Biathlon: a nordic sport for all levels

Immerse yourself in the captivating world of biathlon and improve your skills under the guidance of a passionate instructor. Combining skiing and precision, let yourself be carried away by the magical atmosphere of the Mosses-La Lécherette plateau, at the foot of the majestic Pic Chaussy. Take advantage of this opportunity to challenge yourself in the various sports that make up this demanding discipline.

Before we begin...

Early this afternoon, we are looking for something to do to make the most of the rest of the day at Col des Mosses. We want to discover one of the region's flagship activities while enjoying the sunshine. So we head to the Mosses Tourist Office, where we are advised to try an introduction to biathlon. Attracted by the technical and mysterious aspects of this sport, as well as the shooting involved, we decide to give it a go. 

Before heading to the meeting point, we need to get kitted out for cross-country skiing. We visit Hefti Sport, a sports shop less than a ten-minute walk from the initiation site. Once equipped, we head to the Maison de l'Espace Nordique where our instructor, Stéphane, is waiting for us.

Coordinating shooting and cross-country skiing

After an introduction to biathlon and safety instructions for using the laser rifle, we are shown the different targets. We start by taking a few shots in the prone position to familiarise ourselves with the rifle and practise aiming accurately. 

Meanwhile, Stéphane gives us tips on how to improve our accuracy. After several attempts, we move on to a cross-country skiing loop. This stage adds an extra level of difficulty that we weren't expecting: it's a very different sport from downhill skiing, requiring a different technique but offering new sensations of gliding. The first steps are difficult, but thanks to the support of our instructor, we quickly get the hang of it and start to feel more comfortable. 

This sport combines coordination, balance and strength: skills that are put to the test, but which are also worked on in a different and original way. Despite the challenge, it's great fun and we get the satisfaction of seeing our efforts pay off!

Regaining your composure to ensure accuracy

After our first ski lap, we return to the shooting range. We then face a new challenge: regaining our composure after the exertion, in the hope of hitting the target. Stéphane explains that in competition, top athletes manage to lower their heart rate in a matter of seconds by putting themselves in a bubble, before shooting accurately and then setting off again with renewed energy.

Imitating the professionals

During the second part of the introduction, we discover shooting while standing. This is a new position and technique for us: our instructor shows us this new way of shooting and its specific features, then lets us get used to it before setting off on our skis again. The introduction is coming to an end, so Stéphane sets us one last challenge: shooting at targets similar to those used by professional athletes, i.e. with a smaller diameter. A new challenge for young amateurs like us! 

To finish in style, we take part in a relay race worthy of the Winter Olympics: a course with penalty loops and the real pressure of competition. Let the race begin!