Learn To Compete Biathlon

Biathlon athletes skiing in a snowy race

Learn To Compete (LC) Program

Athletes must have previous club-level racing experience in either biathlon or nordic skiing.  Registrants may only join with approval from the Head Biathlon Coach.

This program is for athletes 16+ competing in Senior Boys/Girls and IBU categories, with a focus on reaching their full potential and qualifying for provincial and national teams. Athletes should be prepared for 450+ hours of training, including independent workouts.

Dryland training includes roller skiing, ski striding, running, cycling, and strength training. Shooting training focuses on precision, wind orientation, high-intensity shooting, race tactics, and optimizing speed/accuracy.

Race support is provided for Calforex Cups, local North American Cups, and cross-country ski races.

Requirements
Parents of participants must have a valid Possession and Acquisition Firearms License (PAL).  Participants under the age of 18 must have a valid Minors’ Firearm License.

Program Details

  • 16+

  • May through Mid/Late March

  • 2025-2026 Schedule

    • Monday Assorted Times, Winsport Strength, May through October

    • Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm Canmore Shooting

    • Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm Calgary Dryland/XC

    • Thursday 6:30-8:00pm Canmore Shooting

    • Friday 4:45-6:15 and/or 6:30-8:00pm Canmore Shooting

    • Saturday 9:30am-12:00pm Canmore Dryland/XC

    *Practices may be cancelled or changed due to extenuating circumstances, such as poor weather or hazardous air quality.

  • 2025/2026 Dates

    • Bow Valley Camp, July 4 – 6

    • Kananaskis Camp, July 10 – 13

    • Week Off, July 28 – August 4

    • Syncline Camp, August 17 – 20

    • Bow Valley Camp, August 22 – 24

    • Lake Louise Camp, November 21 – 23

    • Winter Holiday Break TBD

    Optional training camp costs are not included in program fees and are on a cost-recovery basis. Camp dates are tentative.

    • Bonus training days/sessions depending on training cycle and season

    • Customized daily training plan

    • Rifle 

    • Ammunition – ~8000 rounds

    • 1 pair each of skate and classic skis, poles and boots

    • Minimum 1 pair of dedicated skate race skis 

    • Skate and Classic roller skis 

    • Running shoes, ski striding poles (should be elbow height)

    • Grip and Glide Wax

    • Heart rate monitor watch

  • LC Biathlon is coached by National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Competition Introduction or Competition Development coaches following the Biathlon Canada Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD). The lead coach of this program is Tyson Smith.

  • 2025/2026 Fees

  • Foothills Nordic is able to run high quality programs for a reasonable cost due to the volunteer support from our families.  Based on the Club’s volunteer bond, ALL Learn to Compete – Biathlon parents will be required to volunteer a certain number of hours throughout the season.  The number of volunteer hours required for each program is available on the Volunteer page. Numerous volunteer opportunities to help with LC Biathlon will be available and sign-up lists with details on volunteer jobs will be shared with parents.For information on the volunteer bond and other volunteer opportunities available throughout the year, see Club Volunteer Opportunities.

  • If you have any questions, please contact biathlon@foothillsnordic.ca

  • Download the Handbook HERE.