YOUTH BIATHLON

Methow Valley Biathlon (MVB) combines the endurance of cross-country skiing with the precision of rifle marksmanship. The program is open to youth ages 9–18 (participants must turn nine by December 31 of the current winter).

Biathletes complete their ski training through MVNT and take part in regular marksmanship practices throughout the season, from November through February. MVB also supports athletes who wish to compete in regional and national biathlon races.

We recommend that athletes have at least one season of Nordic Team experience or equivalent skiing ability before joining. New biathletes must be accompanied by a responsible adult until approved by a coach or range safety officer.

MVB provides rifles for team members to use during the season. Each athlete is responsible for purchasing their own ammunition, which can be ordered through MVB.

All MVB members must also be members of US Biathlon for insurance purposes. Join here.

Fall Biathlon

  • Fall Shooting Practice

    Fall Biathlon Shooting is designed for returning youth biathletes (YOB 2014 & older).

    We will offer 1 day of live fire shooting on Wednesdays before school from 7am - 8am.

    After practice, we will take athletes’ rifles unless arrangements are made with parents to take them.  No rifles are to be left on the school grounds.

    Dates: September 16, 23, 30, October 7, 14, 21, & 28.

    Register

Winter Youth Programs

  • Dev 1

    Saturday Training, 6-8 practices plus events between December and February. Must be 9 years old by 12/31/26, no biathlon experience needed. New shooter training (for participants and parent) and practice will be HELD ON OCTOBER 31, 2026 FROM 11A-1P.

    Members must be actively training at least one day a week with MVNT.

    Must be a US Biathlon member and have completed a USB Rifle Safety Course prior to the first day of training. More details will be provided at the MVNT Fall Information Night at the school. Contact biathlon@mvnsef.org with questions.

    When beginning, biathletes must be accompanied by a responsible adult until approved by a coach or range safety officer.

    MVB owns rifles which are available to team members to use during the season.  Each team member is responsible for purchasing their own ammunition, which is available through MVB.

    Register

  • Dev 2

    Our Dev-2 program offers double the shooting opportunities, for biathletes with at least two years of biathlon experience with YOB 2014+.

    Training will take place Friday afternoons and Saturday mornings between November and February, plus support at some races.

    Must be US Biathlon member and training with MVNT group.  

    Athletes with less than two years of biathlon experience with the club wanting to train in the Development 2 group can petition the coaching staff via biathlon@mvnsef.org on Nov 1st, and again on Jan 1st, and February 1st.  More details on registration page.

    Register

Biathlon Coaches

  • Betsy Devin-Smith

    A full-time rancher and retired veterinarian, Betsy devotes her every spare moment to the Biathlon Team. Her accomplishments as a Biathlon coach, advisor, and board member earned her the award of “Volunteer Ski Coach of the Year” by the US Olympic Committee in 2010. Betsy assisted as a Biathlon Official at the 2010 Vancouver Olympics and again at the 2018 World Cup in Soldier Hollow, UT. She is a past US Master Biathlon Champion and a North American Biathlon Champion. She is a Level 1 certified Biathlon Coach and a 4H shooting sports leader.

  • Scott Waichler

    Scott started doing biathlon with his children in 2007. He is a USBA coach, PSIA Level 3 cross-country skiing instructor and US Skiing Level 100 coach, and a past national masters biathlon champion. Scott also coaches skiing in MVNT.

Philosophy

For more than 20 years, MVNSEF has introduced athletes and families to the exciting sport of biathlon. Many athletes who began in our program have gone on to compete successfully at the regional, national, and international levels, and we are proud to have been part of their journey.

Our program emphasizes strong skiing and shooting technique, safe and responsible firearm handling, physical fitness, and sportsmanship. These fundamentals provide the foundation for lifelong participation in the sport, whether an athlete's goal is recreational skiing, local racing, or high-level competition.

MVNSEF provides age-appropriate biathlon programming that builds skills and confidence at every stage of an athlete's development. Our program provides everything needed to enjoy biathlon and compete successfully at the local and regional level. As athletes pursue higher levels of competition, however, success increasingly depends on personal initiative beyond scheduled team practices. 

Athletes pursuing national or international competition should be able to clearly communicate their goals and be prepared for greater self-directed training, increased travel, additional expense, and significant family involvement. MVNSEF coaches are committed to supporting motivated athletes by providing guidance, connecting families with training opportunities, recommending additional resources, and helping them navigate regional, national, and international development pathways.

Our role is to provide quality coaching, a welcoming community, and a strong foundation that allows every athlete to pursue the level of biathlon that inspires them.