Ariens Nordic Center to Host Youth and Junior Nationals

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Midway, UT & Brillion, WI – For the first time, Ariens Nordic Center will host the 2026 U.S. Biathlon Youth and Junior Nationals and International Team Trials, December 26-31, 2026, bringing the largest gathering of youth and junior athletes to the world-class midwestern venue in Brillion, WI. 


Building on the success of the 2025 and 2026 U.S. Biathlon Masters National Championships and Ariens Biathlon Festival, the venue will transition to hosting the younger generation of biathletes this upcoming season, further showcasing Ariens’ commitment to development and growing biathlon in the United States. 


“Ariens Nordic Center is incredibly proud and excited to host the 2026 Youth and Junior Nationals and International Team Trials,” said Monica Ariens, Senior Director of Ariens Nordic Center. “Bringing these talented young athletes to Brillion, Wisconsin is about more than competition. It’s about creating opportunities, inspiring the next generation, and supporting their journey on and off the course. Seeing our venue play a role in their development and future success is truly special, and we’re excited to welcome athletes, families, and the broader biathlon community to be part of it.”


U.S. Biathlon youth and junior athletes will compete for National Championship titles in three races: Sprint Long, Sprint Short, and Mass Start 60. The weekend’s races will also be used as trials for the 2026-27 Junior IBU Cup and 2027 Junior World Championship Teams, as well as an additional international development trip* for U17 and U19 athletes.


“We are thrilled to bring this season’s Youth and Junior Nationals and International Team Trials to Ariens Nordic Center,” said U.S. Biathlon President & CEO Jack Gierhart. “Ariens Nordic Center has established itself as one of the premier biathlon venues in the country, and their commitment to athlete development and community engagement makes them an outstanding host for this event. These championships are an important step in the pathway for the next generation of U.S. biathletes, and we’re excited for athletes, families, and coaches from across the country to experience everything Brillion and Ariens Nordic Center have to offer.”


ABOUT ARIENS NORDIC CENTER

Ariens Nordic Center is located on 200 acres on the outskirts of Brillion, Wisconsin. The center is a year-round trail network for recreation, training, and competition for cross-country skiing, biathlon, roller-skiing, running, hiking, and more. The facility is open to the public and includes a 5k lighted trail network for cross-country skiing designed by Morton Trails, 20-point Kurvinen Biathlon Target System, a robust snowmaking system, 3k paved roller-ski loop for off-season training, and a 10-million-gallon pond for swimming and snowmaking purposes. Visit AriensNordic.com for more information. 


*Details to come on the international development trip.