Train To Train 1 (T1-B) Biathlon

Biathlon training at Canmore Nordic Centre, athletes aiming rifles on a snowy range with mountains and trees in the background.

Train To Train 1-B Program

Train to Train 1 (T1) – Biathlon (T1-B) is for athletes graduating from biathlon-specific Bears programs or nordic skiing Jackrabbits programs.  Athletes are encouraged to race at both Calforex Cup and Cross Country races.

Athletes will learn or refine shooting skills with .22 rifles. Shooting training will focus on effective prone positioning, precision shooting skills, and combination shooting skills. Physical training will include the basics of dryland training including: roller skiing, running, ski striding, and body-weight strength training. On snow, athletes will develop and refine classic and skate skiing techniques. The basics of mental race preparation and shooting discipline will be taught and teamwork and personal interaction skills will be promoted.

Where maturity and ability levels warrant, T1s in their second year of the program may begin standing shooting basics and receive training plans.

Race support will be provided at Calforex Cups (Biathlon races) and Alberta 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

  • 12 to 14 years. Exceptions may be made based on coach’s discretion.

  • May through Mid/Late March

  • 2025/2026 Schedule

    • Monday 6:30-8:00pm (Skiing or Dryland, Calgary locations)

    • Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo, Canmore)

    • Thursday 6:30-8:00pm (Skiing or Dryland, Calgary locations)

    • Friday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo, Canmore)

    • Saturday 9:30am-12:00pm (Skiing or Dryland, Canmore Area Locations)

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

    **Practice attendance is not mandatory, athletes are encouraged to attend 2-3 practices per week

  • 2025/2026 Dates

    • Bow Valley Camp #1, July 4-6

    • Week Off, July 28-Aug 4

    • 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.

    • Rifle – Available to rent for $400 per year (during registration)

    • Ammunition – ~5000 rounds/$600 per year (athletes/parents are responsible for purchasing their own ammunitions – coach will provide sourcing information)

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

    • Skate roller skis 

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

    • Grip and glide wax

    • Head lamp

  • 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 Train to Train 1 – 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 T1B 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.

  • T1 Biathlon is coached by National Coaching Certification Program (NCCP) Competition Introduction or Competition Development coaches following the Biathlon Canada Long Term Athlete Development (LTAD).  Information for parents is available here. The lead coach of this program is Matthew Neumann.

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

  • Download the Handbook HERE.