Biathlon, merging cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, remains a lesser-known sport in the U.S. compared to its European stature, where it's immensely popular. As the Milan Cortina Winter Olympics approach, the U.S. national biathlon team heads off with renewed hope, thanks to strategic investments aimed at expanding participation and accessibility within the sport.
Barriers history reveals that participation in the United States has been stymied by limited access to shooting ranges and the exorbitant cost associated with traditional biathlon rifles, which can set enthusiasts back approximately $4,000. However, an evolving landscape fueled by new biathlon centers and a laser rifle program promises to change the game.
John Farra, the director of sport development for U.S. Biathlon, has taken significant steps to engage youth and increase popularity in biathlon. He initiated the laser rifle program, establishing shooting ranges at youth cross-country ski festivals, where interest has surged with kids lining up ten-deep to try their hands at a laser rifle. Additionally, a pilot program is enabling biathlon rifles to be loaned out to Nordic centers, facilitating easier access to the sport.
“If we can continue to do this kind of targeted partnership with Nordic communities, at the end of the program, the kids will be biathletes, not just kids who have shot laser rifles,” Farra explained. Such targeted efforts have almost doubled U.S. Biathlon membership over the past seven years—from 818 in 2018 to a promising 1,596 members in 2025. Despite this growth, they still trail significantly behind European competitors where membership numbers soar; Norway’s biathlon federation boasts approximately 8,000 members.
The emergence of new biathlon ranges is crucial in addressing access issues. Notably, a leading snowblower manufacturer, Ariens Company, constructed a world-class biathlon range in Brillion, Wisconsin. This range features 20 target lanes for traditional rifles and an additional 10 points for new shooting technologies, enabling aspiring paraskiers and youth athletes to practice with laser or infrared rifles.
Moreover, the American Birkebeiner, North America's largest Nordic ski race, has engaged in a partnership to develop yet another biathlon range. Sean Becker, general manager of the Ariens Nordic Center, shared, “By providing world-class facilities and resources, we’re helping shape the next generation of biathletes and fueling their journey from local club to the global stage.”
In conjunction with these developments, the International Biathlon Union (IBU) has also pushed forward initiatives aimed at encouraging young athletes to embrace the sport. In 2023, the IBU established a support program that facilitated the acquisition of 365 laser rifles for clubs worldwide; the U.S. biathlon team secured 10 for their use.
By targeting large youth cross-country ski festivals, such as one in Soldier Hollow, Utah, which attracted about 650 participants, the team exposed over 2,400 skiers to biathlon through hands-on experiences.
“We want every cross-country skier to know about biathlon and give kids the opportunity to try it,” said Farra, underpinning a strong commitment to grow interest in the sport.
The future of biathlon in America looks promising yet faces inherent challenges. Engaging more youth through clinics and partnerships with ski centers has proven effective, but there are obstacles to overcome in access due to California's changing firearm laws. Gus Johnson, program director at Auburn Ski Club, notes, “Recent changes have limited our ability to loan .22-caliber rifles to beginners, making it impossible for newcomers to try the sport without spending thousands.”
The upcoming Olympic competition in Anterselva, near Italy’s border with Austria, commences on February 8. As the U.S. team prepares for this major event, the community's focus remains on nurturing interests at the grassroots level.
The growth of biathlon in the U.S. reflects not just an increase in participation but an evolving culture around shooting sports. With laser rifles easing access and breeding a new generation of athletes, the critical task lies in sustaining this momentum. Early reports highlight a dedicated community response, but questions remain regarding the long-term impact of regulatory changes and how they might alter participation rates. A close watch on these shifting dynamics will be crucial as the U.S. aims to carve a niche on the international biathlon stage.