After a successful start last winter, the Mammoth Winter Biathlon is scheduled to return for a second year. Hank Garretson with the Eastern Sierra Nordic Ski Association says that the permits have been approved so its time to announce the second annual Mammoth Winter Biathlon.

Last year 61 skiers aged 8 and up raced through the groomed cross-country ski trails at Obsidian Dome between Mammoth and June. As the racers lapped the ski course they stopped to fire off five rounds with a .22 caliber target rifle.

The race this year is designed for both beginners and experienced biathletes.
With five drop down targets to hit, which affects their overall time, racers mostly laid down to shoot in the prone position last winter. This year the adults will shoot five shots standing and five shots prone. Also missed shots will lead to a 150 meter penalty lap.

Rather then Obsidian Dome, this year the biathlon will be held at the Tamarack cross country ski center in Mammoth. Scheduled for March 28, the Mammoth Mountain Biathlon runs at the same time as the Tamarack Tour de Taste gourmet food and XC ski festival along with the International Ski History Congress academic conference.

More information is available on the Eastern Sierra Nordic Ski Association website at esnsa.org.

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