Biathlon: Snow shortage threatens Swedish season opener in Idre — “Tough situation”

There is a snow shortage in Idre with only one week left until the Swedish biathlon season opener.

SVT expert Mona Brorsson believes organizers should consider moving the event to Östersund if conditions deteriorate further. “It’s the only other arena in Sweden that could host such an event,” she says, while noting that a move would complicate logistics for international teams that have already arranged accommodation.

Organizers confirmed on Friday that the competitions will go ahead, but with changes: two sprint races will replace the original sprint and short individual, and time penalties will be used instead of a penalty loop. During the national team’s test race held in wet, soft conditions, the course was shortened and some sections were loose.

Head coach Johannes Lukas told SVT Sport that the lack of a penalty loop isn’t a major issue under the circumstances: “If we use time penalties like we did today, there are no major challenges, apart from the course being a bit shorter.” He also cautioned athletes to be mindful if the course requires double laps so they don’t lose track.

The test race distances were 7.5 km for women and 10 km for men. Results: Anna Magnusson (0+0) won ahead of Hanna Öberg (0+0), and Martin Ponsiluoma (0+0) won ahead of Sebastian Samuelsson (0+1).

Brorsson called the situation “tough” but not surprising given it is mid‑November and winter has not fully arrived. She also praised Idre’s effort to make the event happen despite the conditions. SVT plans to broadcast the Idre season opener, scheduled for November 15–16.