I've tried it out for you Summer biathlon Savoie Grand Revard

I’ve tried it out for you!

Who said biathlon was just for winter? In Savoie Grand Revard, the sport can also be enjoyed in summer thanks to roller skis. Combining concentration, adrenaline and spectacular scenery, I strapped on the gear to try out this activity, which is as surprising as it is addictive. Ready to discover summer biathlon in the heart of Chambéry Montagnes?

A unique experience
in the heart of
Chambéry Montagnes

You’re no doubt familiar with biathlon, the winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Originating from military training, it has established itself as a demanding and fascinating discipline. But did you know there’s also a summer version? On tarmac, cross-country skis are replaced by roller skis, offering a different yet equally intense experience. Curious to find out more, I tried out the summer biathlon for you in Savoie Grand Revard, an exceptional venue with 150 km of Nordic trails. We headed to La Féclaz, to the Alexis Bœuf Stadium, named after the triple world medallist from Chambéry.

Summer Biathlon - Savoie Grand Revard

First impressions:
aiming accurately,
breathing at the right pace!

The experience begins with an introductory session with Biathlon Expérience, a passionate team offering sessions suitable for everyone, on roller skis or on foot. The coaching is supportive, ideal for beginners as well as more experienced athletes.

Your first encounter is with the air rifle. You start with prone shooting using a rest, aiming at targets 10 metres away. It sounds simple, but accuracy already requires concentration and control of your breathing. Next, the rest is removed and you have to stabilise your position naturally. Breathing becomes key to avoiding any shaking and making successful shots. Finally, we move on to standing shooting, a more complex challenge where balance is essential. You need to find a point of stability, avoid waiting too long and pull the trigger at the right moment.

The highlight of the session? A session shooting with a .22 Long Rifle, which immerses us in the world of professional biathletes. This time, the targets are 50 metres away. The sensation at the moment of firing is incredible! Every successful shot brings real satisfaction and the desire to improve.

Who should you learn from?

The transition
to roller skis:
between apprehension
and adrenaline

After this introduction to shooting, it’s time for roller skis. Whilst shooting requires calm and precision, roller skiing puts your balance and stamina to the test.

We put on the special boots, adjust our helmets and elbow and knee pads, then it’s time to glide across the tarmac. First impression: it feels very different from cross-country skiing! On snow, the foot strikes are gentler, whereas here, every movement is more direct and demanding. There’s definitely a fear of falling, but the instructors help you quickly gain confidence and find your rhythm.

Roller skiing places a huge strain on your muscles, particularly those in your legs and upper body. You need to manage your energy, coordinate your movements well and adopt an efficient posture to avoid losing your balance. After a few warm-up laps, we set off on a more dynamic course, where every bend and every climb demands extra effort.

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A role-play scenario
biathlon-style

Once you’re comfortable on roller skis, it’s time to tackle the full course combining skiing and shooting, just like a real biathlon race. The challenge: complete laps of the course and return to the shooting range with a higher heart rate.

From the very first laps, you realise just how demanding the sport is. Your breathing quickens, your muscles heat up, and yet you still have to remain precise when shooting. Each penalty results in an extra lap, just like in a real competition. The experience quickly becomes immersive and fun, and the adrenaline builds with every lap. You get caught up in the game, trying to improve your time, refine your technique and keep your aim steady despite the fatigue.

Why give
summer biathlon
Chambéry Montagnes?

Whether you’re a thrill-seeker, an athlete looking for a challenge or simply curious, summer biathlon is an activity you absolutely must try! It combines technique, concentration and endurance in an exceptional natural setting.

As well as being excellent physical training, this activity gives you a better understanding of what winter biathlon entails. The Savoie Grand Revard ski area is ideally situated near Chambéry, offering an immersive experience in the heart of the mountains whilst remaining easily accessible.

Fancy giving it a go? Book your session with Biathlon Expérience and come and take on the challenge! With thrills, precision and pushing yourself to the limit, one thing is certain: you’ll never look at biathlon in the same way again.

Practical information

Where? Alexis Bœuf Stadium, La Féclaz – Savoie Grand Revard
Who? Open to everyone aged 10 and over
When? Throughout the summer season; booking recommended
Equipment? Provided on site (roller skis, rifle, protective gear)