BA's European Training Base
Biathlon Australia is thrilled to announce an exciting IBU National Federation Partnership with Ski Austria. Together we have established an official training base in Obertilliach, Austria. A key component of this wonderful initiative is that we (BA/SA) have exclusively secured accommodation at House Gottfried for 2025/26.
The idea for this project began in June 2025 and was arranged through collaborative discussions and planning over the past 4 months between Christoph Sumann and Bernhard Pollerus from Ski Austria and BA’s Sports Director / General Manager - Sandra Paul.
Guidance and facilitation were provided by the BA Board and long-time BA member/coach Joe Obererlacher. We also acknowledge the wonderful support and encouragement of Martus (the Mayor of Obertilliach) and our friends at the IBU.
This collaboration will provide athletes, coaches & officials (selected by BA) with a dedicated home base in Obertilliach from November to March each year.
Biathlon Australia will have access to the accommodation during the winter months, while our Austrian partners will use it in the summer months.
The accommodation will serve as a vital resource for official BA training camps and IBU races; it will also provide a base for our team between competitions and over the Christmas / New Year break.
Biathlon Australia will also benefit from access to knowledge and expertise from a leading biathlon nation along with waxing facilities and coaching support.
This partnership will transform our international relations, assist us to ‘close the competition gap’ and sustain us into the future. All of which align with the IBU’s Target 2030 strategic priorities.
It’s also a key component of Biathlon Australia’s draft High Performance Plan & “What it Takes to Win” Strategy - providing our athletes with the resources and environment they need to perform at the highest level.
Accommodation will be made available to athletes, coaches and officials accredited and selected by BA from time to time. It is not intended to be used as a base for private or club-based coaching, training activities or camps.
BA member & incredibly experienced coach Joe Obererlacher will be the Sports Leader of our training base.
Athletes, coaches, parents, etc are kindly requested not to book / contact the accommodation directly or liaise with our NF Partner - Ski Austria or our team in Obertilliach please.
Sandra Paul (BA’s Sports Director / General Manager) will exclusively manage all accommodation bookings - with priority given to athletes, coaches & officials participating in official BA endorsed camps and events throughout the season.
Further details will be forthcoming, including house rules, camp details, catering options, etc.
The Board are extremely excited, and we are most grateful to Sandra, Joe, Bernhard, Christoph, Ski Austria and of course the IBU for all their hard work in making this idea a reality and helping us to build a Better Biathlon for All.
Have a ripper weekend.
David, Sandy, Brett, Libby, Kat, Kate Mark & Murray
