Phil Bell,
If you did OK in crosscountry running then take it up!!! IF I was 40 years younger I would jump at the opportunity. Years ago I went to Canada for a year and learnt to crosscountry ski. Within 2 weeks I entered a 25km race!!. Their International Entry form New Zealand!!! The winner took 2 hrs. I took 4.
Some of the oldies may remember that we did some biathlon as the finishing event at the outdorr nationals. Maybe it should be re initiated!! it was fun.
The Snow Farm at Wanaka is perfect for training. And they regularly have visiting teams there training. I went down in 2008 with the Adaptive Skiers to introduce them to Biathlon. It was fun!!
Go for it.