Fast-paced Nordic skiing and accurate target shooting. Struggling to control your breathing, as you shoot at sets of targets either standing or prone. Which you are supposed to hit. Ski fast, shoot straight. Skiing. Shooting. Got it. And that’s supposed to be fun? I gave it a try.
How does it feel to get started in a sport you only know from TV? One that combines speed, intense competition and grace under pressure. Athletes finishing a tough, hilly lap of skiing, coming into the shooting range with heart and lungs working, and having to steady themselves enough to hit five circular targets at a distance of 50 meters, either prone (lying down) or standing. The targets are in the size of a palm and every missed target means having to ski a penalty lap.
For those unfamiliar with the sport, the image of ‘skin-tight-lycra-clad athletes’ with rifles slung over their backs, skating along narrow trails is what comes to mind. I have checked out that quirky, gruelling event that combines two athletic opposites – cross-country skiing and shooting – on TV and felt like a wimp. And thinking of trying biathlon myself sounded about as realistic as flying to the moon. After all, I’m not a competition type of person. I do sports for fun. Well, I used to feel that way.
Then I found myself lying down on the ground, aiming a rifle at targets in the distance with a coach right next to me. I had signed up for a short biathlon clinic at Erpfendorf Biathlon Center near St. Johann in Tirol. I aimed the rifle and pulled the release trigger and – hit! The sharp clang of the target going down was a satisfying “clank”! Okay, it was only half the shooting distance of ‘real’ biathlon and I didn’t ski to the range, but hey, who cares.
First, the biathlon coach collected our long poles. She placed her hands on her hips and glided away in perfect skating style. Following her was easier said than done. Despite being a proficient freeride skier, it seemed my years on snow counted for nothing as I strapped into the narrow toothpick-like skis. It really felt like skiing on toothpicks. But hey, it’s all a matter of balance.
And finally, the race. A test of speed and skill, the dual winter sport of biathlon combines the exhilaration of cross-country skiing with the marksmanship of target shooting. None of us had ever tried biathlon before, and some had never cross-country skied. Like me. But the coaches assured us that we could do it. And then, they divided us into two teams to compete against each other in a relay race. As for my team and me, we neither skied exceptionally fast, nor hit very many targets during the introduction unit. The same was true for our opponents. But hey, competition? That doesn’t sound so hard. What’s the big deal? And yet there is that kind of dark horse, come-from-behind excitement…
The starter’s gun is fired. My partner has mastered the first lap well, we are in the lead. She initiates me on my path in the hand-over zone. I pick up the long poles and push them into the snow, the skis move forwards and my upper body leans back. Oh no, please, not now! Please, please, please. Ten meters later, I proceeded to fall over, much to the hilarity of the audience. I have been over motivated. My opponent overtakes me, gliding elegantly. I get up on my feet again and try to push a little less aggressive. It works. I’m skiing as fast as I can. Yeah, they cheer me on! The lap seems to be endless, although it’s a mere 200 meters. Eventually, I’m reaching the shooting range. Stop! Well, yes, I still can master the snowplough. I switch into standard prone position target. The skis are in my way, anyway. I don’t mind, however. I try to slow my heart, to steady my hand and to sight my rifle. It’s a challenge unlike much else I do in everyday life. It’s a challenge of slowing down and focusing on demand. Breathe and shoot. Once. Twice. Another breath, and I knock down one more target. This means that there is no penalty lap for me. After covering my part, I tag the next team member in the hand-over zone. We are in the lead. Until we reach the finish line. We won! We were full of endorphins and there was much merrymaking. Rejoicing. Euphoria. Awesome! Although I’m not a competition type of person, I was drawn into participation. It’s very strange.
Want to give it a try? Biathlon is addictive. It’ll hook you right from the start. “Mark” my words. (Photo Credits: Thomas Fuchs)
Discover the growing sport with one of the unique Biathlon Programs offered in Tirol this winter.
When he is not working, Michael Gams is out exploring this beautiful country, hiking, mountain biking, freeriding and ski touring to the most beautiful spots in Tirol.
The mountain biking season is finally here! As with every other sport, it is important to prepare your body for the stresses and strains specific to mountain biking. As well as good overall cardiovascular fitness, riders need strong legs to push the pedals uphill as well as a strong upper body to deal with tricky descents and keep control of the bike through tight corners.Roland Luchner, coach at the Innsbruck Olympic Centre shows you five exercises to get you fit for mountain biking. Let’s get started!
Full-face helmets, protective clothing, super-steep slopes – downhill mountainbiking can seem a pretty intimidating sport. Something for adrenaline-seeking daredevils only? Absolutely not, as our Joe Average author found out when he hit the trails.
Hiking is a sport open to everyone, but after a long walk in the mountains you may well find yourself with tired legs. That’s why good cardiovascular fitness as well as strong muscles are important. These also help keep you safe when negotiating rough terrain and make walking and hiking a more relaxing and pleasant experience.
As varied as the rich flora and fauna of Tirol, it can be interesting to consider the various inclinations and preferences that make us all unique, especially outdoorsmen. People approach hiking differently and people hike for all manner of different reasons, but I have started to notice some broad groups that account for most hiking styles. There are those seeking solitude and there are those who want to push the limits. There are those who want to capture pictures of that perfect moment and there are those who want nothing more than enjoying delectable dishes served on quaint on-mountain eateries. Naturally, there are many exceptions but I’ve found these seem to capture most hikers I’ve come across. What do you think?
These mountain huts in Tirol are open in winter – an excellent base for ski touring, winter walking and tobogganing. They can be accessed on skis, but in many cases also on snowshoes or simply with a sturdy pair of hiking boots.
The Lizumer Hütte is run by two young guys with a clear vision. Regional produce and traditional values shape their philosophy. This commitment to sustainability covers everything from the meat and milk used in the kitchen, which travels just 150 metres to their door, to the wood used to heat the hut in winter. A real home from home in the mountains where ski-touring novices will find plenty of safe terrain to explore.
Some huts are part of the landscape. For decades, centuries even, they have offered refuge in the high mountains – a hot meal and a warm bed. One such iconic hut the Jamtalhütte, hidden away in the Silvretta Mountains above Galtür.
Perched high in the Lienz Dolomites, the Dolomitenhütte is run by a woman with an eye for detail and a love of nature. Visitors can look forward to a mountain retreat offering wonderful views and a chance to get away from the hustle and bustle of valley life.
Hidden away in a remote valley, accessible via a glacier, the Amberger Hütte in the Stubai Alps is an alpine hut in the traditional sense of the term – a solitary refuge providing food, shelter and a warm welcome.
Eight of the Best Snowshoe Trails in Tirol’s Backcountry
17 min reading time
The beauty of snowshoeing comes from its simplicity—just strap in and go! I discovered this gentle winter activity last year and find it’s a perfect alternative to Alpine skiing. Do you want to traipse through deep powder in the backcountry, scaling peaks, or is a snowshoe run on packed trails followed by sledding down more your style? Or maybe, it’s somewhere in the middle where you’d like to snowshoe through a peaceful forest, connecting with the Zen of nature. For your snowshoeing pleasure in Tirol here are eight highly recommended trails.
