I tested for you… the biathlon initiation at La Chapelle d’Abondance

Biathlon A complete sport

Fluidity, lightness, elegance… but also self-control and surpassing oneself, intense effort, extreme concentration and cold blood. That’s how I see biathlon as a spectator every weekend, watching the fine performances of our French athletes. Whether in the World Cup or at the Olympic Games right now! And even if the biathlon fairies didn’t bend over my cradle like they did the likes of Martin Fourcade, Anaïs Chevalier-Bouchet or Quentin Fillon-Maillet, the opportunity is all too good to be initiated. Incidentally, this is the home of one of France’s great biathlon hopefuls, Camille Bened. She is, in fact, the double 2021 Junior World Champion, and the author of her first IBU Cup victory in early 2022 (the antechamber to the World Cup).

Start of the Biathlon experience with the French ski school

In the expert hands of Michel and Philippe, French Ski School instructors

So we headed for the Foyer Nordique de la Chapelle d’Abondance, the gateway to the largest Nordic area in the Chablais region, with some 23 km of pistes. Not one, but two ESF instructors are waiting for me! Michel and Philippe, with their frank smiles and undisguised good humor, are going to accompany me on this discovery. And I’m delighted.

The starting point for this introduction to biathlon: skiing

We start with the first part of the course, devoted to cross-country skiing with Philippe. Objective: determine my level and give me advice on how to improve my skating technique… Even though I have a few basic notions, it’s not easy to find the balance and assimilate the skating step. While it’s extremely graceful for those who master it, it’s anything but natural for me! And it’s no coincidence that we start with skiing, since biathlon is first and foremost a sliding discipline.

Skating or alternating, but certainly not alpine skiing

This is something very close to the hearts of Nordic ski instructors, who sometimes turn down requests for initiation to shooting only. In that case, you might as well go straight to the funfair and try to win an XXL stuffed animal for rifle shooting! In short, I’m not going to set a time with my level, but it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t take anything away from the joy of discovering biathlon. Those who don’t feel comfortable skating can easily turn to alternative (classic) skis, which are often more accessible… But not alpine skis, as the instructors have already seen (yes, yes, that’s not a joke)!

Second stage of biathlon initiation Shooting!

Magic of this discipline, we switch to the other apprenticeship: shooting. And here, it’s no longer just a question of technique… It’s Michel who takes over the coaching and I listen to him attentively, taking care to record all the useful information he gives me. Concentrated as ever. Because if I fall on skis, nothing but my ego will be affected. Now it’s a question of safety with this weapon (laser for children, lead for adults) he’s about to entrust to me. We start with prone shooting, which is easier to integrate because it offers greater stability.

Reload the pellets. Press the reloading cue. And then, comfort ventilation, when you inflate your belly, you go down under the target. When you deflate your belly, above the target, then last ventilation, you position yourself right, block and pull the trigger cue.

Position yourself well, position the rifle, load the pellets, aim, block your breathing and trigger the shot by pulling the trigger… A lot of information to integrate in such a short time, but this little adrenalin is already getting to me. Bim, 3 out of 5 on the first recumbent shot! I’d almost have been proud if Michel hadn’t told me that the targets were set at 10 meters… as opposed to 50 for the champions in competition!

Third stage of biathlon initiation Control your heart, but don't tremble!

Third stage: understanding the essence of this two-faceted discipline by combining a cross-country skiing loop with a shooting phase. And despite my discovery pace, it’s not easy to stop the cardio effort suddenly to cock and keep my rifle still. All the while hoping to hit these 50 mm targets. A “pick” as they say in the jargon for a missed target? And now a penalty lap is added to the cross-country loop. The exercise is even more tricky when shooting standing up, where it’s more complex to find the right posture to steady the rifle. And it becomes impossible to keep the rifle perfectly still. I now understand the importance of the concepts of relaxation, breathing control and release strategy explained by the instructors. Don’t rush, but know the right moment to fire. In the end, this introduction to biathlon was a real psychological session!

The final word on this introduction to biathlon

Frankly, despite my modest level, I simply adored this initiation and these sensations. You can enjoy this discipline without any performance ambitions, but by taking advantage of its fun and technical aspects. As well as its physical and mental commitments! The icing on the cake was an impromptu mini-race with a group of 4 youngsters who were also taking part in an introductory course. Clearly addictive for this “game” dimension and direct confrontation, and the even greater pressure at the moment of shooting when you hear the bullets of the “competitors” firing next to you. Delicious emulation. A word of advice: whatever your level, take the plunge if you love this discipline, and bring your friends and family along for the ride.

a few practical tips to get you started

Take a lesson: individual or group sessions supervised by an instructor.
From what age? From age 8, beginners to advanced.
How much does it cost? From €35 for a 2-hour group session, €50 for an individual session. A La Chapelle Nordic ski pass is also required for access to the ski area (€4.20 per half-day per child, €4.80 per adult).
Where can I rent cross-country ski equipment? Alternative or skating skis, poles and boots can be rented from one of the resort’s rental stores. The course includes the loan of a rifle.
What should I wear? Nordic skiing, in its effort, is closer to running. So you’re more likely to wear what you’d wear for jogging than for downhill skiing. Dress for the snow, yes, but relatively close-fitting and stretchy, so you don’t get too hot and/or feel uncomfortable skiing or shooting in your own clothes. Mittens are to be avoided, unless you want to “slam” a 0/5 on your shooting!
A special treat for after-ski refreshments: Le Foyer Nordique is open for refreshments and takeaway snacks, every day from 9am to 5pm. You’ll enjoy a warm, family welcome and simple, home-made crepes, soups and sandwiches made from local produce.