Biathlon 4 All: Switzerland’s inclusive approach to growing the sport

Breaking down barriers in biathlon

Switzerland is taking a fresh and inclusive approach to developing the next generation of winter sports athletes through its national recruitment initiative, “Biathlon 4 All”. Designed to make the sport more accessible, the programme is helping to reshape perceptions of biathlon while significantly expanding its grassroots base.

Traditionally, biathlon has been seen as a technically demanding sport, with the shooting element often acting as a barrier for newcomers. “Biathlon 4 All” directly addresses this challenge by introducing animation and event formats that allow participants to experience the sport in a fun, safe and welcoming environment. The aim is not only to strengthen the image of biathlon, but also to eliminate fear and hesitation around shooting, particularly among young people.

A structured pathway from first try to club level

At the core of the initiative is a three-part structure that guides participants from first contact through to long-term engagement.

The first pillar, “Biathlon 4 All”, targets a wide audience and focuses on mass participation. These open events are designed to give people of all ages an opportunity to try biathlon in a relaxed setting, often for the first time.

The second pillar, “Biathlon 4 You @ School”, brings the sport directly into primary schools. In Graubünden, building on the legacy of the Biathlon World Championships, biathlon activities are integrated into physical education lessons, temporarily replacing standard gymnastics classes. This approach allows children to discover the sport early, without needing to join a club, and creates a natural pathway for talent identification and recruitment.

The third pillar, “Biathlon 4 Club”, ensures that interest generated at entry level can be sustained. Clubs are supported with alternative training solutions, including options for those without shooting infrastructure, and structured programmes are provided for athletes under the age of 15. This enables Nordic ski clubs in particular to expand their offer and incorporate biathlon into their activities.

Leveraging tradition: The Grand Prix Migros

A key factor in the project’s success has been its use of existing platforms. The Grand Prix Migros, the world’s largest children’s ski race, has become an important recruitment channel.

First held in 1972, the event now attracts around 6,500 participants aged between eight and sixteen across eleven locations and a national final. It is widely recognised as part of the athlete development pathway, with many of Switzerland’s top athletes having competed in it during their childhood.

Innovation through integration: Grand Prix Migros Nordic

Building on this foundation, Swiss-Ski introduced the Grand Prix Migros Nordic, which combines cross-country skiing with biathlon-style scoring.

Held alongside the alpine events, it takes place at three locations and a final, attracting around 600 Nordic participants. With up to 900 children attending each event, the combined format brings together nearly 7,000 young athletes, reinforcing the concept of one unified Swiss-Ski family.

Positive impact across clubs and communities

The impact of “Biathlon 4 All” has been significant. Feedback from clubs and participants has been overwhelmingly positive, and more clubs are beginning to integrate biathlon into their programmes. The initiative has also succeeded in reaching new audiences, many of whom had no prior connection to the sport.

One particularly successful element has been the introduction of Inclusive Biathlon Days. These events provide a safe and supportive environment for first-time participants to try shooting, often alongside their families. By involving spectators and creating a shared experience, the programme extends beyond athlete recruitment and strengthens community engagement.

Looking ahead: Expanding access and opportunity

Looking ahead, Swiss-Ski plans to continue expanding its youth programmes, encourage more clubs to adopt biathlon, and develop new event formats to reach even broader audiences. The emphasis will remain on inclusion, accessibility and collaboration.

“Biathlon 4 All” demonstrates how a sport can evolve by lowering barriers and meeting people where they are. By combining innovation with established structures, Switzerland is not only identifying future talent, but also ensuring that biathlon becomes a sport that truly is open to all.