Para-Nordic Skiing

Para Nordic skiing is cross-country skiing for participants with a physical disability. This sport is accessible by all ages and abilities either individually or in a group setting. Participants/athletes with a physical disability use a sit-ski, a chair equipped with a pair of skis.

There are two main events individuals can participate in:

Biathlon: This competition consists of a 7.5 km route divided into three 2.5 km phases or 12 km route divided into five 2.5 phases. Between the two or four phases, athletes are given five shots and are required to hit a target ten meters away. Misses are penalized by an increase in the overall course time or a penalty loop to ski once per missed shot. One of the most important aspect that helps increase success rate is the capability of alternating the skills of physical endurance and shooting accuracy during the competition.
Cross Country Skiing: This competition involves short, middle and long distances, ranging from 2.5 km to 20 km, or participate in a team relay using either classical or free techniques.

Para Nordic Skiing requires both adaptive and non-adaptive equipment.

Rifle: The rifle can be any type of air or CO2 rifle of conventional appearance with a five shot clip must follow the specifications of the International Union of Shooting’s (U.I.T) rule.
Sit-Ski: Athletes/participants with a lower-body disability use sledges, a specially built chair which is attaches to a pair of skis. The skis required are almost identical to standard skis, although shorter and are attached to the chair with binding.
Target: Biathlon uses metal drop down targets. These consist of a white target face plate with five target apertures, behind which are five independently operating knock-down, falling plate scoring targets. The scoring plates are black. A hit will be indicated by the black target circle being replaced by a white indicator disc. The target size has a diameter of 20 mm for athletes with a physical disability (Class LW)

See the International Paralympic Committee Website for rules and regulations.