The BMW IBU World Championships Biathlon 2025 in Lenzerheide wasn’t just a spectacle of athletic excellence—it was another example of integrating sustainability into winter sports events as the local organising committee proved that high-performance sport could contribute to a brighter future for the planet.

High performance meets environmental stewardship

From 12- 23 February 2025 more than 85’000 biathlon fans gathered in Lenzerheide, Switzerland to witness a fantastic sporting spectacle at the Roland Arena. Beyond the action on the tracks and the shooting range, the sustainability work at Lenzerheide 2025 focused on three key areas: sustainability basics, local impact and national legacies.

To minimise the environmental impact of the event, the OC implemented several initiatives including:

Biodiversity Protection: Sensitive dry meadows and moorland areas were safeguarded through event planning in collaboration with environmental experts. Courses and event set-up were adapted to avoid fragile ecosystems, and the event mascot, Lenzi the Grouse, helped raise awareness for nature conservation and biodiversity.

Sustainable Infrastructure & Energy: The mix of temporary and permanent structures was designed with long-term use opportunities top of mind. Certified green electricity from hydro plants powered the event, and the temporary infrastructure, such as the fan hospitality tents, were all heated with pellets.

Eco-Friendly Mobility: Spectators were encouraged to use sustainable mobility options, with free public transport in the Lenzerheide region included in the entrance tickets. Parking on site was severely limited, so the fans were offered a free-of-charge park-and-ride service from Thusis to the Arena to help reduce CO₂ emissions from travel. More than 3500 cars were parked in Thusis during the Championships and their passengers were shuttled to Lenzerheide by buses.

Waste Reduction & Sustainable Food Choices: A 100% recycling rate for event consumables was the mission of the cooperation with Swiss waste management company Dräcksack. Meanwhile, 30% of food on offer on site was vegetarian.

Inclusion & Accessibility: The championships provided a barrier-free biathlon experience, with dedicated parking, shuttle services, and access to grandstands for people with disabilities. Some 60 people took advantage of this offer in addition to several athletes from the IBU Para Biathlon World Cup teams, who also attended.

Strong with local engagement and national legacies

Beyond environmental measures, Lenzerheide 2025 placed a strong focus on community involvement and youth development. The Biathlon4You Initiative saw more than 550 school children across Grisons introduced to biathlon through laser rifle lessons in physical education classes.

Important on the national level was the inaugural Swiss Volunteers Day, which celebrated the people serving as the backbone of all top sporting events around Switzerland and which was spearheaded by the World Championships organisers as the first-of-many such annual gatherings. Approximately 720 volunteers from all over Switzerland took part and were joined by many of the Lenzerheide 2025 volunteers for the parade and party.