+ per year.
- PAL: A PAL (Possession and Acquisition License) is required for each rifle athlete and parents. Athletes over 12 years of age must obtain their own Minor’s PAL. Please ensure a minimum of one adult family member has a PAL by the time programs begin.For information on obtaining a PAL contact aheia.com or a gun range. It may take up to 3 months to receive your PAL once it has been mailed.
- Information for rifle cleaning and maintenance can be found HERE
Locations: Biathlon practices are held at the Edmonton Nordic Biathlon Centre, Strathcona Science Park
Additional ski Lessons: see ENSC Cross Country programs for biathlete options.
