Glacier Meltdown 2026 – Laser Biathlon
In partnership with Dog Creek Lodge The Glacier Meltdown 2026 is the first ever laser biathlon race in the Flathead Valley! As part of the growing biathlon program, this race will be very low key and very very fun!
Eligibility & Requirement
This event uses laser biathlon rifles. Due to the technical nature of the laser rifles, all participants must attend a short rifle orientation before the race, or have been part of a GNC biathlon clinic or program in the past.) Familiarity with biathlon race formats, rules, and some shooting experience is helpful, but not required.
Venue & Event Layout
The event will take place at Dog Creek Lodge, approximately 20 minutes north of Whitefish on Highway 93. Dog Creek Lodge will be open during the event with food and beverages available.
The race course loop length and trails used may be altered depending on snow coverage and course condition.
Registration and bib pickup will take place just outside the lodge near the fire ring.
The shooting range and start/finish area are approximately 0.25 km from the lodge on the ski course. Access for athletes, coaches, and spectators is best on skis. A snowshoeing and walking lane will be available along the edge of the ski course and will be snow-covered and unplowed.
Awards and ceremonies will take place at the lodge and registration area after all races have concluded.
Race Format & Order
Four separate races will be run in the following order: Youth Novice, Adult Novice, Youth Advanced, Adult Advanced. All races are freestyle technique unless otherwise noted.
8-930 Registration and Check In
830-900 Opening Ceremony/Announcements
900-945 Rifle Orientation (Rolling every 10 minutes)
1000-1030 Youth Novice 3k Race
11-1130 Adult Novice 3k Race
1200-1240 Youth Advanced 4.5k Race
100-200pm Adult Advanced
300-330pm Awards
Awards & Placings
Placings will be awarded to the top six finishers in both male and female categories for each race. Places one through three will receive Gold, Silver, and Bronze podium awards. Places four through six will be recognized as part of the flower ceremony.
Youth Advanced (4.5 km)
This is a 4.5 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender, older (U14-U16) and more experienced athletes who are intermediate skate skiers or experienced biathletes or both.
Youth Novice (3 km)
This is a 3 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender youth, including younger (U12)
or less experienced skiers (U14). (Minimum age requirement of 10 years old please.)
Adult Novice (3 km)
This is a 3 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender “adults” ages 15 and older
who are beginner skiers or new to biathlon, or both.
Youth Advanced (4.5 km)
This is a 4.5 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender, older (U16) and more experienced athletes in the Youth Biathlon Team program.
Adult Advanced (7.5 km)
This is a 7.5 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender adults and older (U18) youth who are intermediate skate skiers or experienced biathletes or both.
Start Format Contingency
If registration exceeds 20 racers in any division, that race will be converted from a mass start to an interval start or wave start format to prevent overcrowding on the range. This change will be communicated to athletes prior to race start.
For the Novice races,skiers may use classic or skate skis, but there will be no separation
by technique for results.
Volunteers
We are looking for some volunteers to help run this event. Please sign up here if you are able to help and we will be in touch Volunteer for Glacier Biathlon Programs
Or, contact the race coordinator directly at prep@glaciernordicclub.org
Registration/Trail Fee
Additional Dog Creek trail fees or season pass required for all racers and spectators. (Payable on site at the lodge the day of the race.)
DC Season Pass Holder: Free
GNST Youth Racer: $5
GNC Member Adult Racer: $10
GNC Member Adult Non-Racer:$15
Non-GNC Member: $22
There will be no refunds due to weather.
Dog Creek Lodge will be open for food and beverages and is 20 minutes north of Whitefish on Hwy 93. Registration check in and bib assignments will be just outside the lodge near the fire ring. The shooting range and start/finish area will be .25km from the lodge on the ski course. Athlete, coach, and spectator access to the start/finish area is best on skis. There will be a snowshoeing/walking lane open on the edge of the ski course, but it will be snow covered/unpl