Junior

Junior Dev
Junior High Performance

The Junior Biathlon group is a two-dimensional program. Entry to this program is determined by athlete/parent interview with the club’s selection committee upon online application submission.

Junior Dev

An entry level program for new athletes that provides an introduction to the sport of biathlon for boys and girls aged 11 and older. Training in this group focuses on basic ski and shooting skill development in a fun, no-pressure environment. Athletes in this group are shooting .22 cal biathlon rifles using a rest (no free holding) and are training an average of 3 days a week (2 fitness building/ski practices and one shooting practice) throughout the season. Junior Dev athletes are also encouraged to compete in ABC Kinder Cups as well as in Dev.1 categories of Biathlon Alberta’s Calforex Cup race series. Athletes in this group are eligible for club rifle rentals.

Junior High Performance

This program is designed for athletes graduating from the Junior Dev group and focuses on specific skill development and more complex technical training such as shooting a rifle with an arm sling (no rest). This group trains an average of 4 days a week and also takes part in select training camps throughout the year. Junior HP athletes do regularly compete in Dev.2 categories on Alberta’s Calforex Cup circuit. Athletes aged 12 to 14 with one or more seasons of training and racing experience usually train in this group. Athletes in this group are eligible for club rifle rentals.

Equipment

Summer/Fall

  • Skate roller skis
  • Skate boots
  • Skate poles with roller ski tips
  • Short classic poles for ski striding
  • Mountain bike
  • Bike helmet, Gloves
  • Good quality trail running shoes
  • Head Lamp (A MUST)
  • Water Bottle/Belt for training
  • Clothing to Participate in ALL weather conditions.

Winter

  • Skate Skis
  • Skate Ski Boots
  • Skate Ski Poles
  • Good quality trail running shoes
  • Appropriate Gloves, Toques, Mitts, Face covering (buff)
  • Wool Socks
  • Base clothing Layers (not cotton)
  • Warm Up or Training clothing
  • CBR Race Suit
  • Glasses for different light and weather conditions
  • Head Lamp *Mandatory for all evening practices
  • Wearable Water Bottle for training.

Rifle

All biathletes must have a biathlon rifle. There are a number of club rifles available to new biathletes on a first come first served basis, rental is $250 for the first year. Athletes who intend to compete for several years in biathlon are encouraged to purchase their own rifle so that it may be adjusted to their particular requirements. A used biathlon rifle can usually be purchased for about $2,500-$3,500 while the new Anschutz Sprint Fortner biathlon rifle will cost just over $4,000.

All biathletes must pay for the ammunition they use. Typical ammo cost for a year in this group is between $500.00-$700.00

Investment

Annual Fees: $2,750

The athletes are responsible for the purchase of their own training equipment, including ammunition, skis, mountain bikes as well as membership fees for Biathlon Alberta (Provincial governing body for the sport of biathlon) and Alberta Bicycle Association.

Additional Costs

Using different training facilities throughout the year as well as being able to access certain trails or equipment during practices and camps results in some additional costs:

  • Annual membership with Biathlon Alberta/Biathlon Canada, these are the fees to our sport governing bodies that are required for us to compete in the provincial, national and international competitions
  • Annual membership with the Alberta Bicycle Association allows us to have an insurance coverage for all practices involving bicycles (both road and mountain)
  • Annual ski pass and range user fee at the Canmore Nordic Centre. This is our “home base” and we must pay the fees in order to use the facilities.
  • Equipment rental fees when required (kayaks, paddle boards, etc.)
  • Gym membership fees at WinSport
  • The costs of all training camps are in addition to club annual fee and are split between all athletes in attendance