December 03, 2013 (Truckee, California) – In the spirit of this Olympic year, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center is offering a new Junior Biathlon program led by former US biathlon team member Tom McElroy. This program will be an introduction to the winter Olympic sport of biathlon, a combination of skiing and rifle marksmanship, for children in second through eighth grade.

„Biathlon was first appointed as an Olympic sport at the 1960 Olympics in Squaw Valley,‰ said Sally Jones, Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center manager. „We‚re excited to be able to introduce kids to this Olympic sport here at Tahoe Donner with our new Junior Biathlon program.‰

Children who participate in the new Junior Biathlon program will be coached to improve their skiing skills, and also learn marksmanship and gun safety using specially designed, 100-percent safe, laser biathlon rifles. There will be eight after-school lessons held on Tuesdays, Jan. 14-March, from 3:45-5 p.m. for second through eighth graders. Participants must have basic ski handling skills. The cost of the program is $120.

Tahoe Donner will also be offing new biathlon clinics for adults and children interested in learning about the sport of biathlon. After range instruction and a brief backgrounder on the history of the sport, participants will get a chance to ski or snowshoe a short loop and then practice their skills trying to hit targets with an elevated heart rate. This is a 1.5-hour clinic from 10-11:30 a.m. for ages 13 and older or 11:30 a.m. -1 p.m. for juniors ages 7-12. Cost $30; trail pass required. The clinics will be held Dec. 22, Jan. 5, Jan. 12, Feb. 8, and Feb. 17.

About Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center

The world-class Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center encompasses the beauty of the Euer Valley and surrounding area and is recognized for its meticulously groomed trail system and talented team of instructors who help beginners and advanced athletes alike. The Tahoe Donner Cross Country Ski Center offers over 100 kilometers of trails groomed daily for diagonal striding, skating and snowshoeing. With scenic trails, challenging peaks and gentle rolling hills, there is plenty of terrain to explore.

For more information on our season passes as well as other Tahoe Donner recreation facilities and events visit here or call (530) 587-9400. or Like‚ Tahoe Donner on Facebook and follow Tahoe Donner on Twitter.