Biathlon World Cup stage brings exciting activities and a cultural programme to Otepää
From 12–15 March 2026, Otepää will host the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage at the Tehvandi Sports Centre for only the second time in history. In addition to top-level biathlon competitions, visitors can enjoy a diverse cultural programme over four days, offering musical experiences and exciting activities for the whole family.
The Tehvandi stadium will open to spectators three hours before the start, and a varied stadium programme will begin one hour before the competitions. The stadium entertainment will be hosted by Henrik Kalmet, who will lead the lively stadium TV programme. The competition will be commented on by local stadium voices Alvar Tiisler and Vahur Teppan. The energetic Priit Oks and Monika Tuvi will keep the stadium crowd moving with song and dance.
On Saturday, 14 March, the Eurovision-famous ensemble Puuluup will kick off the competition day at the stadium.
Evening entertainment will take place in the public tent, where Smilers will perform on Friday, 13 March, and Dawhy Not on Saturday, 14 March, featuring Inga Tislar, Kaia-Liisa Kesler and Rahel Ollisaar. The audience programme also includes a live recording of the biathlon podcast “Varupadrun” and the Legends’ Hour, where visitors can meet several legendary biathletes. “The public tent is an integral part of every Biathlon World Cup stage. It is a place where sports fans can spend the whole day together in a great atmosphere,” said Aivar Nigol, Chairman of the Organising Committee.
The audience programme also highlights the culture of South Estonia, which distinguishes the Otepää stage from other Biathlon World Cup events. “The Otepää stage should have a clearly recognisable local character, as this is what international visitors will take home with them from Estonia. The central meeting point of local culture is the special feature area, where visitors are welcomed by a winter club concertina, the warmth of a bonfire, and the good food and drinks of South Estonia. In the special area, visitors can also capture their time in Otepää in photos and take the memory home with them,” described Evelin Leima, programme manager of the special area. Performers in the special area include fantasy instrument master Silver Sepp, the ensemble Tuulebant, and Toomas Valk.
The Tere youth area offers activities for the whole family before and after the competitions, organised by Tere, the Estonian Sports and Olympic Museum, and the Competence Centre for Physical Activity. Various DJs, including Rozell, will create the atmosphere throughout the competition day. On Saturday, 14 March, the well-known singer and songwriter Emily J will perform a live set between the two competitions. “In the youth area, visitors can also try laser rifle shooting and test their knowledge in Kahoot quizzes. The best participants will receive prizes,” said Hans Markus Danilas, programme manager of the Tere youth area.
The BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup stage in Otepää will take place just a few weeks after the Milano–Cortina 2026 Winter Olympic Games, giving spectators the opportunity to cheer on freshly crowned Olympic medallists. Over four competition days, athletes will compete in the sprint, pursuit, mixed relay, and single mixed relay. Entry is free for children up to 12 years old. All competition visitors can attend the concerts free of charge.
Photo: Jarek Jõepeera
Winter is not over in Otepää, and this week the world’s top biathletes will bring a true sporting celebration to Tehvandi Sports Center. Whether your plan is to cheer on world-class competitions, try biathlon yourself, enjoy the last snowy ski slopes, or take a refreshing spring hike on the trails of Pühajärv, there is plenty to experience.
From March 12–15, the BMW IBU Biathlon World Cup Otepää will take place at Tehvandi Sports Center for the second time in history. In addition to top-level biathlon competitions, visitors can enjoy a diverse cultural program over four days, offering musical performances and exciting activities for the whole family. All competition visitors can attend the concerts free of charge. Detailed information about the event and changes to parking arrangements can be found on the event website biathlonotepaa.com.
Those who would like to try biathlon themselves can do so under the guidance of Priit Viks, former Olympic athlete and host of Nuustaku Rantšo. Visitors can experience biathlon regardless of the weather. For more information, contact them or visit nuustakurantso.ee.
On March 13, Otepää Winterplace will host the Red Bull Full Moon – Banked Mayhem, a banked slalom-style team snowboard competition. Competitors will face off on a specially built course designed to test both speed and skill. The competition is similar to a snowboard cross team race and takes place on a purpose-built track. The course is accessible for all riders, with 2–3 surprise elements added to make things even more exciting. All snowboarders are welcome to compete. Teams of two can participate, with up to 60 teams in total. The event is free for spectators. More information and registration are available at redbull.ee/fullmoon.
It is also worth making the most of the ski centers while the season lasts. The spring sunshine and the last snowy slopes of the season await visitors at the alpine ski centers Munakas, Kuutsekas and Tehvandi Snowpark.
The spring landscape around Pühajärv and its lakeside trails offers a great opportunity to move in the fresh air and enjoy active recreation in Otepää’s nature. Guided activities are also offered by Loodusturism.ee, which invites visitors this weekend to join FAT-scooter tours on the trails around the lake. Private tours can also be arranged at a time suitable for your group, or you can rent equipment to explore independently.
On March 14 from 12:00 to 15:00, a public session of the mobile sauna “Leilitaja” will take place at the Pühajärve Beach to mark the end of the ice-hiking season. It is the perfect opportunity to relax in the sauna after outdoor activity and, if you wish, take a refreshing dip in an ice hole.
Everyone is also welcome on April 1 to celebrate the 90th anniversary of Otepää and 910 years since the first historical mention of the town. A ceremonial concert and celebration will bring together the past, present, and future. The evening will feature musical performances and a festive atmosphere. The birthday host will also offer cake and coffee on April 1 at 18:00 in the auditorium of Otepää Gymnasium.
Take a memorable trip to Estonia’s winter capital, Otepää!
The winter atmosphere is supported by the official radio station of the winter capital, Sky Plus.
Ski Centers
For alpine skiing fans there are 3 centers in the area: Väike-Munamäe Ski Center, also known as Munakas, the Kuutsemäe Ski Center, and A NEW SKI CENTER TEHVANDI SNOWPARK!
Cross-country
Otepää is a cross-country skiing paradise!
You can enjoy ski trails both at Tehvandi and Kääriku.
At Tehvandi there is a 10 km touring trail, a 2.5 km Ansomäe shooting range trail, and the Tartu Marathon trail. All trails can be skied in both classic and free technique; due to limited snow conditions, some sections may be poorer. A very well-maintained 3.3 km competition track made of artificial snow is open and lit until 21:00.
At Kääriku, in addition to the Kekkonen trail, there are also 1–5 km trails.
The Pühajärve–Kääriku pedestrian and cycling path
Otepää Winterplace
Otepää Winterplace is Estonia’s largest winter park, located in the center of Otepää in the Linnamäe valley. The whole family can enjoy active leisure time here. Otepää Winterplace — a place to be happy!
Interesting winter activities are available for children, teenagers, and adults of all ages. We offer: snow tubing lanes, a sled hill, an ice rink, an igloo cinema, a tubing carousel for small children, a winter play area, a snack igloo, and of course lots of snow. The park’s slopes are covered with artificial snow produced using today’s top technology.
At the Winterplace winter park you can go tubing Sat 10:00–20:00 and Sun 10:00–18:00.
See more details HERE
Loodusturism.ee
Loodusturism.ee hiking organizers, with nature’s permission, will also this winter season create and maintain as needed the country’s longest ice hiking trail on Lake Pühajärv — about 10 km long and following the shoreline around the entire lake. In addition, if possible, earlier turn-back routes are also kept in use with total lengths of 2.5 km and 5 km.
On a daily basis, we are ready in the Otepää tourism region to serve companies and groups of friends looking to fill winter days with activities on FAT-scooters and kick sleds, touring skis and touring skates, snowshoes. Activities take place in the morning, during the day, and also in the evening with light lamps.
In addition, a hiking equipment rental is open for those adventuring on their own.
You can also register for scheduled hikes.
More info about hikes, public events, and the ice trail: Imre Arro
Tel 527 2701 or imre@loodusturism.ee, loodusturism.ee
Winter Swimming Hole at Lake Pühajärv
At the Lake Pühajärv beach, the winter swimming hole offers a refreshing dip.
More info from Ene at +372 522 8000
Nuustaku Ranch
Exciting activities — especially if you want to come with a larger group or are planning a team event — are also offered by Nuustaku Ranch. A full winter-day package where you can compete in, for example, hockey, figure skating, ski jumping, and sledding, as well as skiing and shooting in every possible way. Or join a hike combined with ski and sauna training. In short, there is something suitable and unforgettable for every group.
For biathlon fans — if it looks easy on TV, come and try it yourself. Under the guidance of Nuustaku Ranch host and former Olympic athlete Priit Viks, everyone can try biathlon, and if shooting at the Otepää range seems difficult, a top athlete can even arrange mobile laser biathlon — even in your living room! See more: nuustakurantso.ee
Motopark
Come snowmobiling with your family or a group of friends! We’ll find a suitable pace and routes for your group.
We have about 17 sporty sleds, so if your experience is sufficient, we can offer a very fast yet safe ride. We also ride snowmobiles in small groups through the evening or night forest — lights on, quiet all around… A picnic by the campfire is also possible.
Motopark is a family business with a selection of Ski-Doo and Lynx sport snowmobiles, created specifically to serve families, smaller friend groups, and motorsport enthusiasts on winding forest trails among Otepää’s scenic forests and rolling hills — for those who want something similar to a motorcycle, but new and different to try.
The price includes a guide on their own sled, who first provides thorough training, supervises practice rides, and then chooses a suitable pace and routes for the group. More info: mootorsaanirent.ee
JK Moto Sled Center
If you’re looking for a winter adventure, it’s worth visiting the JK Moto Sled Center at Kuutsemäe, where you can rent snowmobiles and join exciting snowmobile safaris!
When coming with family, even the smallest — from the age of 3 — can use suitable snowmobiles. A child-appropriate sled is selected so they can safely try it out on the practice area, and the more confident ones can join a family safari together.
JK Moto Sled Center is open Sat & Sun 10:00–18:00; on weekdays rides are available by pre-booking. See more at www.kelgukeskus.ee.
Safari Center
Adrenaline-filled snowmobile safaris for groups of different levels are offered by Paap Kõlari Safari Center!
On Otepää’s exciting hiking trails, both children and adults can try snowmobiling; longer tours are also organized and you can choose packages that include accommodation.
In addition to sleds, a snow taxi is also available — a modern enclosed trailer sled pulled by a special Yamaha snowmobile, which can carry up to four adults and two children at a time. The soft and warm snow taxi is great for families with children of all ages, as well as everyone else — and of course for those who, due to their condition, cannot ride a snowmobile themselves.
More info at www.paap.ee.
Winter Market “Otepää Ott”
Otepää Ott — the “From Producer to Consumer” winter market — brings authentic and fresh food to Otepää’s central square every Friday. At the market you’ll find local produce, sweets, and Estonian handicrafts. The winter market is open Fridays 15:00–18:00!
PS! In very cold weather, the market may partly take place in the Otepää market hall.
More info HERE
Disc Golf Winter Park
At the Tehvandi Sports Center Disc Golf Park, there is a winter course with 9 baskets (baskets No. 6–14), starting and ending by the Tehvandi Hotel.
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Relaxation and Well-being
After an active day, Otepää also offers excellent opportunities for relaxation.
You can enjoy sauna pleasures, for example, at the pool of Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort and in the saunas of Kääriku Sports Center. Pühajärve Spa & Holiday Resort also offers various relaxing treatments.
The region’s various restaurants, pubs, and cafés offer great food experiences.
At present, the Tartu Maraton is set to take place on its traditional course from Otepää to Elva, and snow conditions are excellent.
“Although December did not yet feel particularly wintry, this January has been close to an ideal winter month. Temperatures have remained steadily below zero, at times even severely cold, allowing the ground to freeze deeply. Snowfall has been moderate and gradual, yet consistent – enabling the course base to be built layer by layer, just like in a textbook example. It is not very common that by mid-January the Tartu Maraton course is in such good condition that, if the marathon were held right now, all conditions would be ideal. Weather forecasts indicate that sub-zero temperatures will continue in the coming weeks, and each additional cold week reduces the likelihood of a sudden warm spell in February. On weekends, thousands of skiers are already enjoying the marathon course, and as organisers we can confirm that preparations are underway for the traditional route familiar to thousands,” says Tartu Maraton Race Director Indrek Kelk.
The organisers monitor weather conditions daily and continue preparing and maintaining the course to ensure participants enjoy the best possible skiing experience. The 52nd Tartu Maraton will take place on 14–15 February, bringing thousands of ski enthusiasts from Estonia and abroad to the start line.
The race centre at Lõunakeskus will be open from Friday to Saturday, 13–14 February. In addition to race material distribution and a wide expo area, participants will find a Swix ski waxing service point, and the popular Taste Experience Pasta Party will make a comeback, offering delicious pasta and rice dishes.
At the finish area, participants can expect the usual wide range of services. As a new feature this year, Elva will host a sauna area with extensive facilities, open to all participants, while Worldloppet passport holders will have access to a special sauna.
Any updates regarding course conditions and event organisation will be shared on the official Tartu Maraton website and social media channels.
