Ariens Nordic Center to Host Two U.S. Biathlon Events

Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, Wisconsin, has been awarded the inaugural U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships from July 20–21 and the U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and North American Masters Championships from February 14­–16, 2025.

The U.S. Biathlon Midwest Regional Summer Biathlon Championships is typically held in eastern or western regions in the country, as this will be the first summer biathlon regional roller ski championships contested in the Midwest. The event will welcome all youth, junior, senior and masters biathletes for two events on roller skis.

The U.S. Biathlon Masters Nationals and NorAm Masters Championships will be in collaboration with Biathlon Canada. Built as an annual event, it will take place at a time in the schedule that U.S. Biathlon Masters Advisory Panel and Biathlon Canada have deemed ideal to complement other race opportunities in North America. With the American Birkebeiner races and Expo taking place the following weekend, this event offers the opportunity for Masters biathletes to hit two events in one Midwest trip.

“We are building this event for the Masters population as another racing opportunity to add to the calendar and we are excited to play a part in bringing the larger community of Masters athletes together,” said John Farra, U.S. Biathlon director of sport development. “Having an event specifically designed for Masters athletes is another step to support the growth of the community.”

The Masters event is part of U.S. Biathlon’s 2024-2025 schedule that was released earlier this month.

“I am excited to be playing a role in developing and hosting this inaugural event,” said Gregg Pattison, U.S. Biathlon masters athlete and Ariens Nordic Center coach. “It will offer up the thrill of a sprint under lights, the rush of a mass start, and the mental challenge of an individual event.”