Governor Gianforte Tours Biathlon Training Center at Crosscut Mountain Sports

• September 20 2023

BOZEMAN, Mont. – Governor Greg Gianforte this afternoon toured the biathlon training center at Crosscut Mountain Sports Center, home of the U.S. Biathlon Paralympic Team and the home training center for the majority of the U.S. Olympic Junior Biathlon Team.

“Crosscut Mountain Sports not only provides an exceptional facility and training for its athletes, but it also provides recreational opportunities to folks who want to get out and enjoy all that Montana has to offer,” Gov. Gianforte said. “I look forward to seeing all the future holds for Crosscut Mountain Sports.”

Gov. Gianforte and First Lady Susan Gianforte visiting with Crosscut Mountain Sports athletes

Founded in 2016, Crosscut Mountain Sports is a nonprofit organization providing year-round recreation, sports training, and outdoor educational opportunities for athletes at all levels.

Joining Crosscut CEO Jen Beaston, Biathlon Program Director Seth Hubbard, and staff and athletes, the governor learned more about the biathlon training, coaching, and competition opportunities offered at Crosscut for a wide range of participants. The governor also participated in rifle shooting.

Gov. Gianforte shooting biathlon rifle at targets

Biathlon combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting into a single event. Biathlon contestants ski through a course carrying a .22 rifle on their back and must stop at shooting stations throughout the course to hit metal targets.

In November 2021, Crosscut expanded its center and is now considered one of the best training facilities in the country.

In March, the governor wrote to the United States Biathlon Association in support of Crosscut’s bid to become the official home base for the U.S. Olympic Biathlon Team.

Located 16 miles up Bridger Canyon from Bozeman, the 500-acre training and recreation facility offers 28 miles of groomed trails for cross-country skiing, fatbiking, and snowshoeing, and 15 miles of single-track trails for mountain biking, hiking, and trail running.