Not to be confused with Nordic combined, the two-discipline sport of biathlon challenges competitors to cross country ski quickly and efficiently and shoot accurately in a prone and standing position using .22 caliber small-bore rifles during intermittent stops at a shooting range.

Men's biathlon was introduced to the Olympic program at the 1960 Squaw Valley Games, while women's biathlon first made its appearance at the 1992 Albertville Games.

At Whistler Olympic Park, five events will be contested for each gender. The competition format is the same for men and women, but the distances vary.