Dorothea Wierer

One of the world’s most successful biathletes

Dorothea Wierer, born on April 3, 1990, in Bruneck, has shaped the sport of biathlon for many years. Since 2007, she has competed for the Italian national team and has steadily worked her way to the very top of the world rankings. Her career in numbers reveals the fighting spirit of this exceptional athlete: four Olympic medals, 12 World Championship medals and 72 World Cup podium finishes. The year 2019 marks a defining moment in her career. In Östersund, she becomes the first Italian woman to win gold in the mass start and claims the overall World Cup title.

In 2020, she shows her full class in Antholz with several medals. She remains a constant presence in the years that follow and wins relay gold in Oberhof in 2023. In 2026, she ends her career where it all began. At the Olympic Games in Antholz, in front of familiar faces and long-time fans, she secures one more silver medal. Now she turns the page and begins a new chapter. Only she knows where her path will lead next. Still, she already offers a few glimpses into her private life. Where she recharges her energy and why “Doro” is someone who enjoys life, you can read in our short interview.

"This is precisely why, for me, cross-country skiing is a sustainable winter sport."

“Sustainability begins with getting to the track. The start of the cross-country skiing network can be reached by public transport almost everywhere in the province. An important factor for sustainability is that instead of clearing trees, cross-country skiing trails are laid through the natural landscape. Moreover, cross-country skiing is an affordable winter sport, just look at the costs of cross-country skiing tickets and equipment.

Cross-country skiing is a relaxing and stress-free experience, as queuing at the ticket office or crowded huts are virtually unheard of when it comes to cross-country skiing. "

Cross-country skiing trails

EXPA/Stefan Adelsberger via VOIGT Fotografie

After the competitions...

"After some intense months of competitions that take me all over the world, I like to come back to South Tyrol to regenerate and relax. I then like to spend time with my parents in my home valley of Antholz. I am particularly drawn to springtime in South Tyrol. Radein/Redagno, for example, also known as the starting point for hikes in the UNESCO World Heritage Bletterbach area, and the Weisshorn mountain are places I enjoy visiting in spring. But what’s are my favourite places in spring? The Seiser Alm Alpine Pasture and visiting Alpine huts belonging to close friends. We then enjoy hiking to the Schlernhaus mountain hut, choosing the circuit via the Tierser Alpl refuge and the Rosszahnscharte mountain."

That spring feeling

These are dishes I just can’t say “no” to...

"Unfortunately, during the competition season I don't often get to indulge in South Tyrolean cuisine. And whenever I do, I have to be careful not to eat too much of it ;-). After all, it's hard for me to say no to traditional Bauernmuas with honey. This particular dish doesn’t fit into my nutritional plan. Pressknödel (pressed dumplings) are strongly associated with my home valley; I prefer to eat them with a bit less butter. I really have a weakness for Schlutzkrapfen, a filled pasta dish , especially the whole-grain variety. For dessert, I find Apfelschmarrn simply irresistible. Especially after an intense day of training, this shredded pancake dish with apple is a perfect calorie booster."

South Tyrolean recipes

As soon as the winter is over...

"As soon as the roads are cleared from snow, I get on my racing bike. When I practice my second favourite sport, I can cover long distances and enjoy the awakening of spring in South Tyrol. I'm really fond of cycling along the South Tyrolean Wine Road and around the Montiggler See and Kalterer See lakes. I even take a longer route sometimes, like the one to the Mendelpass. Then I cycle on the Gampenpass and get to Meran/Merano or Lana and head back to Kaltern/Caldaro. Spring it's also the perfect time for more Alpine tours: the bike tour to the Würzjoch pass in the Villnösstal/Val di Funes valley or the "Klammerrunde” route in the Pustertal/ Val Pusteria valley are just a few."

Cylcling and Mountainbiking