Are you looking for the perfect place for high-altitude training that combines excellent training conditions with a family atmosphere and the option to escape to the sea or catch a football match in Barcelona?

The French resort of Font-Romeu in the heart of the Pyrenees is becoming a new hotspot for endurance athletes. Why have Czech biathletes, along with Scandinavian and American stars, concentrated so far away?

Training at 1,800 meters

Font-Romeu is located right on the Spanish border at an ideal altitude of 1,800 meters above sea level. The key point of the entire complex is the CREPS facility (Center for Resources, Expertise, and Sports Performance), which provides athletes with the necessary support for rigorous preparation for the winter season.

For biathletes and cross-country skiers, this Pyrenean haven offers everything needed: a biathlon complex with an 18-lane shooting range, a 2.2 km roller ski track, cycling routes, and passes with varied terrain around Lake Matemale or the legendary ascent to Puigmal – a road with a perfect surface free of motor traffic. Complete equipment for strength training (gyms) and recovery is also available.

“It’s a nice place with plenty of options for roller skiing. And the weather was on our side,” praised Czech biathlon coach Michal Šlesingr.

Biathletes are particularly excited about the resort, as skating on roller skis on public roads, where the skier takes up more space than with classic technique, is not possible everywhere. In fact, it is often very dangerous. For example, roller skiing was recently banned in Italy.

Also Read: Font-Romeu: a place that has become famous for high-altitude training, even as far away as Scandinavia

The article continues below.

From mountain ridges to the beach

A significant advantage of Font-Romeu is its strategic location. After a demanding roller ski training session, there are countless options for recovery or to spice up free days. The Czech team took advantage of the proximity to the coast and cycled from the mountain resort directly to the Mediterranean Sea for a swim, covering about 130km.

The closeness to the Catalan capital invites cultural excursions or top-level sports – the athletes didn’t miss a match of the famous FC Barcelona during their camp.

Intimate atmosphere

Unlike the large and crowded Alpine resorts, Font-Romeu maintains an intimate character. Locals value every athlete and do their utmost to ensure that teams have ideal conditions.

“Not many teams come here yet, so they really try hard and will arrange anything for you,” confirms Šlesingr. “We needed access to the gym, which was closed on Saturday morning. The facility manager came to open it for us. Local clubs always try to accommodate us at the shooting range.”

Where champions train

Font-Romeu is no longer just a hidden gem. In September, the absolute world elite of endurance sports gathers here. In addition to the Czech team, the national biathlon teams from Sweden, Finland, and Lithuania, as well as cross-country skiing stars like Frida Karlsson and Harald Østberg Amundsen, have taken advantage of the high-altitude effect in the Pyrenees.

Whether you are planning a professional training camp or looking for inspiration for demanding preparation in a mountain environment, Font-Romeu offers the ideal combination of altitude, excellent service, and Pyrenean hospitality.

Read More: Why train at high altitude?

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