A cross-country ski center in New Hampshire’s White Mountains is expanding its biathlon programming this winter with an approach that eliminates the need for firearms or live ammunition.
Jackson Ski Touring Center in Jackson, New Hampshire, will offer optical biathlon instruction during the 2026-27 ski season, allowing participants to experience the combination of Nordic skiing and marksmanship using equipment that simulates traditional biathlon shooting.
According to an October 13 announcement from Ski New Hampshire, the programming will cover safety, rifle operation, biathlon history and elements of training and racing.
How Biathlon Works Without Bullets
Traditional biathlon combines cross-country skiing with rifle shooting, requiring athletes to transition from intense physical exertion to the precise movements needed to hit targets.
Jackson XC’s optical equipment recreates the shooting component without firing projectiles. The rifles resemble conventional biathlon rifles but use a beam of light to register hits on electronic targets. There is no gunshot or recoil, and participants can view their shooting results on a nearby screen.
The technology allows participants to practice marksmanship fundamentals without handling live ammunition.
This isn’t Jackson XC’s first experience with the equipment. The ski center hosted eBiathlon sessions in March 2026, during which participants used optical rifles at a range adjacent to the touring center. Those sessions included safety instruction and opportunities to combine target shooting with skiing or snowshoeing.
The newly announced programming builds on those earlier offerings, although specific dates and pricing for the upcoming winter have not yet been released.
Making An Olympic Sport More Accessible
Optical biathlon is becoming an increasingly popular introduction to the sport. U.S. Biathlon has been expanding access to laser-based equipment through its Biathlon 4 All initiative, reporting that approximately 2,500 youth and junior skiers have participated in introductory laser biathlon events annually since 2023.
Jackson XC is well positioned to offer the experience. The nonprofit ski center maintains a network of more than 60 miles of cross-country trails through the village of Jackson and surrounding White Mountain terrain, including trails operating under a special-use permit with the White Mountain National Forest.
The expanded biathlon programming will give visitors another way to experience Nordic skiing while learning the fundamentals of a sport that combines endurance, precision and concentration.
Jackson XC is currently hosting a fundraising auction with tons of cool old trail signs and some cool new bags if you want to help them out while picking up something cool. Check that out HERE.
