High in the South Tyrolean Alps at 1,600 meters above sea level lies Antholz—an idyllic mountain village that pulses each winter with the rhythm of biathlon. Home to the legendary Südtirol Arena Alto Adige, it’s a place where world-class competition meets breathtaking scenery. Every January, this quiet valley transforms into a global celebration of sport, as tens of thousands of fans gather to witness the world’s best biathletes in action.

Now, the spotlight grows even brighter: in 2026, Antholz will open its gates to the Olympic Games, hosting the biathlon competitions for the very first time.

This is more than a race—this is Antholz.

The Heart of Biathlon—and the Sound of Bumsi

Set against the backdrop of the Dolomites, the Südtirol Arena Alto Adige is more than just a venue—it’s a biathlon sanctuary. Everything began in 1969 when the first "headquarters" was built for the 1983 World Championships. Since then, the venue has been continually modernised and now features a state-of-the-art shooting range, cutting-edge snowmaking systems, and upgraded facilities for athletes and fans alike.

“In preparation for the 2026 Olympics, the arena underwent major upgrades: new tunnels, expanded athlete facilities, improved lighting, rifle and ammunition storage, a dry shooting room, enhanced media and TV infrastructure (set to become a modern underground shooting range from 2027 onward), a new final loop around the shooting range, and advanced snowmaking systems,” said Lorenz Leitgeb, Head of the Organising Committee in Antholz.

While the grandstand seats 3,000 spectators, the valley comes alive with up to 23,000 fans during major events, creating a festival atmosphere that’s as unforgettable as the competition itself.

Adding a touch of local charm is Bumsi (who usually comes in groups of three), the beloved mascot named after the iconic boom-boom-boom of rifle shots—an audible heartbeat of biathlon and a true selfie magnet for fans of all ages.

From Frozen Lake to Biathlon Legacy: The Vision of Paul Zingerle

Antholz’s biathlon journey began in the early 1970s, when local teacher and hotelier Paul Zingerle invited the Italian national team to train on the frozen Lake Antholz. With makeshift infrastructure and relay starts still on the ice into the early ’90s, the roots were humble—but full of passion.

Since 1991, Antholz has hosted a Biathlon World Cup event every single year—an unmatched streak approaching four decades. Add to that six World Championships, and you get one of the most storied venues in biathlon history.

The legacy of Zingerle remains alive in Antholz to this day. Just a few meters from the Südtirol Arena, a street bears his name—right where the hotel he once owned still stands. His impact is also honoured through the naming of the new, state-of-the-art media center: the "Paul Zingerle Media Center."

Olympic Firsts: A Historic Moment Awaits Antholz

In 2026, Antholz will reach new heights as it hosts the Olympic biathlon competitions for the very first time. While Italy previously held the Winter Olympics in Cortina (1956) and Turin (2006), biathlon never came to South Tyrol—until now.

Though Olympic gold has so far eluded Italy in this sport, the country has proudly earned seven biathlon medals, including Dorothea Wierer’s individual bronze in Beijing 2022. With Antholz in the Olympic spotlight, hopes are high that the ultimate prize might finally be won—on home snow.

Few athletes embody this connection more deeply than Italian biathlon star Lukas Hofer, whose roots are closely tied to Antholz:

The Biathlon Valley: Where Champions Are Born

Antholz isn’t just a host—it’s a cradle of champions. From Andreas Zingerle, Willi Pallhuber and Hubert Leitgeb to Wierer and the Windisch brothers, many of Italy’s brightest biathlon stars took their first strides on these very trails.

Some of the sport’s defining Italian moments happened here:

• In 1986, Gottlieb Taschler became the first Italian to reach a World Cup podium in Antholz.

• In 1988, Johann Passler became the first Italian to win a World Cup race here.

• In 1991, the men’s relay team took its first home-snow medal—and struck gold just one year later.

International legends have also left their mark. Ole Einar Bjørndalen dominated this track with 24 World Cup podiums between 1996 and 2008. On the women’s side, Andrea Henkel leads with 14 podiums—closely followed by Wierer, whose performances on home soil have made her a fan favourite.

Beyond the Arena: Where Sport Meets Nature

Beyond sport, Antholz captivates with the turquoise Antholzer See—South Tyrol’s third largest mountain lake—nestled among dense conifers and towering peaks. The Rieserferner-Ahrn Nature Park offers year-round outdoor adventures, from hiking and biking to snowshoeing, framed by stunning alpine landscapes and the nearby Austrian border. It’s where world-class sport meets unspoiled nature.

Photos: Manzoni/IBU, Taferner/Biathlon Antholz