Seeley Lake Biathlon 2027

The Seeley Lake Biathlon is a winter citizens biathlon held at the Seeley Creek Ski Trails in Seeley Lake, Montana. It is designed for recreational Nordic skiers interested in the ski-and-shoot format; no prior biathlon experience is necessary. Racers provide their own ski equipment, while the event furnishes the rifles, targets, and ammunition. The race has offered short youth-and-adult options and longer adult categories, with distances including 3K, 7.5K, and 13.5K. Previous Challenge versions included 3K, 9K, and 21K. It is promoted locally as Montana's sole citizens biathlon. The format is straightforward and specific to biathlon: ski a loop, shoot prone, ski again, shoot standing, then ski to the finish. Missed shots incur a penalty loop. All races are freestyle, meaning classic and skate skiers compete together. Safety is prioritized over speed. All participants must attend a gun-safety briefing, and heats are organized based on participant numbers, target availability, and range procedures. The event has a distinct local character; when melting snow endangered the course, race director Chris Lorentz and volunteers shoveled the trails manually. Lorentz also provided Seeley Lake Elementary students with a course preview, stating it was for the local children.