Ariens Nordic Center designated official U.S. Biathlon training site

September 19, 2023

By David Nordby

The Brillion News

BRILLION – Ariens Nordic Center has been designated an official United States Biathlon training site. In a corresponding move, Ariens Company renewed its sponsorship of the U.S. Biathlon for four more years. The company announced both updates on Monday.

The designation by the United States Biathlon Association puts Ariens Nordic Center amongst the top training centers in the country. Ariens Company has been a longstanding supporter of the sport and its development in the United States. Ariens Nordic Center opened in winter 2022.

“Ariens is known as the King of Snow,” Ariens Company Chairman and CEO Dan Ariens said through a press release. “Today we are proud to renew our sponsorship with U.S. Biathlon for another four years. The U.S. Biathlon Association is a terrific partner with AriensCo. Together we will grow this Winter Sport in the USA. Along with our Brillion based Ariens Nordic Center we promise continued growth here in the Midwest and across the U.S. Biathlon community as a result.”

The trail system at Ariens Nordic Center helped it received the official training site resignation, the group said. Two-time Olympian John Morton of Morton Trails designed the system.

“The intricate network of trails offers the ideal terrain for biathlon training and competitions. In addition, the center features the state-of-the-art 20-point Kurvinen Biathlon Target System, ensuring that athletes can hone their shooting skills to perfection. Furthermore, the facility boasts a 3k paved roller-ski loop, enabling athletes to continue their training even during the off-season,” the company said.

In 2023, its first year of hosting events, Ariens Nordic Center has hosted biathlon and cross country skiing events, in addition to training camps. The center hosted the CXC Junior and Youth Cup, one of the first major competitions at the site. Sean Becker is the general manager of the center.

“The company, Dan and the family, and the entire leadership team have been incredible supporters of our organization, athletes, and the sport of biathlon. Our goals and values center around the pursuit of excellence on the world stage while creating an environment and opportunities for anyone to access and fall in love with biathlon. The Ariens Nordic Center is an incredible testament to AriensCo’s commitment to the sport and its community, providing a world-class environment where top athletes can train alongside and inspire the next generation of competitors, and offering a pathway from the Midwest to the Olympic Podium,” Jack Gierhart, U.S. Biathlon President and CEO, said in the press release.