Mudslide hits major biathlon venue in Italy
A major mudslide impacted the South Tyrol Arena in Antholz, Italy, on Friday evening, July 31. The incident forced a temporary shutdown of the world-renowned biathlon site and interrupted training for the Italian national biathlon team. The disaster unfolded as heavy thunderstorms led to the overflow of the Riepenbach, a mountain stream fed by Hochgall, which stands at 3,436 meters above sea level. The flood of water and debris carried approximately 30,000 to 40,000 cubic meters of earth, rocks, logs, and scree into the arena.
The mudslide primarily damaged the stadium's summer parking area, which also functions as a temporary grandstand location during the winter. It also reached the roller-ski track used for training, and debris spilled onto Antholz Road, leading to its closure. Crews began working late into the night to clear the mess, and the operation is expected to take several more days. Local authorities have confirmed the safety of the area, and no injuries were reported.
Training schedule disrupted for Italian athletes
They had already returned to their accommodations in the Antholz area when the disaster occurred. Klaus Höllrigl, the national biathlon sporting director, shared with SportNews.bz that the team only learned about the event once they arrived at their lodging. Originally, the women's team had planned to remain in Antholz through August 6, but new arrangements may now be required. The Italian women’s team members Lisa Vittozzi (31), Hannah Auchenthaller (25), Martina Trabucchi (24), and Rebecca Passler (24) had actually completed a training session at the venue just before the disaster struck.
Meanwhile, the Italian men’s team, led by Tommaso Giacomel, is unaffected since it is currently training in Obertilliach, another location within the region. Discussions about alternative training sites for the women’s team are now underway as officials assess the best way forward for their training calendar.
Stadium structure mostly intact despite damage
Although the incident caused serious damage, the core parts of the South Tyrol Arena appear to have been spared the worst. Erika Pallhuber, Secretary General of the Antholz Biathlon Committee, stated that water and mud had entered certain rooms, and parts of the roller track were buried. However, she confirmed that the shooting range and other critical competition areas remained undamaged. The fire brigade secured the area immediately, and a detailed damage assessment is underway. Emergency units and heavy machinery are already on standby.
Cleanup crews, including local volunteers, road maintenance workers, and experts from the Wildbach and Avalanche Control Authority, began their work on Friday evening and continued through Saturday. The removal of tons of mud, branches, and boulders will require several days of intensive work. The South Tyrol Arena is a vital biathlon venue, having hosted events during the 2026 Winter Olympics and set to welcome more International Biathlon Union World Cup competitions in the upcoming 2026-27 season.