One of my other favorite winter sports (which is no surprise because it includes cross country skiing) is biathlon. It’s one of the biggest sports in Europe, getting more attention than any other sport of its kind, but it’s relatively unknown in the US.
For biathlon, you race on cross country skis and then drop flat on your stomach, take your rifle out, and shoot targets that are 100 yards away. Your heart is pounding the whole time because you’re racing against the other skiers!
I personally haven’t participated in the race portion yet but I have been shooting for the past few years at the Mount Van Hoevenberg biathlon range. It’s exhilarating to shoot — you’re lying on the cold ground but as soon as you hit the target you feel a rush of euphoria.
The MtVanHoe biathlon range is an amazing place. I like it because it’s open and expansive with amazing views of the mountains and sky. It’s breathtaking!
Shooting biathlon is close to my heart because I grew up with my dad hunting. It takes me right back to childhood, learning to shoot with him. I would never shoot an animal but the targets are an incredibly fun and harmless way to experience a thrill.
This past Christmas, I shot ten out of ten targets at the Mount Van Hoevenberg biathlon range! What a rush! Be on the lookout for the upcoming GoPro video to see me in action.
My next gift to myself is going to be a biathlon rifle. The guns are super specialized — they have to be lightweight and easy to maneuver because you wear them on your back while skiing.
I’m also a big admirer of the German biathlete Magdalena Neuner. Here’s a video of her in the 2012 Biathlon World Championships. Talk about blonde ambition!
Not only is biathlon fun but it’s also a lovely sport that keeps you in great shape. It’s great for your breathing technique, balance, and hand-eye coordination in addition to all the beneficial aspects of cross country skiing. And did I mention that XC skiing is “low-impact”? In my opinion, it’s the best exercise hands down.
