In the snow-dusted Bavarian Alps, Ruhpolding feels like a biathlon fairy tale. Here, world champions are made, legends leave their mark, and every race brings fans closer to the magic of the sport. From first targets on wooden boards to packed World Cups, the arena is a timeless winter wonder.

Chiemgau Arena: One of Biathlon’s Oldest Homes

The picturesque Bavarian village stands among the true pioneers of modern biathlon. In 1978, the Chiemgau Arena welcomed its first international competition, planting the seeds of a tradition that has grown stronger with every passing year. Decades later, the venue remains a January highlight of the calendar, a beloved fixture at least until 2030—when Ruhpolding will celebrate a remarkable milestone: the 50th edition of the World Cup at this iconic site, a distinction few places in the sport can claim.

Perched at 710 metres above sea level and covering roughly 19,000 square metres, the Chiemgau Arena serves as a state, federal, and Olympic training centre. It hosts biathlon, cross-country skiing, Nordic combined, and ski jumping, while also nurturing young athletes. But numbers alone tell only part of the story. What truly makes Ruhpolding special is how it works—for athletes and fans alike.

The venue’s layout is compact, with courses, shooting range, warm-up areas, and service zones all within easy reach. The shooting range—usually calm and sheltered from the wind—is among the most forgiving on the circuit, letting precision decide the race. For fans, that same closeness creates an intimate connection: the main grandstand sits just metres from the range, and numerous vantage points along the courses allow spectators to follow the action from every angle. Combined with a lively side programme and the work of roughly 800 volunteers, this place becomes far more than a venue.

From Makeshift Ranges to Biathlon Landmark

Ruhpolding’s biathlon story began humbly. In the early 1970s, targets were little more than balloons on wooden boards, and races took place wherever snow allowed. A turning point came in 1977–1978 with the construction of a permanent training centre on Zirmberg, providing reliable snow and a professional base.

In 1979, Ruhpolding hosted its first Biathlon World Championships—283 participants from 26 nations and 4,000 spectators—firmly announcing itself on the international stage. The second World Championships in 1985 brought a lasting symbol: Beppo, the cross-country fox mascot, made his debut and has been part of every World Cup and championship here ever since.

The venue went on to host two more World Championships: 1996 and 2012. The latter drew an astonishing 240,000 spectators over the course of the event, witnessing a series of unforgettable moments—including the farewell of German star Magdalena Neuner. Neuner, who began her elite career in Ruhpolding during the 2005/06 season, ended it with four medals at this championship, closing a remarkable chapter on home snow.

Heroes of the Tracks

Ruhpolding has shaped generations of champions. Olympic gold medallists Fritz Fischer and Michael Greis grew up training at the venue, mastering the courses that would take them to the top of the sport. International stars such as Ole Einar Bjørndalen and Liv Grete Poirée are also closely associated with these trails, standing out as the most successful biathletes in the site’s history.

In the relays, however, Germany has been the team to beat. Since the 1977/78 season, the home squads have claimed 25 first-place finishes, including the most recent 2025 edition, where the women’s relay took gold and the men earned bronze—continuing a proud tradition of success on home snow.

Beyond the Sport: Winter Wonders of Bavaria

In winter, Ruhpolding feels like stepping into a fairy tale. Snow-dusted rooftops, twinkling Christmas markets, and the crisp mountain air set the scene for adventure and tradition alike. Just a short walk from the village, Lake Mittersee lies like a hidden gem in its nature reserve. In summer, it shimmers as a swimming paradise, but in winter, a quiet loop winds around the frozen lake, where cross-country skiers glide past and winter hikers make their way along groomed trails.

From snowy courses to tranquil lakes, everyone can find their own little piece of magic in the heart of Bavaria.

Photos: Manzoni/IBU, Skiclub Ruhpolding e.V.