JACKSON, Wyo. — The Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club (JHSC) is going back to its roots with the return of a biathlon program, which combines the endurance of Nordic skiing and the precision of marksmanship.
Using laser rifles and targets on loan from the U.S. Biathlon Association (USBA), JHSC and Trail Creek Ranch will reintroduce training for the sport at facilities for the first time in over 30 years. According to a JHSC press release, this season’s offerings will consist of introductory clinics, training camps and opportunities for student-athletes to compete.
“Reintroducing biathlon expands snow sport opportunities for our student-athletes while honoring the excellence of former athletes, coaches and families who built this legacy,” JHSC Nordic Program Director Will Wicherski said via press release. “JHSC biathlon is a celebration of community collaboration and a reminder that when we work together, incredible opportunities happen for our youth.”
JHSC became one of the first clubs in the U.S. to offer a biathlon program in 1970. The organization hosted the 1970 U.S. Biathlon National Championships and the World Championship Team Trials, then the 1972 Olympic Team Trials. Over the next two decades, JHSC contributed four U.S. Olympic Biathlon Team members, eight U.S. Biathlon World Championship Team members and two Olympic and World Championship Team coaches, earning over 15 national titles and one bronze medal at the World Biathlon Championships. The program was paused in the early ’90s.
Pete Karns became the Head Nordic Coach of JHSC in 1973, at the beginning of the golden era for Jackson’s biathlon program. He competed in the biathlon at the 1972 Olympics and was named head coach of the national team in 1976.
“I am delighted that the Jackson Hole Ski & Snowboard Club and Trail Creek Ranch have brought biathlon back to Jackson Hole,” Karns said in the statement. “JHSC used to be the top biathlon club in the nation and hopefully we will own that title again someday.”
Last season, USBA brought a laser-rifle biathlon pilot program to three Nordic communities that did not have biathlon training. Through the initiative, 10 laser rifles, targets, shooting mats and rifle supports were loaned to Glacier Nordic Ski Club in Whitefish, Montana, in January. The gear was then transported to Vail, Colorado, in February and Telluride, Colorado, in March. JHSC says the technological advancements of laser rifles allow biathlon to be practiced “safely and silently,” and that the training guns are well-suited for community and youth settings.
