Northstar-at-Tahoe Resort near Lake Tahoe, Calif. is introducing winter sport enthusiasts to the cross-country sport of biathlon this season with the opening of the only permanent biathlon range on the West Coast.
For those unfamiliar, biathlon is an event where participants ski around a cross-country track that is broken up by either two or four shooting rounds. For each shooting round, the biathlete has to hit five targets – half as they’re lying down, the other half standing. And, depending on their shooting performance – or lack thereof, either ski distance or time is added to the participant’s total. The participant with the shortest total time wins.
“With this being an Olympic year, and the 50th anniversary of biathlon as an Olympic sport – it was actually introduced during the 1960 winter games on the West Shore of Lake Tahoe – this season is an ideal time to introduce biathlon to winter recreationalists visiting Lake Tahoe,” said Julie Young, director of Northstar Resort’s Nordic activities. “Until now there hasn’t been a facility for biathletes to learn or train. We’re excited to be filling a void in the Tahoe area cross-country scene.”
Those who want to learn the ins and outs of biathlon can take a private three hour lesson with former US Olympic team biathlete, Glenn Jobe at Northstar Resort this winter. Jobe will offer instruction by appointment only, Monday through Friday, non-holiday, out of Northstar Resort’s Cross-Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center for ages 13 and up. Reservations have to be made 48 hours in advance.
The first part of the lesson involves a clinic on dry firing where participants learn safety techniques and the mechanics of the 12 steps of firing a gun. The second part of the lesson involves cross-country, skate skiing or snowshoeing on the trail system where the targets are set up, so if you’re doing this on cross-country or skate skis, you’ll need to have a minimum of an intermediate level of skill.
The Auburn Ski Club Association will also be assisting with and hosting events to kick off the inaugural season of Northstar Resort’s biathlon range. An Intro to Biathlon clinic will be offered on February 12, 2010, a pre-competition clinic on March 20, and a biathlon race that’s open to the public on March 21, 2010.
For more information or to make reservations, call the Northstar Resort Cross-Country, Telemark and Snowshoe Center at 530.562.3270 or visit http://www.northstarattahoe.com/.
If you go…
COST: $199 for the first person, $50 for each additional person, up to a maximum of four people in a group.
WEAR: Breathable, waterproof, wicking layers, light gloves that you can keep on while operating the rifle vs. bulky gloves that have to be taken off, and plenty of sunscreen.
DON’T MISS: Northstar Resort’s biathlon demonstration and mock race with current and former biathletes on January 10, 2010 as part of the Lake Tahoe Olympic Heritage Week.
BONUS: Need to warm up? Stop in at the warming hut caboose just below the range on the Northstar Resort Cross-Country Trail Network for complimentary tea, cocoa and a cozy place to relax.
