What are skis and poles in Biathlon?

Section 2: Equipment

Calibre: .22 Long Rifle (LR) rimfire, 5.6 mm bore diameter. This is the only calibre permitted in biathlon competition.
Action: Bolt-action (straight-pull bolt is standard for speed). No automatic or semi-automatic actions permitted.
Minimum weight: 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) including the carrying harness and magazine.
Magazine: Capacity of 5 rounds. One magazine loaded per shooting stage. Athletes must manually load additional rounds from spare magazines for relay spare shots.
Sights: Open/iron sights only. No optical sights, telescopic sights, lens systems, or red-dot sights permitted. Diopter rear sight and ring/post front sight are standard.
Trigger: No minimum trigger pull weight specified, but the mechanism must be safe (no hair triggers that could fire from impact or vibration).
Stock: Custom-fitted to the athlete. May include adjustable cheekpiece and buttpad. No electronic components permitted in the stock.

Type: .22 LR rimfire cartridges. Athletes select and test their own ammunition for optimal accuracy and reliability in cold conditions.
Quantity per stage: 5 rounds loaded in the magazine. In relay events, athletes carry 3 additional spare rounds per shooting stage (loaded manually one at a time after the initial 5 are fired).
Cold weather performance: Ammunition must function reliably at temperatures as low as −20°C (−4°F). Athletes often warm ammunition in body-heat pockets before loading.

Technique: Free technique (skating) is used in all biathlon events. Classical technique is not used in modern competition.
Ski specifications: Per FIS cross-country regulations. Minimum ski length based on athlete height.
Wax restrictions: Fluorocarbon waxes are banned (environmental regulation adopted in 2022–2023 season).
Poles: Standard cross-country skating poles. No restrictions beyond FIS specifications for pole length and construction.

Rifle harness: Custom-fitted harness worn on the back. Rifle must be secured with the barrel pointing upward at all times during skiing. Quick-release mechanism for rapid transition to shooting position.
Shooting mat (prone): Athletes may use a personal shooting mat for prone stages. The mat provides a stable, dry surface and is positioned at the firing lane. Maximum dimensions specified by IBU to fit within the firing lane width.

Calibre: .22 Long Rifle (LR) rimfire, 5.6 mm bore diameter. This is the only calibre permitted in biathlon competition.
Action: Bolt-action (straight-pull bolt is standard for speed). No automatic or semi-automatic actions permitted.
Minimum weight: 3.5 kg (7.7 lb) including the carrying harness and magazine.
Magazine: Capacity of 5 rounds. One magazine loaded per shooting stage. Athletes must manually load additional rounds from spare magazines for relay spare shots.
Sights: Open/iron sights only. No optical sights, telescopic sights, lens systems, or red-dot sights permitted. Diopter rear sight and ring/post front sight are standard.
Trigger: No minimum trigger pull weight specified, but the mechanism must be safe (no hair triggers that could fire from impact or vibration).
Stock: Custom-fitted to the athlete. May include adjustable cheekpiece and buttpad. No electronic components permitted in the stock.

Type: .22 LR rimfire cartridges. Athletes select and test their own ammunition for optimal accuracy and reliability in cold conditions.
Quantity per stage: 5 rounds loaded in the magazine. In relay events, athletes carry 3 additional spare rounds per shooting stage (loaded manually one at a time after the initial 5 are fired).
Cold weather performance: Ammunition must function reliably at temperatures as low as −20°C (−4°F). Athletes often warm ammunition in body-heat pockets before loading.

Technique: Free technique (skating) is used in all biathlon events. Classical technique is not used in modern competition.
Ski specifications: Per FIS cross-country regulations. Minimum ski length based on athlete height.
Wax restrictions: Fluorocarbon waxes are banned (environmental regulation adopted in 2022–2023 season).
Poles: Standard cross-country skating poles. No restrictions beyond FIS specifications for pole length and construction.

Rifle harness: Custom-fitted harness worn on the back. Rifle must be secured with the barrel pointing upward at all times during skiing. Quick-release mechanism for rapid transition to shooting position.
Shooting mat (prone): Athletes may use a personal shooting mat for prone stages. The mat provides a stable, dry surface and is positioned at the firing lane. Maximum dimensions specified by IBU to fit within the firing lane width.