Getting started

WHAT IS BIATHLON?

Biathlon is a winter Olympic sport that combines the thrill of cross country skiing (skate discipline) with the skill of rifle shooting.

Athletes ski in both sprint and distance races that vary in length according age category.

The skiing is around a set course and the rifle shooting happens at a rifle range within that course. Athletes aim to shoot five targets on the Range. Each miss is recorded (rather than each hit). A penalty loop is skied for each target that is missed or a time penalty is imposed for each miss.

Shooting positions include standing and prone (lying). Prone is more stable than standing and easier to learn as you are lying on the mat with an armband (or a rest if you are just starting out) to support your Rifle.

Targets can be set to different sizes - for standing shooting (larger) and for prone shooting (smaller).

Athletes can shoot prone on prone targets, standing on standing targets or prone of standing targets depending on their shooting skills and stage of development. For example a beginner may be asked to shoot prone on standing because the standing target is larger and prone is an easier shooting position.

Races are either mass start or individual start with timed intervals (usually 30secs) between each athlete. In summer, roller-skiing, bike-riding or running is substituted for cross country skiing.

There's lots to consider and find out about when you start biathlon. Click on the links below to find out more about:

Equipment

Cross Country Skiing

Shooting 

Firearms Licence

Roller Skiing

RACES

The National Championships for biathlon races are held at Mt Hotham in Victoria during July. 

Additional laser biathlon races are held in Perisher throughout the winter season.

Biathlon races are held internationally across Europe, USA and Canada during the northern hemisphere winter.

The Events section of the Biathlon Australia website advises when events are on and how to enter.

MORE INFORMATION

If you'd like to know more about biathlon, browse through our website, visit the International Biathlon Union's (IBU) website at www.biathlonworld.com ,visit Eurovision to watch live racing and fun and inspirational on-line videos about the sport of biathlon.  

For general enquiries please email executiveofficer@biathlonaustralia.com.au

Biathlon caters for all age groups; juniors, adults, masters (over 35) and veterans (over 55). Some biathletes go on to train and compete overseas while others stay in Australia and doing it for fun and their own personal challenge.

You don’t need target shooing or skiing experience to start.

Steps

Don’t worry we will help you through each stage.

1. Contact us. Say hello and tell us what you what to achieve and where you are from.
2. Train with a local group. There are groups around Australia.
3. Learn how to rollerski (not everyone rollerskis but it’s a good tool to practice)
4. Learn target shooting. We will help you learn in a safe and friendly environment.
5. Get a target shooting license.
6. Acquire your own equipment (skis, poles, Biathlon rifle etc)
7. Attend a Winter camp
8. Compete. In Australia, in Europe, it’s up to you.

What is needed to succeed

Biathlon is a challenging and rewarding sport. It requires fitness, balance and the ability to calm the mind under stress. These can all be developed if you have the desire, work ethic and have the right attitude. We will provide you with the coaching and tools you need to succeed.