2025 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 primary school age and upwards;

Junior Development Program

Masters Program

Team Snow Farm

wbc training programs

Junior Development Program

Aimed at:

Skiers interested in biathlon under age 19 - includes primary and secondary school students

Objectives of program:

To teach a participant the foundational skills of junior biathlon - skate skiing, laser shooting and progressing to .22 shooting under close supervision. By season-end, the participant should expect to reach a minimum of the 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.

Shedule:

> 6 coaching sessions beginning 13 July through 23 August 2025·
> 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 the BNZ Calendar for dates)

Costs:

> $40 / week for Sunday-only, or $60 / week for Sunday + Wednesday
> 20% discount for pre-purchase of entire season ($192 for Sunday only or $288 for Sunday + Wednesday)*
> Includes rifle rental, ammunition, and instruction
> WBC club membership required separately ($50 for youth) - become a member here
> Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm entry pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up here

wbc training programs

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 6 week 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.

Training Times:

> 6 coaching sessions beginning 13 July through 23 August 2025
> Sessions scheduled Sunday mornings through the winter season
> Entry into WBC Championships & BNZ National Championships (see the BNZ Calendar for dates)

Costs:

> $50 / week includes rifle rental, ammunition, and instruction
> 20% discount for pre-purchase of entire season ($240)*
> WBC club membership required separately - become a member here
> Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm entry pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up here

wbc training programs

Aimed at:

U21 biathletes learning to train & training to compete

Objectives of program:

To teach a participant more advanced biathlon skills – fundamentals of training, advanced skate technique, standing shooting, skiing with a rifle, and progressing toward fast and confident technical skills.

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 13 July through 23 August 2025
>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:

> $60 / week for Sunday-only, or $80 / week for Sunday + Wednesday
> 20% discount for pre-purchase of entire season ($288 for Sunday only or $384 for Sunday + Wednesday)*
> Includes rifle rental, ammunition, roller ski rental, uniform rental, and instruction
> WBC club membership required separately ($50 for youth) become a member here
> Allow for additional cost for Snow Farm entry pass & ski hire if needed

Sign up 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.