Faster than biathlon World Champion Lisa Hauser? More accurate on the shooting range than Simon Eder? On 19 and 20 December, Saalfelden Leogang will once again be all about cross-country skiing and biathlon. Austrian biathlon icons Lisa Hauser, Simon Eder and Julian Eberhard will invite participants to the two-day nordic skills Winter Opening, taking on the role of coaches. Nordic winter sports enthusiasts of all ages will have the unique opportunity to experience the combination of skiing and shooting alongside multiple World Championship and Olympic medallists – both out on the trails and at the laser shooting range. “I’m delighted to share my passion for biathlon at the nordic skills Winter Opening in Saalfelden. The event is a fantastic opportunity to get people of all ages excited about Nordic skiing. Tips, tricks and, of course, fun will all be part of the experience,” says Lisa Hauser, who was crowned World Champion in the women’s mass start in Pokljuka (SLO) in 2021 and, together with Simon Eder, was one of the world’s leading duos in the single mixed relay for many years.
SATURDAY: SEARCHING FOR THE NEXT BIATHLON TALENTS
19 December is dedicated to children and young talents. With free admission to the Nordic Park, the season gets underway with a varied, family-friendly programme centred around cross-country skiing and biathlon, including sporting activities and challenges for the whole family. Under the motto “Austria’s next Lisa & Simon”, children aged 6 to 13 will have the opportunity to discover and try biathlon or improve their skills with tips and tricks from Austria’s biathlon stars during free, coached training sessions. The high-calibre coaching team of Lisa Hauser, Simon Eder and Julian Eberhard boasts more than 1,000 Biathlon World Cup starts between them. During his active career, Simon Eder was among the fastest shooters on the circuit, while Eberhard was renowned as one of the fastest athletes on the trails. Participation on 19 December is free of charge. Advance registration for interested children is requested at www.nordic-skills.at
BIATHLON EXPERIENCE ON SUNDAY: LIMITED PLACES AVAILABLE
On Sunday, 20 December, cross-country skiing enthusiasts and biathlon fans can take part in the popular nordic skills Biathlon Experience at the Nordic Park Saalfelden Leogang – a full day of training in small groups. Lisa Hauser and Simon Eder, who ended their successful careers only a few months ago, will join Julian Eberhard to provide fascinating insights into the world of biathlon and share valuable expertise from their years in cross-country skiing and biathlon. Under the guidance of the former ÖSV athletes, participants will learn and practise the individual elements of the sport both on the trails and at the shooting range, using the original 50-metre shooting distance. The highlight of the day is a mini relay, in which participants will team up with the professionals and race for victory. Places are limited. Interested participants can secure a place for EUR 132 per person. Registration and further information are available at www.nordic-skills.at
