Major International Biathlon event to be held in PG during March

Despite losing out on the Olympic Trails due to a lack of snow, another major event will make its way to the Caledonia Nordic Ski Club in Prince George.

The facility will host a combined International Biathlon Regional Event, Western Canadian Biathlon Championships and the BC Provincial Biathlon Championships from March 3rd to 6th.

It is one of the largest competitions across North America drawing athletes from Canada and the United States.

Between 200 to 250 athletes are expected to attend with the event projected to generate over a million dollars into the local economy.

The Olympic Trials were cancelled by Nordiq Canada on November 27 due to uncertainty around snow conditions caused by unusually mild temperatures.

The trials were re-located to Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre near Vernon.

Caledonia was already scheduled to host a significant international biathlon competition in March, and in discussions with the Olympic Trials funding partners about the cancellation, the possibility emerged to redirect their support toward this major event.

“We are incredibly humbled by the response from our partners,” said Kevin Pettersen, Past Event Chair of the 2026 Nordiq Canada Olympic Trials. “When we began discussions about the cancellation, we shared that we were already preparing to host a major international biathlon event in March. What happened next was truly remarkable. Our funding partners and presenting sponsor Canadian Tire Prince George enthusiastically agreed to redirect their support to this event. This overwhelming show of confidence in our club and our community has transformed our disappointment into renewed determination and excitement.”

While the Olympic Trials would have generated approximately
$770,000) for the local economy, the March 2026 combined biathlon event is expected to surpass that impact:

• 200-250 athletes expected, potentially reaching over 300
• Participants from 6-10 Canadian provinces and territories
• Teams from the United States and potentially other nations through the IBU Regional
program
• Expected to generate over $1 million in direct and indirect economic activity through
accommodation, food services, transportation, retail, and tourism
World-Class Competition on Home Soil

The event will feature athletes spanning the full biathlon development pathway, from U13/U15 competitors (ages 11-14) through Youth, Junior, and Senior categories, to Masters competitors.
National-calibre athletes are expected to compete, including:

• Biathlon Canada Senior National Team and NextGen athletes
• Youth and Junior National Team members
• Top provincial-team athletes from across Western Canada
• Former World Cup and IBU Cup competitors

“Few communities in Canada have the venue readiness, organizational capacity, and proven
event-hosting expertise that Prince George does,” said Pettersen.

“We are grateful for the opportunity to showcase that capacity to the IBU and Biathlon Canada. While we were deeply saddened by the loss of the Olympic Trials, we are now energized by what lies ahead. Our volunteers, our sponsors, and our athletes are fully committed to making this event a signature success for Prince George.”