2024 Biathlon Training Programs

A season-long biathlon instruction and training program on Sundays, designed to make you proficient in the sport.

The Wanaka Biathlon Club Training programs aim to teach keen skiers of all ages the skills of biathlon and encourage participation in biathlon competitions. The club, in tandem with Biathlon New Zealand, has an objective of growing the sport and this program is the first step.

There are three programs that cover all people from Secondary school age and upwards;

Youth Program

Masters Program

Team Snow Farm

wbc training programs

Bronze Group - Youth Biathlon Program

Aimed at:

Youth skiers, high school age (Year 7-13)

Objectives of program:

To teach a participant the foundation skills of junior biathlon - skate skiing, laser shooting and progressing to .22 shooting under close supervision using a rifle rest. By season-end, the participant should reach Snow Farm Academy Bronze award standard at cross-country skiing and BNZ Bronze Award standard at biathlon.

Pre-requisites:

Some cross country or alpine skiing. Fit and keen. No shooting experience needed.

Training Times:

5 weeks beginning 28 July - 25 August 2024
Every Sunday from 10 am until 11:30 pm @ Wanaka Biathlon Club Laser Range - Snow Farm

Costs:

$150 being being $30 per day for Club members
$50 Youth club membership is required
Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm entry pass /ski hire.

wbc training programs

Masters Program

Aimed at:

Adults

Objectives of program:

To teach a participant the basic skills of biathlon - skate skiing and .22 shooting such that, by season-end they are equipped to compete in 7.5 km biathlon sprint race featuring prone and standing shooting.

Pre-requisites:

Has tried skate skiing. Fit and keen to take part in fun events. No shooting experience needed.

Training Times:

Sundays 14 July, 21 July, 28 July, 11 Aug, 18 Aug, 8 Sep 2024
10 am until 1:30 pm

Costs:

$50 per day (members) or $70 per day (non-members) for coaching, rifle hire and ammunition for the season.

wbc training programs

Aimed at:

Youth skiers, aged 12 and up that have already had a season of skate skiing

Objectives of program:

To teach a participant more advanced biathlon skills - taking the already learnt Bronze skills and adding the challange of standing shooting and higher speed skating techniques.

Pre-requisites:

Snow Farm Academy Bronze Award standard at cross-country skiing and Bronze standard in biathlon. Keen to train and race and to be part of the Team.

Training Times:

21 July - 8 Sep 2024
Every Sunday from 10 am until 1:30 pm @ Wanaka Biathlon Club Range

Costs:

$460 for coaching, ammunition, rifle, roller ski and uniform hire for the season.
Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm season pass and Wanaka Biathlon Club membership.

wbc training programs

The Coaches

The programs are coached by Biathlon New Zealand and Snow Farm's coaching staff. We have all levels of ability covered from beginner to World Cup standard.

Head Coach

Jason Sklenar

Our head coach, Jason has over thirty years of biathlon behind him, including fifteen as a professional biathelete on the GB team. Jason has raced, managed and coached at numerous Olympic Games and holds an MSc in Applied Exercise & Sports Nutrition as well as a Sports Science and Performance BSc.

Youth Coach

Nicole David

Nicole has been cross country skiing for over twenty years and grew up skiing in Falls Creek, Australia. A passionate technician, Nicole wants to see every skier develop their ski technique as far as they can and will always look for ways to improve you.

Youth Coach

Tim David

Tim learnt his biathlon skills while in the UK Royal Marines Biathlon Team in the 90's. He also managed the GB Biathlon Team for three seasons culminating in the 1998 Olympic Games. Tim is dedicated to growing the sport in NZ and is current Chairman of Biathlon New Zealand.

Master Coach

Ernie Maluschnig

Ernie has been one of the mainstays of NZ Biathlon since the first range was developed with his expertise at Snow Farm in the early 90's. Ernie has a deep technical knowledge of target shooting and has coached generations of young kiwi skiers to international standard. In 2023 Ernie attended the IBU Coaching course in Salzburg, AUT.