Mountain Top/Tippmann Paintball Biathlon

The Fourth annual Mountain Top Inn / Tippmann Paintball Biathlon will be held on the beautifully groomed trails of the Mountain Top Nordic Center in Chittenden, Vermont on the evening of January 24, and all day on January 25th. Paintball Biathlon combines the sports of Nordic skiing and target shooting with paintball markers. Unlike traditional Biathlon, where competitors are penalized for missing the targets by skiing a penalty lap, skiers in The Mt Top Inn / Tippmann Paintball Biathlon are rewarded with time deductions for each target they hit.

Depending on their age, skiers ski one to four laps around either a 1 k, or a 1.5 K loop. Midway through each lap, the skiers visited the shooting range where identically sighted Tippmann 98 Custom Paintball markers (guns), supplied by title sponsor Tippmann Sports, await them.. They then have a chance to take 5 shots at five different 8″ paper plate targets before skiing off for another lap. Specialized winter formulated Draxxus “Frostbite” paintballs supplied by associate sponsor Procaps Direct assure consistent shooting and beautiful “Splats” when the target is hit.

Last years race attracted over 240 racers from across New England . According to Max Cobb, executive Director of the US Biathlon Association, “This unique Biathlon event was one of the largest Biathlon competitions ever held in North America, and a great way to develop grass root interest in the sport of biathlon.” Race classes this year range from NENSA Bill Koch League Lolly-popper skiers ( age 5 ), through adult classes. Adult and High school classes will race under the lights on the evening of Saturday January 24, 2009. The Youth classes will race on Sunday January 25, 2009.

Tippmann Sports spokesman, Eric Garbers has this to say about the event, “We are extremely excited to sponsor the Paintball Biathlon. At Tippmann, we have always been very proud to support youth events that promote strong values, hard work and competition. This event gives us the opportunity to showcase our products in a very unique way, outside of the sport of paintball.”

The Mountain Top Nordic Center, along with The Mountain Top Nordic Ski club produce the race. Over 40 Volunteers donate their time each year to make the Paintball Biathlon a success. The proceeds of the paintball Biathlon support the Bill Koch Youth nordic ski programs of the Mountain Top Nordic Ski Club

For entry and up to date start time information Contact:

Mary Anne Levins jmalevins@verizon.net
Mountain Top Nordic Center
Chittenden, Vermont

Photos of last years event courtesy of Stephen Goodhue/Vermont Country Images.