One of the UK�s leading cross country skiing specialists has added the Olympic sport of Biathlon to its programme, becoming the first UK operator to ever offer it.

Waymark Holidays now gives skiers the option to have a go at biathlon � which combines cross country skiing and riflery � on its Nordic skills trip in Norway.

The ancient sport, which was initially used in Norway as a military tactic, involves skiing with a rifle over a set distance to a shooting range, where five shots are fired at targets from a prone position, and then the process is repeated but shots are fired standing on the second time round. Though seemingly an unlikely combination of events, it requires a variety of skills and strengths and has been an Olympic event since 1960. Norway is one of the leading countries at the sport and one of the few places in the world to offer it.

Now Waymark Holidays are offering an �Olympic Experience� excursion to the Lillehammer Olympic Stadium where skiers can try their hand at this demanding sport.

Aimed at experienced cross country skiers, their eight day Nordic Skills course at Sjusj�en, from February 5-12, assists skiers in improving their technique and provides a broader knowledge of Nordic skiing in general. The programme is structured but flexible and an opportunity for assessment for the British Ski and Snowboard Federation bronze and silver awards. It also involves fun team ski challenges, ski orienteering and an introduction to telemarking, in addition to the Lillehammer Olympic Experience with biathlon.

Prices start at �675 pp including return flights from London, taxes, transfers, seven nights half board plus packed lunch and all instruction. The biathlon experience is optional and payable locally at an additional cost.

For more information about Waymark Holidays see www.waymarkholidays.com.

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Media enquiries to Clare Naden at TMM on 0207 519 3109 or email clare.naden@tmmltd.com.