WINTER SPORTS -- Biathlon is a sport that mixes the oil and water of revving up the heartbeat with aerobic cross-country skiing and then asking your circulatory system to calm down instantly for precise marksmanship with the .22-caliber rifle you must carry with a special harness on your back. Repeat.

The sport was born into the Winter Olympics from its roots in Scandinavian military operations.

In modern times, it may be the ultimate shooting sport.

Where can you check out biathlon in the Inland Northwest?

• The Methow Valley has a biathlon team and course.
• Another is sited at Stevens Pass through the Washington Biathlon Association.
• West Yellowstone and McCall at Ponderosa State Park. They're all tightly regulated and require membership or special events for access.