Welcome to Latvia and the IBU Junior Cup 2027!

January 2027 will bring two major international biathlon events to Madona, Latvia! From 11 to 17 January, Madona will host the opening stage of the 2026/2027 IBU Junior Cup season, marking the first time that the season begins in Latvia. Just one week later, on 23–24 January, the Smeceres sils venue will welcome athletes for the Baltic Cup competitions.

For the second consecutive year, Madona will host an IBU Junior Cup stage, bringing together the next generation of international biathlon talent. We are delighted to welcome athletes, coaches, teams, officials and supporters from around the world to experience exciting competitions and discover the beauty of Latvia in winter.

Discover Latvia

Latvia is one of the three Baltic states, located on the eastern shore of the Baltic Sea, between Estonia and Lithuania. With a population of around 1.8 million and a territory of 64,589 km², Latvia is one of Europe’s greenest countries. More than half of its land is covered by forests, while its Baltic Sea coastline stretches for nearly 500 kilometres.

The capital, Riga, is known for its remarkable Art Nouveau architecture, historic Old Town and vibrant cultural life. Latvian is the official language, but English is widely spoken, particularly among younger generations.

Latvia has a rich cultural heritage and a strong connection to its traditions. One of the most beloved celebrations is Midsummer, known as Jāņi, when people gather around bonfires, sing traditional songs and wear wreaths made of flowers and oak leaves.

Nature is an essential part of Latvian life. Foraging for berries and mushrooms, fishing and spending time outdoors remain popular traditions. In winter, forests and countryside landscapes become destinations for cross-country skiing, winter hiking and other outdoor activities.

Latvia is a member of the European Union, NATO, the Schengen Area and the Eurozone, making travel convenient for international visitors.

Experience Winter in Madona

Located in eastern Latvia, Madona is known for its natural landscapes and strong winter sports traditions. The Smeceres sils sports and recreation centre has become an important venue for biathlon and cross-country skiing, welcoming athletes and visitors to national and international competitions.

In January 2027, Madona will host two important international biathlon events:

• 11–17 January 2027 – IBU Junior Cup: The opening stage of the 2026/2027 season, with competition races taking place on 14, 16 and 17 January.

• 23–24 January 2027 – Baltic Cup: Another opportunity to experience international biathlon competition at Smeceres sils.

Hosting two international events within just two weeks highlights Madona’s growing role on the international biathlon calendar and its commitment to developing winter sports infrastructure.

Whether you are visiting Latvia for the first time or returning for another competition, we invite you to explore Madona, enjoy local food and hospitality, and discover the country’s winter landscapes.

We look forward to welcoming you to Madona for an exciting January of international biathlon!

📍 Venue: Smeceres sils, Madona, Latvia

Official tourism information: Visit Latvia

Event information: www.biathlonmadona.com

Welcome to Madona – the Winter Capital of Latvia!

Madona is a picturesque town in the Vidzeme region of eastern Latvia, located approximately 170 km from the capital, Riga, and around 180 km from Riga International Airport. At the heart of Madona Municipality, the town is known for its beautiful natural surroundings, strong sporting traditions and warm hospitality.

Often referred to as the winter capital of Latvia, Madona is one of the country’s most popular destinations for winter sports and outdoor activities. Surrounded by rolling hills, forests and scenic landscapes, the region offers excellent opportunities for cross-country skiing, downhill skiing, snowboarding and winter hiking.

One of Madona’s best-known sporting destinations is Smeceres sils Sports and Recreation Centre, a leading Nordic skiing and biathlon venue in the Baltics. Its extensive trail network attracts both professional athletes and recreational skiers, while the surrounding forests provide a beautiful setting for outdoor activities throughout the year.

Beyond Smeceres sils, visitors can explore the Gaiziņkalns area, home to Latvia’s highest hill, and enjoy the region’s peaceful countryside, snow-covered forests and picturesque winter scenery. Madona also offers cosy cafés, local restaurants and opportunities to experience authentic Latvian hospitality.

Winter is a special time in Madona, when the region comes alive with outdoor activities, sporting traditions and the charm of a small Latvian town. Whether you prefer an active holiday or a relaxing escape into nature, Madona offers something for everyone.

Discover Madona beyond the sports venues and enjoy the beauty of Latvia’s winter capital!

More information: Visit Madona

Smeceres sils – Latvia’s Premier Nordic Sports Venue

The hilly terrain around Madona and its long tradition of snowy winters have made this region a natural home for winter sports. Over the decades, Smeceres sils has grown into one of the most important cross-country skiing and biathlon centres in the Baltics.

From Soviet Roots to International Recognition

Development of the Smeceres sils Sports and Recreation Centre began in the 1980s, during a period when skiing and biathlon flourished across the Soviet Union. A major turning point came in 2002, when the first modern track grooming machine was acquired. This marked the start of a new era of infrastructure improvement and international ambitions.

In 2019, a modern biathlon shooting range with 30 illuminated mechanical targets was built, meeting the requirements of the International Biathlon Union (IBU) and enabling the organisation of international competitions.

Year-Round Training and Competition

During the winter season, Smeceres sils offers an extensive network of cross-country skiing trails for professional athletes and amateur enthusiasts alike. When natural snowfall is abundant, trail length exceeds 50 km. A three-kilometre illuminated track with artificial snow helps provide reliable skiing conditions throughout the winter season, while a snow storage system, introduced in 2021, allows for an earlier start to skiing activities.

Smeceres sils is not only a national training hub – it is also an internationally recognised venue. Major events hosted include:

• World Cup in Ski Orienteering (2006)
• Scandinavian Cup in cross-country skiing (since 2011)
• European Championships and World Junior & Masters Championships in Ski Orienteering (2013)
• FIS Roller Ski World Championships (2019 & 2026)
• IBU Junior Open European Championships (2023)
• European Ski Orienteering Championships, Junior World Ski Orienteering Championships and European Youth Ski Orienteering Championships (2023)
• IBU Junior Cup (2026)

In 2023, Smeceres sils demonstrated its capacity to host multiple international competitions within a short period, welcoming three major ski orienteering championships shortly before the IBU Junior Open European Championships.

In 2026, the venue continued its international sporting tradition by hosting the IBU Junior Cup, bringing promising young biathletes from around the world to Madona, alongside major international roller skiing competitions.

Local Heroes

Smeceres sils is the home training ground for many of Latvia’s leading winter sports athletes. Olympians and World Championship participants who have trained and competed here include:

• Ivars Silups, Gundars Upenieks and Raivis Zīmelis – biathlon
• Kitija Auziņa, Roberts Raimo, Rinalds Kostjukovs and Raimo Vīgants – cross-country skiing

With its established sporting traditions, modern infrastructure and beautiful natural surroundings, Smeceres sils continues to play an important role in the development of Nordic sports in Latvia and the wider Baltic region.