Biathlon Contest
Biathlon Contest
Bessans' summer Nordic event!In August, Bessans hosts the Biathlon Contest on the international biathlon stadium. Every year, the summer biathlon event features a top-class line-up, with the French men's and women's teams taking part in the "shooting challenge".
On the program: events combining ski-wheeling + shooting, as well as direct shooting confrontations between the national teams and the other biathletes present.
While the pros compete, spectators and amateurs can try out biathlon in summer mode. Rollerblading around the track, then shooting with a laser rifle, there's plenty to discover in this spectacular sport.
*date to be confirmed
Bessans: a renowned training center for biathlon (...) The national and international teams who come in summer and winter are not mistaken!
Sun, stars and drops for the Biathlon contest 2025
In 2025, the Biathlon Contest was a little heckled by the rain in the second half of the day... but the atmosphere was still great! In the morning, crowds turned out in bright sunshine to try outski-wheeling and rollerblading, and to try out laser rifle shooting.
Then the clouds began to gather, but my youth teams still put on a show with a high-energy Mass Start. Everything was ready for the big moment of the "shooting challenge" with the French biathlon stars. Julia Simon, Lou Jeanmonnot, Éric Perrot, Fabien Claude and Quentin Fillon Maillet were all there, ready to do battle. Rain decided otherwise, and the shooting challenge was eventually cancelled, but the French biathletes still shared their passion with the public right up to the last moment.
A look back at the 2025 edition...
Try biathlon all summer long
The Biathlon Contest is the highlight of the summer for discovering biathlon and meeting the best French and international athletes. But all summer long, you can try out biathlon in Bessans. With free laser rifle initiation courses every Wednesday, or private lessons with ski-wheeling and shooting.
Bessans wins over the French team
On a vast plateau nestled at an altitude of 1,750 m in Haute Maurienne Vanoise, Bessans is a world-renowned training center for ski-wheelers and biathletes.
"Quality of facilities, altitude, possibility of multiplying activities and varying training... The Haute Maurienne Vanoise Nordic resort is recognized by the top cross-country and biathlon teams."
Vincent Vittoz, former coach of the French men's biathlon team.
(video © SavoieLeDepartement)
If you're in the mood for wide-open spaces and fresh air, come to the Bessans plateau, the Nordic capital of Haute Maurienne!
Find out more about our furnished accommodation available for this period! Our reservations department will be happy to help you with your search on 04 79 05 99 10.
Book your accommodation and leisure activities in Haute Maurienne Vanoise