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 Tuesday, March 24, we’re hosting a Try-Biathlon experience at the Canmore Nordic Centre, giving our community a rare chance to step into one of the Bow Valley’s most iconic winter sports.

You’ve probably seen biathlon on TV. Cross-country skiing. Rifle shooting. Olympic drama.

But have you ever tried it?

Now’s your chance.

What This Event Is

This is a Bow Valley Insider-hosted experience designed to give our readers something unique to do in the Bow Valley.

A hands-on experience where you get to try the sport yourself.

You’ll be guided by athletes from the Biathlon Alberta Training Centre (BATC), based right here in Canmore. These are the same athletes competing internationally and preparing for the Canadian Biathlon Championships happening later that week.

They’ll walk you through the basics of the sport and show you how the shooting portion works.

Then you get to try it yourself.

What You’ll Do

When you arrive, here’s how the evening will unfold:

• A quick introduction to the sport of biathlon from BATC athletes
• Learn how biathlon rifles work
• Try shooting using EcoAims optical rifles (safe training rifles used by elite athletes)
• Practice as much as you like with coaches and athletes helping
• Optional fun mini-relay challenge at the end

The whole experience runs about 60-75 minutes and is designed to be fun, casual, and beginner-friendly.

No experience required.

Just curiosity.

Want the Real Biathlon Experience?

For those who want to take it one step further, there will also be the option to shoot a real .22 calibre biathlon rifle.

This is the same type used in competition.

Because of range costs, insurance, and ammunition, there is an optional $40 upgrade if you want to try it.

You’ll just need to sign a waiver on site.

Why We're Doing This

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

Sometimes that means finding a great restaurant.

Sometimes it means discovering a new trail.

And sometimes it means doing something you probably wouldn’t normally have access to.

Biathlon is a huge part of Canmore’s identity as a winter sports hub. But for most locals, it’s still a sport we watch rather than try.

This event changes that.

Event Details

Location: Biathlon Stadium, Canmore Nordic Centre
Look for the purple tent

Date: Tuesday, March 24

Time: 5:00 PM – 6:00(ish) PM

Cost: $10 per person. Must sign up prior to the event using the link below.

Optional: +$40 to shoot a real .22 biathlon rifle

What to Bring: Warm clothes and a good attitude.

No experience required.

Who Should Come

This event is perfect if you:

• Read Bow Valley Insider
• Live in Canmore, Banff, Calgary, or nearby
• Love trying new outdoor experiences
• Have ever wondered what biathlon feels like
• Want to do something different on a Tuesday night

Reserve Your Spot

We’re keeping the barrier to entry low so more Bow Valley Insiders can join.

After we receive your payment, we’ll send a confirmation. Then a few days before the event, we’ll follow up with another email with the final details so everything runs smoothly.

Come try one of Canada’s most unique winter sports.

And maybe discover your hidden Olympic talent.