Try Biathlon With Bow Valley Insider

A Bow Valley Insider Experience at the Canmore Nordic Centre

This one's for the Bow Valley Insiders!

Whether you live in Canmore, Banff, Calgary or somewhere in between, if you read Bow Valley Insider, you're invited.

On Monday, November 9, from 5-7 PM, we're hosting another Try Biathlon experience at the Canmore Nordic Centre.

We hosted one last year, but this time we're making it even better.

We're adding cross-country skiing!

You'll get to learn from high-performance athletes and coaches at Canmore's own Biathlon Alberta Training Centre. These are athletes who train and compete at an international level, so you'll literally be learning from some of the best.

And don't worry if you've never tried biathlon before. That's exactly who this event is for.

What You'll Do

We'll split everyone into two groups and rotate through two activities:

  • Learn to shoot. Get hands-on instruction from biathlon athletes and coaches, learn how the rifles work and practise hitting targets using EcoAims optical training rifles.

  • Try cross-country skiing. Head out with a ski coach to learn basic techniques, practise some drills and pick up tips to improve your skiing. Bring your own equipment or rent skis.

Halfway through, the groups will switch so everyone gets to experience both activities.

Not interested in skiing? No problem. You can still participate in the shooting portion.

The entire experience is designed to be fun, casual and beginner-friendly. No previous biathlon experience required.

Want To Try A Real Biathlon Rifle?

For an additional $25, you'll have the opportunity to shoot a real .22-calibre biathlon rifle, the same type used in competition.

This is completely optional. The standard $30 registration includes shooting with the practice rifles.

Why We're Doing This

Bow Valley Insider exists to help people experience this place better.

Sometimes that means discovering a new restaurant or hiking trail. Other times, it means trying something you might never have considered.

Biathlon is a huge part of Canmore's identity as a winter sports destination, but most of us have only watched it on TV.

We want to change that.

And there's something pretty cool about learning the sport directly from the athletes who represent our community.

Event Details

Date: Monday, November 9, 2026

Time: 5:00 PM - 7:00 PM

Location: Biathlon Stadium, Canmore Nordic Centre

Cost: $30 per person, advance registration required

Optional Upgrade: Additional $25 to shoot a real .22-calibre biathlon rifle

Equipment: Bring your own cross-country skis, boots and poles, or arrange rentals. Warm winter clothing recommended.

Experience: All skill levels welcome, including complete beginners.

Capacity: Just 30 participants.

Who Should Come?

This event is for anyone who reads Bow Valley Insider and wants to try something different.

You don't have to live in the Bow Valley, be an experienced skier or know anything about biathlon.

Come on your own, bring a friend or make it a fun evening with someone who's always wanted to try the sport.

Reserve Your Spot

We're limiting this event to just 30 people so everyone gets plenty of time with the athletes and coaches.

Registration is $30 per person, with the optional $25 rifle upgrade.

Once you've registered and paid, we'll send you a confirmation. A few days before the event, we'll follow up with everything you need to know about where to meet, equipment and what to expect.

We can't wait to see you there!

And who knows? Maybe you'll discover a hidden talent for biathlon.