What are the skiing rules in biathlon?
I · Intermediate · Shooting and skiing · 4 of 7Biathletes must ski the marked course in order, with the rifle on the back, using only skis, poles and their own strength. Any technique is allowed. A faster skier calls "Track" and the one in front must clear the way, except in the pursuit, mass start, relays and the finish corridors. Skis may be changed only if broken.
How it works
- Course: the marked course in the right order and direction.
- Propulsion: skis, poles and muscle only; any technique.
- Rifle: on the back, both arms in the harness, barrel up.
- "Track": the skier ahead must clear the way at once.
- No duty to give way: in pursuits, mass starts, men's and women's relays and finish corridors.
- Obstruction: banned anywhere, including dropping things on the course.
- Skis: changed only if broken; poles may be changed freely.
- Glide: no wax or substance may be added during the race.
The glossary has the passing, the ski and equipment exchange, the course, the skate skiing, the one-minute penalty and the transition time.
Tricky cases
A sprint skier ignores a "Track" call. Penalty?
Yes, one minute.
A skier takes a wrong turn. What now?
Go back along the wrong section to where it went wrong; there is no penalty if no one was impeded.
Can a skier finish on one ski after a crash?
Yes. Crossing the line on one ski after an accident is allowed.
Can a coach hand a drink to a skier?
Yes. Refreshments may be handed over.
Why the rule exists
Interval-start skiers are not racing each other directly, so the slower one must not block. In head-to-head formats, line choice is part of the tactics.
Where it differs
| Where | What changes | Source |
|---|---|---|
| Sprint, individual | Must give way | IBU 7.1.4 |
| Head-to-head races | No duty to give way | IBU 7.1.4 b |
| Wrong ski exchange | Disqualification | IBU 11.3.4 k |
From the rule book
International Biathlon Union, Event and Competition Rules (version 2026), Articles 7, 11.3.2 and 11.3.4. Checked 14 October 2026. Official document: the IBU Event and Competition Rules, amended by the IBU Congress every two years.