Glacier Meltdown - Laser Biathlon

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!

This event uses laser biathlon rifles. Due to the technical nature of the equipment, all participants must have prior experience with GNC laser rifles and targets.

Eligibility & Requirements
All racers must have attended a GNC laser biathlon clinic or program in 2025 or 2026. Experienced biathletes outside of GNC may register but must attend a brief rifle orientation on race day. No day-of biathlon instruction will be provided beyond this orientation.

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.

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 Novice (3 km)
This is a 3 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender youth, including younger (U12) or less experienced athletes in the Youth Biathlon Team program. Youth from the 2024–25 YBT season may also participate.

Adult Novice (3 km)
This is a 3 km mass start freestyle race for mixed-gender adults ages 16 and older who have attended a GNC biathlon clinic or program. Skiers may use classic or skate skis, but there will be no separation by technique for results.

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 (U17) advanced Youth Biathlon Team athletes.

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.

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

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.