Kick-off for the LaVita IBU Biathlon World Championships 2028: Hochfilzen is counting down the final 518 days until the next major winter sports festival.

Twelve medal events

Hochfilzen is setting the course for one of the coming years' most significant winter sports events: From February 7 to 20, 2028, a total of twelve medal events will take place at the LaVita IBU Biathlon World Championships in Hochfilzen. At the official World Championship kick-off held at the biathlon stadium, the Austrian Ski Federation (ÖSV) and the Hochfilzen Organizing Committee presented updates on the current state of preparations, the competition schedule, and extensive infrastructure measures.

Looking forward to the 2028 Biathlon World Championships in Hochfilzen: (from left) ÖSV Sports Director Mario Stecher, ÖSV General Secretary Jan Überall, Pillerseetal Tourism Board Chairman Markus Kogler, Monika and Franz Berger (Hochfilzen Biathlon Organizing Committee), Daniel Osterauer (Infront Sports & Media AG), Hochfilzen Mayor Konrad Walk, and IBU Board Member Christian Scherer.

Excavators and construction machinery currently dominate the scene at the biathlon center. The ongoing work is part of a comprehensive infrastructure program being implemented in close coordination and proven partnership with the Austrian Armed Forces. The goal is to create optimal conditions for athletes, media, and fans.

Investments in a Sustainable Future

As part of the preparations, numerous construction measures are being carried out in and around the biathlon stadium. These include modifications to various overpasses and underpasses along the competition tracks, an extension of the grandstand building, and an expansion of seating capacities. A modern fitness facility is also being built for the athletes.

In addition, the roller-ski track has been renovated and partially widened, and new storage areas for training and competition equipment have been created. The infrastructure is further enhanced by a spectator tunnel along the "Recheralm" course section, as well as a new air rifle facility featuring 14 shooting lanes for kids and junior athletes.

These investments benefit more than just the 2028 World Championships. They solidify the Hochfilzen Biathlon Center's long-term position as a top-tier training and competition hub, offering optimal conditions for both world-class athletes and up-and-coming talent for years to come.

Hochfilzen’s Fourth World Championship Chapter

With the 2028 World Championships, Hochfilzen will host the Biathlon World Championships for the fourth time. Following the title events in 1978, 2005, and 2017, the Tyrolean winter sports venue builds on a long and successful tradition.

The 2017 Biathlon World Championships in particular remain fondly remembered by many. Back then, 148,000 spectators created an unforgettable atmosphere and captivating scenes. The organizers are hoping for another vibrant biathlon festival in 2028, welcoming thousands of fans from around the world.

An Anniversary Year for Austrian and International Biathlon

When the first World Championship race gets underway on February 7, 2028, it will also mark a special milestone: exactly 50 years earlier, in 1978, Hochfilzen hosted its very first Biathlon World Championships. Furthermore, that 1978 event represented a historic moment in sports history, as it was the first time World Championship medals were contested using small-bore rifles.

All Photos © EXPA/JFK

Statements on the 2028 Biathlon World Championships:

Jan Überall (ÖSV-Generalsekretär): „Hochfilzen represents the sport of biathlon like almost no other venue. For decades, it has been an indispensable staple of the World Cup calendar, earning an outstanding reputation within the international biathlon family thanks to its exceptional hospitality, passion for sports, and professionalism. The Austrian Ski Federation is known not only for top athletic achievements, but also for its exemplary organization and execution of major events. Together with our well-coordinated organizing team and our partners, we aim to present ourselves to the sports world as the perfect host in February 2028."

Mario Stecher (ÖSV-Sportdirektor): „A home World Championship is pure excitement and undoubtedly one of the absolute career highlights for any athlete. Everyone knows that the bar is set high for Austrian medals in biathlon right now, but our team will do everything possible to take the next step as early as next season, ensuring we enter the 2028 home World Championships fully prepared. At the same time, I am convinced that these title events will be a celebration for all of Austrian sports and for the countless biathlon fans from across the globe.“

Franz Berger (Vorsitzender des Organisationskomitees): „Anticipation for this anniversary event in 2028 is immense among everyone on the organizing committee. We are currently implementing several forward-looking infrastructure projects for these international championships, for which I would especially like to thank the Austrian Armed Forces. I am delighted that these upgrades ensure Hochfilzen continues to feature a modern training and competition facility that will also serve our young upcoming athletes. Furthermore, this special anniversary World Championship naturally generates enormous economic value through tourism for the entire region.“

Christian Scherer (Vorstandsmitglied der Internationalen Biathlon Union): „For the IBU, Austria and Hochfilzen are traditional territory. The very first Biathlon World Championships took place in Saalfelden in 1958, and Hochfilzen previously played host to the World Championships in 1978, 2005, and 2017. The newly redesigned stadium facility is undoubtedly a flagship project for sustainable biathlon sports and will provide top-tier conditions for the upcoming World Championships. We look forward to exciting and captivating LaVita IBU Biathlon World Championships in 2028.“