The rifle used was a high power 8 mm in caliber. In 1963 the Germans suggested 1 stadium with all 4 ranges. This was to accommodate the spectators With the introduction of the 22 cal rifle competition rile in 1978 the range requirements changed to today's 50 meter range. Snowshoe Biathlon Snowshoe Biathlon is very similar to Ski Biathlon, besides the obvious difference that the athlete is using snowshoes instead of skis. The races are the same except that the distances are shorter and the penalty lap is shorter.
Snowshoe is very much a northern aboriginal sport.
What is more natural than a trapper coming out of his tent, putting on his snowshoes, grabbing his gun and then looking for game to shoot at. Snowshoe biathlon became part of the Arctic Winter Games in 1978. Because of the traditions of hunting and trapping as a valued part of northern lifestyles it is hoped that snowshoe biathlon will remain popular among northern people. Competitions There are three basic competitions in biathlon. Skis another set distance and shoot again.