We spent the day at Falcon Ridge Ski Resort at Falcon Lake, Manitoba and put our biathlon skills to the test. Biathlon is an extreme, intense, and exciting sport that combines cross-country skiing and shooting on a range. We had the incredible opportunity of learning to fire rifles at targets on the range and participating in relay races aural biathletes use to train during the summer.

Biathlon training at Falcon Ridge Ski Resort

Caleigh from the resort took us through a beautiful trail lined with berry bushes, to the shooting range. The trail provided some of the most beautiful scenes I’ve ever come across in Manitoba.

Lesson 1: Safety

Biathlon training at Falcon Ridge Ski Resort

Upon arrival at the range, we got our first and most important lesson: safety. Biathletes use rifles, so safety is an extremely important aspect of this Olympic sport.

We learned how to hold the rifle, how to check if the rifle was loaded or not, how to load a magazine, and how to operate the rifle.

Lesson 2: The Targets

Next, we learned to properly position ourselves to prepare for target shooting. The five targets in each lane are named Alpha, Bravo, Charlie, Delta, and Echo. I nervous at first but the amazing instructors made me feel comfortable and safe.

Biathlon training at Falcon Ridge Ski Resort

Lesson 3: Focus

We played a few games to improve our shooting and ran a relay race! It was challenging because we had to go through obstacles that got our hearts pumping, then we needed to slow down and focus on our shooting.

Biathlon training at Falcon Ridge Ski Resort is one of the coolest and extraordinary things I’ve done in Manitoba. I would definitely recommend this sport.

Luckily, you can sign up for biathlon training camps right now! The camps run in September and October. You’ll learn from some greta coaches and practice on the same range as Manitoba’s Olympic gold medalist Megan Imrie!

Get out of your basement and go try biathlon!