The Norwegian biathlon team continues its preparations for the 2026 Olympic Winter Games with a two-week altitude training camp in Northern Italy, combining physical training with targeted shooting sessions.

After spending the first week in Livigno, the Norwegian athletes relocated to Passo Lavazè, situated at 1800 meters, for the second phase of the camp. This marks the beginning of a structured build-up toward Antholz 2026, with three high-altitude camps planned for the summer.

Also Read: The Norwegian Biathlon National Team for 2025/2026

Physical work in Livigno, focus shift in Lavazè

According to men’s coach Siegfried Mazet, the training in Livigno was primarily focused on physical conditioning and reacclimating to altitude, with only limited time spent on the shooting range.

“We only went to the shooting range twice,” said Mazet to IBU – International Biathlon Union, and added:

“This week, the focus changes. We will still be focusing on the physical because of the altitude, but now will spend more time at the range, doing moderate intensity and focusing more on the shooting.”

On Tuesday, it was time for the first interval sessions. The men worked through sets of 8-minute roller ski loops followed by shooting and lactate testing, maintaining a moderate training load.

Mazet emphasized the purpose of these early-season sessions:

“For sure, hitting the targets now is most important. It doesn’t matter if it takes a minute or more to shoot.”

Early efforts and careful pacing

Vetle Sjåstad Christiansen noted the hot weather before the session began, while Johannes Dale-Skjevdal admitted the sunny conditions made pacing tricky.

“I really try not to go too fast, focusing on the effort and trying to keep it in that zone 3. It only takes a small push, and you find yourself going too fast,” Dale-Skjevdal said.

World Cup Total Score winner Sturla Holm Lægreid completed the session with a perfect shooting record, though his focus remained on skiing technique.

“I only think about shooting at the range,” he explained, highlighting the mindset approach being developed in these early camps.

Also Read – Biathlon World Cup Season 2024/2025: Final standings after Oslo Holmenkollen

Women’s team building up gradually

The women’s team had completed a demanding workout on Monday afternoon and took a more relaxed approach the following morning, focusing on shooting drills and relay exchanges without roller skiing or running. Their first interval session was planned for later in the week.

With two weeks of training in the Italian Alps and more altitude camps to come, the Norwegian squad is steadily building toward the next Olympic season — one session, one shot at a time.

Are you interested in biathlon? Click HERE and read more about it.

As a member of ProXCskiing.com, you get full access to all content on the site and live streaming of Ski Classics Pro Tour events with English commentary.

When you become part of one of the world’s leading XC ski communities, you will receive many exclusive offers all year round. 

REGISTER HERE AS A MEMBER