Learn to Compete (LC) – Biathlon

Registration for the 2024-2025 SEASON is Open.

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.

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

AGE

16+

SEASON

May 4th through March

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR LC 

Trimester 1 (May 4-June 30)

• Monday TBD (Strength – Calgary Location)
• Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm (Dryland – Calgary)
• Thursday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Friday 4:45-6:15 and/or 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Dryland – Canmore)
• Saturday 10:00am-12:30pm (Dryland – Canmore Area Locations)

Trimester 2 (July 1 – September 1)

• Monday TBD (Strength – Calgary Location)
• Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm (Dryland – Calgary)
• Thursday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Friday 4:45-6:15 and/or 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Dryland – Canmore)
• Saturday 10:00am-12:30pm (Dryland – Canmore Area Locations)

Trimester 3 (September 2 – Mid/Late March)

• Monday TBD (Strength – Calgary Location/Online in winter months)
• Tuesday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Wednesday 6:30-8:00pm (Skiing or Dryland – Calgary)
• Thursday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo – Canmore)
• Friday 4:45-6:15 and/or 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Skiing – Canmore)
• Saturday 10:00am-12:30pm (Skiing or Dryland – Canmore Area Locations)

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

Optional camps and rest weeks for LC

• Bow Valley Camp, July 4 – 7
• Kananaskis Camp, July 8 – 11
• Haig Glacier Camp, July 16-20 or July 20-23
• Week Off, July 29 – August 5
• Bow Valley Camp, August 23 – 25
• Castle Camp, August 25 – 28
• Lake Louise Camp, November 22 – 24
• 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.

COSTS

• LC Biathlon Program fee – $3,240
• FNSC Membership (during registration)
• Confederation Trail User Fees (during registration)
• Canmore Nordic Centre Range Pass (yearly or daily)
• Biathlon Alberta Membership (BEFORE registration)

METHOD OF COMMUNICATION

TeamSnap + Email + Online personalized training plans through trainingpeaks.com

LC BIATHLON PROGRAM DETAILS

This program is designed for athletes racing in Senior Boys/Girls and all IBU categories (ages 16 and up). The aim of the program is to allow each individual athlete to reach his or her maximum potential with the expectation that many of the athletes will qualify for provincial and national teams.  Individuals should be prepared to train 450+ hours including independent workouts. Dryland training will consist of roller skiing, ski striding, running, cycling and strength training. Shooting training will focus on: precision shooting skills, advanced wind orientation, high intensity shooting, race tactics and optimizing speed/accuracy ratios. Race support provided at Calforex Cups, local North American Cups and Cross Country ski races.

For more details on the FNSC Biathlon Programming, please refer to the Biathlon Handbook

ADDITIONAL TRAINING RESOURCES PROVIDED

• Bonus training days/sessions depending on training cycle and season
• Customized daily training plan

COACHING

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.

REQUIRED EQUIPMENT

• 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

VOLUNTEER REQUIREMENT/OTHER VOLUNTEER OPPORTUNITIES

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.