To get started in biathlon, contact a club or programin your region. Biathlon has both Regional Centers of Excellence and community-based programs for junior biathletes, all providing facilities, coaching and competitions year-round.

At a club you will learn safe range procedures for handling the air rifle or .22 caliber rifle. There are two types of biathlons, summer and winter. Though not yet an Olympic sport, the summer season biathletes compete through events that combine rifle marksmanship and running. The Olympic winter sport combines cross-country skiing and rifle marksmanship. The races are divided into age groups consisting of 14-19, 20-29, 30-39, 40-49, 50-59, and 60+.

Accomplished junior biathletes participate in the High Performance Plan, with the ultimate opportunity to be a part of the U.S. Junior National Team.

Joining the U.S. Biathlon Association

You must be a member of the USBA to participate in sanctioned events. Membership provides you with insurance while competing in these USBA competitions.

Major Events

At the Senior level, major biathlon events include approximately ten World Cup events each year and an annual World Championship, North American Championship and National Championship. For Juniors (Under-21), there is a World Championship, National Championship and World Team Trial. A Youth (Under-16) division has also just been added.

Becoming a U.S. Olympian

There are Olympic biathlon competitions for men and women. Qualification for the Olympic team is based on a combination of the Olympic Trials and exceptional performance in World Cup and World Championship events in the year prior to the Winter Games.

Contact Information
web: U.S. Biathlon Association
email: usbiathlon@aol.com
phone: 1-800-BIATHLO (242-8456) - or - 802-654-7833