This fall, Vuokatti, Finland, became the setting for a groundbreaking biathlon training and testing facility, merging state-of-the-art technology with the winter sport’s unique demands. Developed by the University of Jyväskylä’s Sport Technology Unit, the shooting range allows biathletes to practice on electronic targets, providing instant feedback on accuracy for both athletes and coaches.
The range offers eight shooting areas: six outdoor and two in an indoor lab. The lab, a rarity even beyond Finland’s borders, enables live ammunition measurements—a major advance, as previous indoor facilities were not equipped for live-round shooting.
Located near the Vuokatti Sport Centre, the range is a first for Finland and is said to be the only one of its kind in Europe. “In Finland, there is no comparable training facility, and it’s a rare find internationally as well,” said Antti Leppävuori, Project Manager from the University of Jyväskylä’s Faculty of Sport and Health Sciences. “Teams from abroad have shown a lot of interest.” This season, the Finnish national team and Italy’s women’s team, led by coach Jonne Kähkönen, will be among the first to utilize the new setup, with the U.S. national team also planning a visit.
