In Anterselva world-class biathlon races intertwine with the typical South Tyrolean hospitality
Image gallery: 2026 Winter Games
The 25th edition of the Winter Games was held in Milan and in the Dolomites. The eleven biathlon races took place in the cutting-edge Biathlon Arena Südtirol Alto Adige of Anterselva (Antholz) from 8 - 21 February 2026.
Since 1971 the biathlon stadium of Anterselva has been a landmark for this sport which includes two disciplines: cross-country skiing and rifle shooting. Besides having hosted six editions of the World Championships this sports centre also has its fixed place in the annual Biathlon World Cup calendar. The Valle di Anterselva and the entire Val Pusteria have already organised several international biathlon races and can therefore count on a solid experience in this field. Here, the athlete's ambitions meet the typical hospitality of the locals.
Even before the competitions, the Val Pusteria experienced the official torch relay. Coming from Cortina, the torch arrived in Dobbiaco on January 27, 2026, shortly before 10 am. It was then brought to Villabassa, Rasun Anterselva, and Brunico. From there, a small delegation carried the flame up to Mt. Plan de Corones. Later in the afternoon, it was taken to Bressanone and in the evening to Bolzano in the evening, where it was welcomed with a celebration in Piazza Walther at 7.30 pm.
In five localities between the venues, including in Anterselva and on the road from Dobbiaco to Cortina d'Ampezzo, stone art installations were set up. These installations were inspired by the "Stoanerne Mandln", typical stone accumulations in the mountains, as well as by the official rings of the Games.
Local athlete Dorothea Wierer who grew up in Rasun di Sotto (Niederrasen) knows this stadium like the back of her hand. Dorothea won the Overall Biathlon World Cup in 2019 and 2020 and was, together with Lisa Vittozzi, one of the stars of the female Italian biathlon team, until she ended her career after Milano Cortina.
We hope you seized this unique opportunity to discover the Val Pusteria and its ski resorts, as well as its delicious local cuisine and alpine culture. If this area stole your heart and you are looking forward to visiting it again, click on the link below.
Milano Cortina 2026 - Official Schedule (3453 Kb) 
