Train to Train 1 (T1) – Biathlon

Registration for 2023-2024 Season will open April 28th 

Ages

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

Season

May through Mid/Late March

WEEKLY SCHEDULE FOR T1

• 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)
• Thursday 6:30-8:00pm (Skiing or Dryland, Canmore)
• Friday 6:30-8:00pm (Shooting/Combo, Canmore)
• Saturday 10:00am-1:00pm (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.

Optional Training Camps 

• Bow Valley Camp #1, July 6 – 9
• Week Off, July 22 – July 30
• Bow Valley Camp #2, August 25 – 27
• Lake Louise Camp, November 18-19, 2023
• Winter Holiday Break, TBD

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

Costs

• Program fee – $1,590
• FNSC Membership (during registration)
• Confederation Trail User Fees (during registration)
• Canmore Nordic Centre Range Pass (yearly or daily)
• Canmore Nordic Centre Trail Pass (yearly or daily)
• Biathlon Alberta Membership (BEFORE registration)

Method of Communication

TeamSnap plus Email

Program Details

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.

Coaching

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 (NCCP#6155119 ).

Required Equipment

• 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

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 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.

More Information

If you have questions, please email [email protected]