A winter wonderland awaited competitors at Vernon's Sovereign Lake Nordic Centre from Dec. 14 to 15, when the Biathlon NorAm and B.C. Cup was in town.

With 189 competitors, the two-day event was the largest ever to be held at the Nordic Centre.

"This is the spot in Canada where you get the early season snow," said Biathlon B.C. general manager Roddy Ward. "Most of the teams around North America come here in November to train because it is one of the only places that can guarantee snow and good weather."

Competitors as young as nine and as old as 70 competed at the two-day event, the kick-off to the Biathlon B.C. season. 

Biathlon is a winter sport that combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Athletes ski a set loop before entering into range to shoot targets. If those targets are missed, a penalty lap is added for competitors to ski.

According to Ward, biathlon has grown stagnantly in the past 20 years, with around the same number of competitors. However, as part of its growth strategy, the organization has introduced electronic rifles.

"It is an easier way to get people involved in the sport, along with being way cheaper," said Ward as typical biathlon rifles require a range, ammunition and lots of maintenance. "It is a great growth opportunity."

Cross-country clubs have started contacting Biathlon B.C. for electronic rifles in an effort to introduce the sport to more athletes.

"We are reaching out to these organizations across the province to try and bring electronic biathlon to them," Ward said. "Anyone can do electronic and it is a huge recruitment tool with the kids, eight to 13-year-olds, as we want to get as many as we can."

There are six more events on the calendar for biathlon competitions, taking place in Prince George, West Kelowna, Brillion, Wisconsin, Mt. Washington and Valcartier, Que., but Sovereign is the place that stands out.

"Everyone loves to come here," said Ward. So we're super grateful for the organizing committee and volunteers who can help keep hosting these races. This is the place we can do it."

For more information on Biathlon B.C. and the competitions, visit