Overview
- Starting with the 2026/27 season, Oberhof shifts to a late‑February or early‑March slot under an agreement initially set to run until 2030.
- The IBU and Thüringen organisers confirmed the change last year to reduce the risk of weather‑driven disruptions common in early January in Central Europe.
- An IBU–University of Innsbruck climate assessment and operational factors, including December venue build‑out during holiday staffing gaps, shaped the decision.
- The 8–11 January 2026 stop illustrated the problem, with the women’s sprint moved to Thursday and Friday’s program wiped out due to severe weather forecasts.
- Oberhof remains on the World Cup calendar with support from IBU officials and Germany’s sport leaders, as the latest event saw wins by Tommaso Giacomel and Elvira Öberg and relay victories for France’s women and Norway’s men.