Story by Stacy Corless
There’s often talk of Mammoth being the next Aspen or Vail. How about Vikersund?
That’s in Norway, where the Nordic sport of biathlon originated. Biathlon is a big deal in its birthplace, where tens of thousands of fans flock to races that combine high-speed cross-country skiing with precision target-shooting.
Mammoth’s winter biathlon might eventually be that kind of draw. In its first two years, the still-budding biathlon has already attracted more competitors and spectators than any other Nordic skiing event in Mammoth’s history.
“I think we’ll get 200 racers this year—four times the turnout for a typical Nordic race,” says Mike Karch, the local shoot/ski movement’s catalyst.
If anyone can convince the snow-loving visitors to, and citizenry of, Mammoth to pick up a .22-caliber rifle and take aim, it’s Karch. The energetic, engaging 40-year-old orthopedic surgeon and Nordic skiing enthusiast has an Olympic vision.
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