Wisconsin Training Facility Helps Olympic Hopefuls Prepare for Biathlon

The Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion serves as one of only three national training facilities in the country for cross-country skiing and biathlon.

Published on Feb. 10, 2026

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A world-class training facility in Brillion, Wisconsin, the Ariens Nordic Center, is helping athletes prepare for Olympic-level competition in cross-country skiing and biathlon. The center serves as one of only three national training facilities in the country and has an unlikely origin story connecting Wisconsin manufacturing to international winter sports.

Why it matters

The Ariens Nordic Center represents Wisconsin's growing connection to winter Olympic sports, giving residents a chance to experience the same training environment used by national-level athletes. It also serves as the only official store in the country that sells U.S. Biathlon team wear, allowing supporters to back the team's global efforts.

The details

The center was created after a national team athlete, Paul Shommer, reached out to Ariens, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of snowthrowers, about sponsoring the biathlon team. Ariens wanted to help foster development and feed the pipeline for future athletes, which led to the creation of this specialized training facility. The center offers lessons for beginner through intermediate skiers and hosts school groups to introduce the sport to new participants.

  • The Ariens Nordic Center opened in Brillion, Wisconsin.
  • In 2026, the facility is helping athletes prepare for upcoming Olympic competition.

The players

Ariens Nordic Center

A world-class training facility in Brillion, Wisconsin, that is helping athletes prepare for Olympic-level competition in cross-country skiing and biathlon. It serves as one of only three national training facilities in the country.

Paul Shommer

A current national team athlete who reached out to Ariens, a Wisconsin-based manufacturer of snowthrowers, about sponsoring the biathlon team, which led to the creation of the Ariens Nordic Center.

Sean Becker

The director of sports operations and development with the Ariens Nordic Center.

Heather Higgins

A program specialist and a three-time Wisconsin state champion in cross-country skiing, who now teaches at the Ariens Nordic Center and embodies the sport's lifelong appeal.

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What they’re saying

“Paul Shommer, a current national team athlete, was over in Europe skiing in a World Cup, saw an Ariens snowthrower, and called up the company and said, 'Hey, would you guys be interested in sponsoring the biathlon team?'”

— Sean Becker, Director of sports operations and development (tmj4.com)

“I grew up cross-country skiing ever since I was a little girl, from southern Wisconsin to northern Wisconsin, and it's just a sport you can do your whole life. It keeps you moving. Lots of great friends out here. We just have a blast.”

— Heather Higgins, Program specialist (tmj4.com)

“I think it's great because it just keeps you moving. It's athletic. It keeps your body going. It's really excellent exercise.”

— Heather Higgins, Program specialist (tmj4.com)

What’s next

The Ariens Nordic Center will continue to serve as a training ground for Olympic hopefuls as they prepare for upcoming winter games.

The takeaway

The Ariens Nordic Center in Brillion, Wisconsin, is playing a crucial role in developing the next generation of winter sports athletes, providing a world-class training facility and fostering a love for cross-country skiing and biathlon in the local community.