Biathlon

This thrilling sport blends the challenge of cross-country skate skiing and rifle marksmanship into a unique and engaging sport for all ages.

The Kincaid Biathlon Range is Alaska’s premier year-round training facility, welcoming both recreational participants and elite athletes. The world-class venue features 30 HoRa electronic target lanes for .22 caliber biathlon rifles, along with paved roller ski trails and an extensive network of Nordic ski competition trails. The range is home to biathlon clubs that offer year-round programs, training, and events for youth and masters (minimum age is 10).

To use the Kincaid Biathlon range, you will need to complete the following:

  1. USBA online Basic Rifle Safety Course (completed once- 30 minutes)
  2. NSAA In-Person Rifle Safety Assessment–Hands-on w/ live fire.  (completed once- 1-2 hours)
  3. Pay NSAA Range Use Fees– supports biathlon range maintenance (completed annual/seasonal)
  4. Attend Range Openings with a NSAA approved RSO. (check the Range Calendar)

If you do not have your own rifle, you can rent a club rifle through NSAA. You must be an active NSAA member to do so.  You will need to provide your own standard velocity match grade .22 ammunition.

NSAA Biathlon

Safety Classes

USBA online Basic Rifle Safety Course

This is a free, 30min online course that will provide a detailed review of Biathlon equipment, Biathlon rifle safety rules, and Biathlon range safety procedures, as well as some history and additional considerations for safe Biathlon participation. It is critical to U.S. Biathlon and its member Clubs that Biathlon participants are knowledgeable and confident with regard to all the critical elements of keeping our practice sessions and competitions safe for everyone.

Completion of the USBA online Biathlon Rifle Safety Course is mandatory before attending the NSAA in-person assessment. 

NSAA In-Person Rifle Safety Assessment

This class covers safe rifle handling, care and use of a biathlon rifle, basic biathlon technique, and unique operating procedure for the Kincaid Range.  It involves hands-on live fire at the Kincaid Park Biathlon Range.  Please dress appropriately for the weather on the day of your course. Firearms and ammunition are provided.

Cost: $25 Individual, $30 Family

You will need to show proof of your USBA online Basic Rifle Safety Course completion to your NSAA assessment instructor. 

NOTE: Minimum age for participation is 10 years old.  Participants younger than 13 must attend with a parent. If the parent is also getting their range safety certification, then Family should be selected as the registration option; otherwise, Individual is appropriate.

In-person assessments are scheduled approximately once a month or per request.

The next set of assessments for 2026 are scheduled for 6:30-8pm at the Kincaid Biathlon Range on:

  • June 17
  • July 15
  • August 26

Once you’ve satisfactorily completed your USBA online Basic Rifle Safety Course and the NSAA In-Person Assessment, your instructor will submit your information to USBA for you to receive your USBA certificate.

Questions?  Please contact the NSAA Program Manager, program@anchoragenordicski.com

STEP 1: USBA online Basic Rifle Safety Course
STEP 2: NSAA In-Person Rifle Safety Assessment @ Kincaid

Range Fees

Range Use Fees pay for metal target repair & painting, paper targets, lead clean-up, range lights, signage, mats, porta potty use, rifle/ski racks, etc. NSAA manages the biathlon range on behalf of the Anchorage Parks & Rec Department.

NEW THIS YEAR: To reflect the changes in the NSAA and USBA Membership seasons, the NSAA Biathlon Range Use Fees will be modified.  The 2025-26 Annual Range and Rifle Use Fees will go from Oct 1 – June 30.  Starting July 1, 2026 we will switch to the same season as NSAA and USBA memberships, July 1- June 30.

Range Fees:

  • Single Use: $20/day
  • Annual: Individual $200, Family $330 (2 people) or $430 (3+ people)
  • Summer (Apr-Sept): Individual $100, Family $165 (2 people) or $215 (3+ people)

After paying your fees, NSAA will email you a digital copy of your Range Use Card.   The card ensures you have completed all the necessary steps and are authorized to participate at the Range.  Range Use Cards must be brought with you every time you visit the range.  RSOs and NSAA staff may request to see them. If you have paid your range fees, but not received your card yet, please retain your email confirmation to show the RSO at the range.

STEP 3: 2026-27 Range Fees

NSAA Biathlon Rifle Rental Fees

If you do not own a biathlon rifle, you may rent one through NSAA.  NSAA maintains an armory of biathlon rifles, including both Anschutz and Izhmash models, in both right- and left-handed configurations.  We offer annual and summer-month options.  The rifles remain at the Range and you will need to provide your own standard velocity match grade .22 ammunition.

  • Annual: daily use of an NSAA rifle from July to June- $105
  • Summer: daily use of an NSAA rifle from April to September- $55

To rent an NSAA Biathlon Rifle, you must be an active NSAA member. 

Please join NSAA and have your login information ready to proceed with paying your rifle fees.

2026-27 Biathlon Rifle Fees

Encouraged Memberships

NSAA Membership

An NSAA membership is strongly encouraged to use the Kincaid Biathlon Range. Your membership directly supports grooming and maintenance of the trails from and around the Range.  Annual memberships start as low as $60, and any amount helps NSAA to continue offer skiing opportunities for all Alaskans.

Join NSAA

United States Biathlon Association (USBA) Membership

A USBA membership is required to compete in biathlon.

Join USBA

Range Calendar

Click the link below to view the Kincaid Biathlon Range calendar.

View Range Calendar

SCHOLARSHIP RIFLES

Each spring and as applications are received, the NSAA Biathlon Committee awards several club rifles, including Menaker and Poss memorial rifles, to promising Alaskan biathletes for use in their training over the following racing season. Scholarship rifles are to be kept and maintained by the athlete over the course of a year, and returned to the club each spring for inspection. Athletes may reapply for their rifles after the annual inspection and maintenance.  A $105 NSAA Scholarship Rifle fee is required upon acceptance of the rifle.

Award criteria:

  • Applications are accepted from athletes ages 12 and above.
  • Must be a continuous resident of Alaska.
  • NSAA membership is required. 
  • Frequent participation in biathlon events over the previous 12 months is expected. While no minimum number of openings/events is required, athletes should demonstrate consistent engagement appropriate to their circumstances. Range logs will be used to help determine participation.
  • Rifles are awarded only to athletes that have shown they are responsible and dedicated to the sport.
  • Only right-handed rifles are available for scholarship due to the limited number of left-handed rifles in inventory.
  • Awardees are responsible for rifle maintenance and any loss or damage to rifle while in their possession.
  • Awards may be limited by rifle availability.

Application Details:

The Application Period is now closed.

NSAA offered two application periods in Spring/Summer 2026, and they are both officially closed.

Thank you to everyone who submitted an application. Information about future application opportunities will be posted on this website when available.

Range Officer Training

Range Safety Officers (RSO) are responsible for opening the range and ensuring all shooters and park users in the vicinity of the range conduct themselves in a safe manner.

RSOs must possess general knowledge of firearms and biathlon, have successfully completed an NSAA Rifle Safety course, maintain current NSAA and USBA membership, maintain current SafeSport Certification (if working with individuals 18 years of age and younger), and NSAA background check. Please see the Kincaid Biathlon Range Standard Operating Procedures posted on our website for a full description of RSO duties and responsibilities.

Next Training Date:  TBD

Follow Steps 1&2 below before arriving at the in-person class TBD

  1. Complete the online US Biathlon Range Safety Officer Course.  Log on or create an account at the US Biathlon Center and find the above course under “Education,” then “US Biathlon Courses.”
  2. Upon completion, email coaches@usbiathlon.org and let them know that you are interested in taking the next steps towards becoming a certified RSO
  3. Attend an in-person assessment class.  Next one is TBD.  Please bring a notepad, pencil, and dress warm for outdoor temperatures.
  4. USBA will work with you on the remaining steps so that your competency can be properly assessed and ultimately approved. This usually includes:
    • A Zoom call with USBA staff. Receive the NSAA RSO training Green Book.  Conduct a shadowing experience with certified RSOs on the Kincaid Range.
    • Once US Biathlon and NSAA approve you as an RSO, you will receive RSO privileges for Kincaid Biathlon Range.

Reach out to program@anchoragenordicski.com if you have questions.

RSOs must possess general knowledge of firearms and biathlon, have successfully completed an NSAA Rifle Safety Class, maintain current USBA membership, maintain current SafeSport Certification (if working with individuals 18 years of age and younger), and pass an NSAA background check.

New Safety Marker Rule – Effective October 1st, 2025

The IBU now requires a Safety Marker– also known as a Clear Barrel Indicator (CBI), Empty Chamber Indicator (ECI), or chamber safety flag- installed on all biathlon rifles.

For the 2025-26 season, athletes will be required to use a safety indicator/marker inserted in their chamber to indicate the rifle is unloaded whenever the athlete is not actively competing or training.  Failure to do so will result in DISQUALIFICATION or START PROHIBITION per penalties outlined in the IBU Event and Competition Rules for ECR 8.5.1.

Resources regarding the new rule and examples of safety markers can be found here.

Examples of safety makers

Biathlon Community Contacts

Schedule & Maintenance
NSAA Program Manager
program@anchoragenordicski.com

Armorer
Miles Michel
Black Dog Gunsmithing LLC

Biathlon Related Links