By Capt Jodi Phillips
ARMY Nordic Skiing and Biathlon is a sport that combines the physical demands of cross-country skiing with marksmanships shooting with performance measured in time.

It is both a mentally and physically demanding sport and is open to Army personnel of all ranks and corps.

The next major biathlon competition will be held from August 3-15 this year at Dinner Plain on the Mt Hotham ski resort in the Victorian snow fields.

Participants do not have to come for both weeks if it is not possible to get leave for the entire period.

Competitors will need to get themselves to the Albury-Wondonga Army Base and transport has been arranged to take them to the mountain from there.

Warm weather clothing (gloves, beanie and jumper) are all that is required. The Army Nordic Skiing Association (ANSA) provides skiis, poles, boots, race suite and tracksuits.

The cost is $400 for the full two weeks and includes lodging, all meals and fees.

Races are as follows:
Male:

• 15km Biathlon – shooting and x-country skiing combined.
• 15km Classical – classical skiing only.
• 10km Freestyle – classical or skating.
• 15km Patrol – four man team race, shooting and x-country skiing.
• Relay – four pers relay.

Female:

• 7.5km Biathlon – shooting and x-country skiing.
• 7.5km Classical – classical skiing only.
• 5km Freestyle – classical or skating.
• Relay – four person relay.

The ANSA is desperate for participants, particularly females. It is a very fun, but exhausting, two weeks. Participants need to be physically fit. It doesn't matter if you have not skiied before as the first week is a training week – the second week is competition.

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