The 1988 biathlon events were held at Canmore Nordic Centre, a specially constructed venue for the 1988 Calgary Olympics. Canmore is located 105 km (65 miles) west of Calgary, and was later declared an Alberta Provincial Park, with areas for cross-country skiing, mountain biking, and hiking. The 1988 Olympic biathlon program was the same as in 1980 and 1984, with three events – the 20 km classical distance, a 10 km sprint, and a relay of 4 x 7.5 km.
East German Frank-Peter Roetsch won both individual events, but missed out on a medal in the relay, when his team placed fifth. In the relay Roetsch was second off for East Germany, and went off 12th, but skied the second fastest leg of the event to move up to fifth place. Soviet biathlete Valery Medvedtsev won three medals, with silvers in both individual races, and anchoring his relay team to the gold medal.