Everything you need to know about the 2026 Biathlon World Cup in Czechia

Nové Město na Moravě and the surrounding Vysočina region are seeing a surge in bookings ahead of the World Biathlon Championships from Jan. 22–25. According to Booking.com, about 80 percent of local hotels, guesthouses, and other accommodations are already fully booked for the event, with only limited rooms remaining in the town itself.

The spike in demand comes despite some fans choosing to commute daily by car, as organizers have arranged dedicated parking spaces to accommodate additional visitors.

“Accommodation is completely full. We have 64 rooms and five bungalows, roughly 150–160 beds,” Jana Pokorná, operations manager at Hotel Ski in Nové Město, told Czech Television. The hotel, located next to Vysočina Arena, will also host some athletes during the championships.

Nearby towns including Žďár nad Sázavou, Sněžné, and Velké Meziříčí are experiencing similar shortages. For those still seeking lodgings, the official Biathlon World Cup website lists available options, including a caravan camp in Maršovice, which is nearing capacity, according to Vlastimil Jakeš, director of the event.

Tickets for the championship have been selling quickly, with Friday and Saturday sessions nearly sold out, while Thursday and Sunday are expected to see smaller crowds. To ease travel, organizers are providing free shuttle buses from Žďár nad Sázavou, Tři Studně, local parking areas along road 19, and Nová Ves.

One change this year is the Line A shuttle, now boarding opposite the České dráhy train station on Chelčického Street, said Anna Štrofová from the Nové Město information center.

Parking is available at designated lots, with some overflow options on nearby meadows, though residents’ areas remain off-limits. Organizers are prepared for varying weather conditions, with snow potentially activating additional parking zones.

This year’s event may see slightly lower attendance than previous championships. Jakeš noted that the proximity of the February Olympic Games and the women’s World Cup in Špindlerův Mlýn could reduce both athlete and spectator numbers. Some countries, including China, will not send competitors due to the upcoming Olympics, leading to adjustments in athlete accommodations.

Vysočina Arena has undergone renovations ahead of the championships, ensuring updated facilities for competitors and fans alike. The arena has become a hub for winter sports in the region, hosting both national and international competitions over the past decade.

The Biathlon World Cup in Czechia also fits into a broader European winter sports calendar, attracting enthusiasts and media attention across the continent. Hosting such events supports local tourism and regional infrastructure while providing high-profile exposure for Czech winter sports venues.

Visitors are encouraged to book accommodations and tickets as early as possible due to high demand. Utilizing shuttle services can ease congestion and simplify access to the arena. Keeping an eye on weather forecasts is also recommended, as snow conditions may affect parking and transport logistics.

With most hotels full and ticket sales strong, the championship promises to bring a vibrant atmosphere to Nové Město na Moravě, highlighting Czechia’s role in the global biathlon circuit and the region’s capacity to host large-scale winter sporting events. More information about this year's Biathlon World Championships can be found at the event's official website.