Polar Bears (11-12)

People in winter clothing lying prone on snow aiming rifles in a biathlon shooting range.

Polar Bears Program

Polar Bears (Formerly Racing Bears) is designed for athletes ages 11 to 12 who are ready to take their commitment to the next level or are eager to add shooting to their cross-country skiing experience. This program introduces biathlon using Eco-Aims rifles—camera-based rifles that mimic .22 biathlon rifles without live ammunition, ensuring a safe training environment at our City locations.

Program Structure

Polar Bears is offered in partnership with the Track Attack cross-country skiing program. Athletes in both programs train together on Tuesday and Thursday evenings for dryland and ski training, as well as during Track Attack camps. Polar Bears athletes also have an additional Wednesday evening practice dedicated to shooting skills, with the possibility of extra shooting sessions leading up to major events. Participants are expected to attend at least two practices per week.

Training Focus

  • Fall Dryland Training: Builds ski-specific fitness and endurance through dynamic drills and games. Shooting sessions emphasize precision skills, including aim, trigger pull, and breathing techniques.

  • Winter Training: Focuses on both skate and classic techniques, essential for developing well-rounded skiing abilities. Shooting sessions introduce competition skills such as skiing-to-shooting transitions, faster shooting times, and precision marksmanship.

Racing Opportunities

Polar Bears athletes have the chance to compete in local Kinder Cup races, Provincial Cup races (Calforex Cup series), and local cross-country skiing events.

Join Polar Bears and take your skiing and shooting skills to the next level!

Register Soon

Program Details

  • 11 to 12 years (with prerequisite Grizzly Bears or Cross-country skiing competency)

    • Mid September – Mid March

    • Christmas break: TBD

    • Tuesday, Wednesday, and Thursday: 6:30 – 8:00 pm

    • Optional Track Attack Add-On: Saturday: 10 am-12 pm (Mountain locations)

    • Wednesdays are shooting practices. Tuesday and Thursday practices are combined with Foothills’ cross country Track Attack program. See Track Attack page for training information.  The Saturday add-on is optional and only open to Polar Bears program registrants.

    • Biathlon practices are at West Confederation Park and Confederation Park Golf Course.

    • Practices with Track Attack are in Calgary.

    • Fall: Edworthy, Glenmore, Confederation Park Golf Course and at the Canmore Nordic Centre, etc.

    • Winter: Confederation Park Golf Course and the Canmore Nordic Centre.

  • 2026/2027 Fees

    • Program fee – $1200 ($805 for Track Attack + $395 for Polar Bears)

    • Optional Track Attack Saturday Add-On for an additional fee of $420

    * Program fee includes both Track Attack and Polar Bears fees.

    *Program cost includes the use of club-owned Eco-Aims rifles. Optional costs for race entry fees may be incurred.

  • Foothills Nordic relies on family volunteers to keep programs affordable. All Polar Bears parents must complete a set number of volunteer hours, as outlined on the Volunteer page. Sign-up lists with detailed roles will be provided.

    For details on the volunteer bond and year-round opportunities, visit Club Volunteer Opportunities.

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

  • Download the Handbook HERE.