(WMP) The final preparations for the World Cup in Hochfilzen are in full swing, and the courses are already looking nearly race-ready. The homegrown biathlon stars are eagerly anticipating the competitions just as much as the fans, who can look forward to a fantastic program..

With the sprint races on Friday (12 December), the starting signal will be given for an action-packed World Cup weekend in Hochfilzen. For the homegrown biathlon stars—including Lisa Hauser, Anna Gandler, and Simon Eder—top results are the goal right from the start. After all, the sprint results also determine the start position and time gaps for the pursuit races, held on Saturday (men) and Sunday (women). Two more real highlights are on the schedule with the relay competitions on Saturday (women) and Sunday (men).

“We always really look forward to our home World Cup because the atmosphere in Hochfilzen is simply incredible and gives us an extra boost of motivation. Racing in front of so many fans, friends, and family is something truly special,” says ÖSV athlete Lisa Hauser, now in her 14th World Cup season. The entire Ski Austria team can count on massive fan support. When thousands of spectators hold their breath during the final shooting stage—before erupting into frenzied cheering—the stadium fills with goosebump energy. To make sure visitors don’t miss a single moment, the huge video walls provide full coverage, while the commentary team ensures not only clarity but also fantastic vibes. Medal ceremonies also take place right after each race in the stadium.

Final preparations
There’s still plenty of work underway at the Hochfilzen biathlon stadium. A solid layer of snow has already been prepared on the race course, guaranteeing top conditions for Friday’s first event. Currently, around 50 helpers are on site to complete all tasks on time; on the race weekend, that number will rise to around 450. “We want to provide perfect conditions for both the athletes and the fans. The demands on and off the course rise every year. Fortunately, we can rely on a very experienced team and the support of the Austrian Armed Forces,” reports Franz Berger, head of the local organizing committee.

Cheering and celebrating
Under the motto “Cheer together – celebrate together,” visitors can look forward to a varied supporting program surrounding the competition. The fan village is already buzzing: food trucks offer regional delicacies, and on the ORF Tirol stage, DJ Alex—and a few surprise celebrity guests—keep the atmosphere lively. Ross Antony, Petra Frey, and CARO, the Helene Fischer tribute act, will also warm up here ahead of their big evening performances.

Friday night is all about schlager and pop: at the Kulturhaus in Hochfilzen, the Kronehit Berg Beat Tour stops by with Petra Frey, while in Fieberbrunn, DJs at the Biathlon Parties in Castello and Tenne set the tone for a night of fun.

On Saturday, the “Jungen Zillertaler” shake up the Kulturhaus, and in Fieberbrunn, Ross Antony and DJ Realize take the stage at the main square. Night owls can keep the party going at S4 in Fieberbrunn, where Jabberwalky performs live. Admission to all evening events is free, and thanks to the Pillerseetal shuttle, all venues are easy to reach.

Free travel to the World Cup
Every visitor to the World Cup in Hochfilzen can book a free ticket for arrival and departure using public transport. This ticket is valid for travel throughout Tyrol on all VVT local transport services (excluding Innsbruck’s core zone, ÖBB IC, ÖBB EC, ÖBB Railjet, and WESTbahn).
Free shuttle buses also operate between Saalfelden and Hochfilzen as well as throughout the entire Pillerseetal region.

Bild OK Hochfilzen / Weigl