New Jindabyne Facility Showcased at Successful Development Camp and Roller Ski Races

Australia’s next generation of biathletes took centre stage last week as Biathlon Australia delivered a highly successful Development Camp and in collaboration with Snow Australia, our athletes stayed on for the Australian FIS Roller Ski Championships weekend in Jindabyne.

Held at the Sport and Recreation Centre, the camp marked an exciting milestone for the sport, making full use of a new, purpose-built facility featuring a brand-new roller ski track and laser biathlon range. This represents a significant step forward for year-round training in Australia.

Running from 7–10 April, the Development Camp brought together 22 junior athletes, 2 para-athletes and 5 coaches creating a supportive and inclusive training environment. The focus on roller skiing and laser biathlon provided athletes with the opportunity to develop key skills off snow while building confidence and experience.

The momentum continued into the weekend, with the Australian Roller Ski Races held on 11–12 April, giving athletes the chance to apply their training in a competitive setting.

Coach Dyllan Harmer highlighted the importance of camps like this in building the future of the sport.

“Camps like this play a really important role in growing the sport of biathlon in Australia. They provide athletes with the opportunity to train together and develop their skills in a supportive environment while also making use of high-quality facilities and venues.”

“Experiences like this not only help athletes improve technically and physically, but they also create a positive and motivating atmosphere around the sport. Bringing developing and junior athletes together helps build a stronger community within Australian biathlon and gives younger athletes something to aspire to.”

For families, the impact of the camp extended beyond performance, helping foster a sense of belonging within the sport.

“Having a mix of coaches and an outstanding track allows every young person to learn at the right pace for them, to try, and to be supported,” said Nina, a parent and volunteer.
“It builds camaraderie, creates a great experience, and builds a desire to keep coming back.”

The introduction of the new roller ski track was a standout feature of the week, offering athletes a safe and dedicated environment to train and compete.

“It is fantastic to have a venue dedicated to roller skiing, where athletes don’t have to compete for road space with other users,” Nina added.
“It allows athletes to train for distance, hills, and specific skills, and builds pride in the biathlon and cross-country ski teams.”

Beyond performance benefits, the facility also supported inclusive training opportunities, with athletes of all abilities sharing the same space.

“The new facility has enabled side-by-side training with our para-athletes, which is inspiring for all of us to be a part of,” Nina said.
“The design of the track allows all abilities to be challenged and grow their capabilities in an environment designed for the sport we love.”

For coaches, the long-term significance of the facility is clear.

“It’s really exciting to see a facility like this here in Australia,” Harmer said.
“Having a dedicated roller ski track of this quality is a huge step forward for the sport. It gives athletes a safe and professional environment to train in and allows them to spend more time developing their skills.”

With strong participation across both the camp and race weekend, the event highlighted the growing momentum of biathlon in Australia and the importance of continued investment in athlete development and infrastructure. A huge thank you to all our coaches, volunteers, and officials, Sandra Paul, and Robyn McEvoy for making the camp a reality. 

Thanks again to Toni Hulme and the team that made this facility a possibility. 

As Biathlon Australia looks ahead, initiatives like this are helping to build a stronger, more connected pathway for athletes, with more events planned for the near future.