Villach Alpen Arena celebrates 30 years

The Villach Alpen Arena celebrated its 30th anniversary on Sunday, recognising a sports complex used by athletes from 18 countries since it opened in 1995, ORF Kärnten reported.

The facility accommodates 20 sports and has been used by about 450,000 athletes for training and competitions. In 2026, around 25,000 people used the arena, including 10,000 athletes at its ski-jumping facility. It has hosted a women’s World Cup event every year since 2022.

The celebration focused on the people who contribute their time and energy to the arena, often on a voluntary basis. Carinthia Governor Daniel Fellner praised the facility and the sporting achievements made there, and thanked the volunteers who help ensure it runs smoothly. He also noted the role of coaches and support staff in advising young people.

Villach Mayor Günther Albel said good sports infrastructure was an important part of the city’s quality of life. He described the arena as an international calling card that contributes to tourism in the region, and thanked former mayor Helmut Manzenreiter, who laid the political groundwork for the facility 30 years ago.

Arena chairman Andreas Sucher highlighted volunteer work and youth development alongside elite-level sporting successes. Dieter Mörtl, president of the Carinthian Ski Association, congratulated the people who first conceived the project and those continuing to develop it. The arena’s three ski jumps are also used for training in summer.