The organizational committee has officially kicked off preparations for the IBU Biathlon World Cup 2025 in Hochfilzen. At the inaugural meeting in August, the team set the course for the upcoming winter highlight — and activity around the stadium is already in full swing.

Behind the scenes, work has been underway throughout the year to ensure a smooth event in December. With the first official meeting now complete, the organizing committee, led by Franz Berger, is fully operational. “We can rely on an experienced and well-coordinated team in all areas, and our long-standing partnerships are a major factor in our success,” says Berger. “At the same time, it’s great to see new faces joining us. This mix of experience and fresh energy is vital as we look ahead to the Biathlon World Championships 2028.”

Compact Race Schedule and High Demand
Right after the World Cup stage in Östersund (Sweden), the teams will arrive in Hochfilzen on Monday, 8 December, giving them three days of training. The men’s sprint will open the race weekend on Friday morning (12 December), followed by the women’s sprint in the afternoon. Saturday will feature the men’s pursuit and the women’s relay, while Sunday will conclude with the men’s relay and the women’s pursuit.

Award ceremonies will take place directly after each race in the stadium. Ticket sales have been booming since they opened in May, with demand already well above previous years. “We’ve sold significantly more tickets than at this point in past seasons,” notes Berger.

Fans can look forward to an electric atmosphere not only on the track but also off it: the fan zone will once again offer a wide range of entertainment, coordinated by the local tourism board. In addition, biathlon-themed parties are planned for Friday and Saturday at the Kulturhaus Hochfilzen and at various venues across the PillerseeTal region.

Major Upgrades Ahead of the 2028 World Championships
Alongside World Cup preparations, planning for extensive upgrades ahead of the 2028 World Championships is also moving full steam ahead. “We hope to complete some of the construction work later this year,” explains training area commander Thomas Abfalter. Planned projects include new grandstands, storage facilities, and underpasses, as well as a new soldiers’ home. The recently completed “Forststrasse” project has already laid important groundwork.

Most of the major construction is scheduled for 2026, ensuring Hochfilzen can once again present itself as a world-class host in 2028.

A Hub of Activity Year-Round
The Hochfilzen stadium has been buzzing with activity all summer long. Training groups from various divisions of the ÖSV, regional associations, sports schools, and clubs — as well as several international teams — have been making use of the world-class infrastructure.

Local biathletes have been busy with ammunition tests, while national team athletes from biathlon, cross-country skiing, and ski mountaineering have completed extensive performance testing on the treadmill.

August also saw a highly successful youth camp, drawing nearly 100 aspiring biathletes. Under the guidance of experienced coaches, participants trained on roller skis, practiced shooting with laser, air, and small-bore rifles, and took part in fitness assessments. Fun team games rounded off the program, ensuring plenty of variety and good spirits.

Photos: OK Hochfilzen / Weigl