2026 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.

WBC offers programmes for beginning youth/juniors (primary through U19) and masters (above U19) as well as experienced biathletes.

Youth Development Programme

Masters Program

Team Snow Farm

wbc training programs

Youth Development Programme

Track Attack

Aimed at:

Biathletes in the age range 10-12.

Objectives of program:

Focuses on the fundamentals of skate skiing and shooting. Instruction is with laser rifles. Enrolment in the Snow Farm Track Attack ski programme is included.

Pre-requisites:

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

Schedule:

6 Sunday coaching sessions beginning 12 July through 6 September.
Two races: WBC Champs on 9 August and BNZ National Champs on 29-30 August.

Costs:

$45/Sunday or $250/season, including laser rifle rental.
‍*Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm track pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up here

wbc training programs

WBC Youth Development Programme

Trail Blazers

Aimed at:

Beginner biathletes ages 12 and up

Objectives of program:

Focuses on the fundamentals of skate skiing and shooting with .22 rifles under close supervision of our coaches. Enrolment in Snow Farm Trail Blazers ski programme is included.

Pre-requisites:

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

Schedule:

6 Sunday coaching sessions beginning 12 July through 6 September.
Two races: WBC Champs on 9 August and BNZ National Champs on 29-30 August.
Additional, optional sessions Wednesday afternoons (2-4pm) – schedule forthcoming.

Costs:

$50/Sunday or $300/season, not including rifle rental ($80/season) and ammunition.
‍*Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm track pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up here

wbc training programs

Aimed at:

Experienced biathletes ages 12-20 learning to train and training to compete.

Objectives of program:

Includes both skate ski lessons as well as shooting instruction with .22 rifles under close supervision of our coaches.

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:

6 coaching sessions beginning 12 July.
Sessions scheduled Sunday mornings through the winter season.
Additional, optional sessions Wednesday afternoons (2-4pm) - schedule forthcoming.
Entry into WBC Championships & BNZ National Championships (see calendar).

Costs:

$350/season (includes Wednesdays), not including rifle rental ($80/season) and ammunition.
*Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm track pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up here

wbc training programs

2026 Masters Program

Aimed at:

Adults interested in learning & excelling at biathlon

Objectives of program:

Our Masters Programs offer coaching, training, and community for adults interested in trying biathlon or growing their biathlon skills. Our season long program will work through the basic skills of biathlon including both skate skiing and shooting.

Pre-requisites:

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

Ski Training Plan

Snow Farm's Glide Masters Program
Wednesdays and Sundays at 10am - 12pm.
Improve your cross-country skiing skills and fitness in a friendly group environment - through a series of coached sessions by volunteer instructors.

Join SNOW FARM Glide Masters Here

Biathlon Training Plan

Wanaka Biathlon Club Sunday Range Session
Sundays 12.30pm - 2pm
Coaching provided by Wanaka Biathlon Club coaches

Costs:

Snow Farms' Glide Masters - $99 for the whole season*
WBC Sunday Range Sessions - $40/session or $240/season not including rifle rental ($80/season) and ammunition.

* Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm entry pass & ski hire if needed

Join Club Sessions Here

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.

Coach

Lulu Pettit

Lulu grew up skiing the trails of Snow Farm with her family. She learnt Biathlon as part of Team Snow Farm and quickly progressed as a competitor. In 2023 Lulu attended the IBU Youth camp in Slovakia prior to racing in Europe. In March 2025 Lulu attended the IBU Coaching course in Salzburg and is now WBC's newest coach and full time Snow Farm instructor.