How do I get started in Biathlon?

You have an opportunity to participate in an Introduction to Biathlon clinics usually held in May at the Seattle Police Athletic Association rifle range in Tukwila, WA and January at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center. You can find all information about these events on the schedule page. If you can't make an intro clinic, read on... there are more opportunities to get into biathlon this year!

Please have a look at the race schedule Summer Racing and download the PDF "Race Announcements" for any weekends you might be interested in. Those "Race Announcements" have all the information about the races that weekend, race formats, the schedule of events (time to be there), contact numbers, etc. If you are new to biathlon, please contact either Bob Vallor or Jay Bender (or any other WBA board member). Please let us know if and when you will be coming so we can make arrangements to give you the mandatory Rifle Safety Certification class. You may also contact us if you have any other questions.

Your first exposure to biathlon might be as a spectator or helping out with one of our races. Volunteering to help at a race is an excellent way to be in the middle of the action and to learn the nuances of biathlon racing.

As a participant, we recommend that you start with one of our summer events. Our summer events are easier for us to give you more individualized attention, as well as obtain the necessary rifle safety certification. Summer races are held in Seattle, and Yakima. Methow Valley Biathlon also holds summer events in Mazama.

Our winter course at the Stevens Pass Nordic Center is geared towards intermediate to advanced cross-country skiers. We also hold novice and youth events and provide support to events put on in Mazama by Methow Valley Biathlon. Note; The current biathlon configuration requires a 1.5 mile up-hill ski to get to the range.