Anterselva and biathlon: A story of passion and achievement
In the heart of the Valle di Anterselva, surrounded by the spectacular peaks of the Vedrette di Ries, stands one of South Tyrol’s most iconic sports facilities: the Anterselva Biathlon Centre, today renowned and respected at an international level. Its connection with this sport dates back to 1975, the year when Anterselva hosted the Biathlon World Championships for the first time, at a time when the discipline was still little known.
An elite sports centre
Over the years, Anterselva has become one of the symbolic locations of world biathlon, on par with places like Lillehammer and Ruhpolding. Thanks to its state-of-the-art facilities and impeccable organization, it has hosted numerous World Cup events, attracting athletes and fans from all over the globe. The packed grandstands and the vibrant energy during the races are clear proof of the passion this sport has inspired.
Biathlon: An ancient union of skiing and precision
Biathlon, now one of the highlights of the winter season, combines cross-country skiing and rifle shooting — a dual challenge that requires not only physical endurance but also incredible concentration. Its roots go back to prehistoric times, when hunters in northern Europe moved on skis armed with bows or primitive weapons, as evidenced by rock paintings dating back to 3000 B.C.
Later, soldiers from the Nordic countries used skis to patrol snow-covered borders, eventually giving rise to the first competitive events in the 18th century. After World War II, biathlon evolved into an independent and spectacular sport, becoming today one of the most followed disciplines of the Winter Olympics, organized by the International Biathlon Union (IBU), separate from the FIS, which governs other ski sports.
Today, Anterselva is synonymous with excellence in biathlon: a place where sport, nature and tradition come together to create the perfect setting for unforgettable emotions on the snow.
