Introduction to biathlon in the French Jura

The biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. It is an Olympic sport, with contestants skiing through a cross-country trail divided into shooting rounds.

A bit of history

Originally, the activity that developed into this sport was an alternative training for Norwegian military. Norwegian skiing regiments organised military skiing contests in the 18th century, divided into four classes: shooting at mark while skiing at top speed, downhill race among trees, downhill race on big hills without falling, and a long race on flat ground while carrying a rifle and military pack. 20th-century variants included a military contest with a 17 km cross-country race with shooting. The modern biathlon is a civilian variant of this old military exercise.

What’s the plan?

Saturday

Meet at 10:30 in front of Hotel L’Arbezie. The hotel is located approx. 100 meters away from La Cure train station. After a short briefing and a bag drop at the hotel, our instructors will take you to the biathlon ground in Lamoura. This first day will be dedicated to improving your cross-country skiing skills and learning rifle shooting. You will first practice shooting with laser rifles, and once you are comfortable with them, you will be given pellet guns to get a real feel for biathlon. Return to the hotel in the afternoon. Dinner and night at Hotel l’Arbezie.

Sunday

After breakfast, our guides will take you back to Lamoura. After a short warm-up session to practice what you’ve learned on Saturday, you’ll be ready for the small contest with the other participants. Time for you to reveal your shooting skills and skiing abilities, or just to have some fun! Return to the hotel in the afternoon for you to get your bags and catch your train back home.

Requirements

To join this event, you need to have a good fitness level and some cross-country skiing experience (skating or classic).

How to get there

If you are traveling from Zurich by public transport, we recommend you to take the following:

Saturday

Zurich HB 06:32 – 10:15 La Cure (via Lausanne and Nyon)

Sunday

Le Marchairuz, col 16:44 – 20:28 Zurich HB (via Nyon and Lausanne) – depending on what time the event finishes

If you are traveling by car, you can park at the hotel car park.

Kit list

Day Clothing Essentials

-Base layers
-Leggings or skiing trousers
-Fleece
-Down jacket
-Waterproof jacket
-Sun glasses
-Warm hat
-Buff
-Gloves

Technical gear

-Small backpack (20-30L)
-Waterproof backpack cover
-Waterproof inner bags or bin bags
-Cross-country skiing boots
-Cross-country skis (classic or skating)
-Ski poles

F&B

-Water
-Thermal bottle for tea
-Snacks
-Packed lunches

Pharmacy

-Sunscreen and lip protector
-Plasters and basic medicine
-Face mask and hand disinfectant
-Ear plugs

Equipment rental

You have the possibility to rent cross-country skis (classic or skating), ski boots, and poles for an additional CHF 40.

Pricing

The price for this event is CHF 400.

Included in price

-2 days of introduction to biathlon with a certified instructor in a small group
-1 night of accommodation in a charming hotel (double and triple rooms)
-Shuttles between La Cure and Lamoura, where the trails and the biathlon ground are
-Access to the biathlon ground
-Use of the rifles
-Dinner on Saturday
-Breakfast on Sunday

Not included in price

-Transport to/from La Cure
-Skiing equipment (can be rented out, see “Equipment rental” section)
-Drinks
-Packed lunches

Group size

Min. 4 participants
Max. 8 participants

By signing up for this event, you agree that you have read, understood and will adhere to our Terms and Conditions.