IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship Division I Group A
The IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship, Division I Group A, at the Ritten Arena in Collalbo
About U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo
The U18 Women's World Championship returns to the Renon plateau
The Ritten Arena in Collalbo (Klobenstein), the main village of the municipality of Renon (Ritten) on the sunny plateau above Bolzano, hosts the IIHF Ice Hockey U18 Women's World Championship, Division I Group A. This official International Ice Hockey Federation (IIHF) tournament brings together six youth national teams for a week of intense matches in a setting with a rich sporting tradition: South Tyrol has always been one of the beating hearts of ice hockey in Italy.
Six national teams on the ice
Six U18 women's national teams compete in a round-robin tournament: each team plays five matches, and the final standings determine promotion to the higher category (Top Division) and relegation to Group B. The level is that of a true world championship, featuring young athletes from across Europe and Japan.
Why Collalbo
Collalbo and the Renon plateau boast extensive experience in organizing major ice events, from long-track speed skating to international hockey tournaments. The Ritten Arena, located on Via Paese, is a modern and welcoming facility that allows spectators to experience the intensity of the game up close. The event is organized by the Rittner Buam club in collaboration with the Renon Tourist Association, with the support of dozens of volunteers.
Free admission and excitement
One of the most appreciated aspects of the event is the free admission to all matches: a unique opportunity for families and fans to witness world-class hockey live at no cost. Matches are spread throughout the day, with the evening games featuring the Italian national team as the highlight. All this is set against the winter backdrop of the Renon plateau, easily accessible from Bolzano via the famous Renon cable car and the Renon narrow-gauge railway.
A staple in the South Tyrolean calendar
Hosting a world championship of this caliber is a source of pride for the municipality of Renon and the entire Autonomous Province of Bolzano, confirming the region's commitment to winter sports and major international ice events.
U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo — edition 2026
The 2026 edition of the U18 Women's World Championship, Division I Group A took place from January 12 to 18 at the Ritten Arena in Collalbo, in the municipality of Renon (Bolzano), with free admission to all matches. Six national teams competed in a round-robin format: Italy, Germany, Norway, France, Denmark, and Japan.
Germany emerged victorious, earning promotion to the Top Division thanks to a decisive 2-0 win over Norway on the final day. They were followed by a strong Japan and France, who took the third spot. For the host nation Italy, it was a bitter tournament: they lost all five games and were relegated to Group B, ending a streak of four consecutive editions finished in second place.
Programme U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo 2026
Monday, January 12
- 13:00 — France vs Germany
- 16:30 — Denmark vs Japan
- 20:00 — Norway vs Italy 3-2
Tuesday, January 13
- 13:00 — Germany vs Denmark
- 16:30 — Japan vs Norway
- 20:00 — Italy vs France 1-3
Wednesday, January 14 — Rest day
Thursday, January 15
- 13:00 — Japan vs France
- 16:30 — Denmark vs Norway
- 20:00 — Italy vs Germany 1-5
Friday, January 16 — Rest day
Saturday, January 17
- 13:00 — Norway vs France
- 16:30 — Germany vs Japan
- 20:00 — Italy vs Denmark 3-6
Sunday, January 18
- 13:00 — Germany vs Norway
- 16:30 — France vs Denmark
- 20:00 — Japan vs Italy 10-1
All matches involving the Italian team were played at 20:00. Free admission, live streaming on official channels.
Highlights U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo 2026
Germany promoted to the Top Division after a 2-0 win over Norway in the final round. Italy relegated to Group B after four consecutive second-place finishes. The only goal for Italy in the tournament was scored by Eleonora Pisetta against Japan, assisted by Olivia De Bortoli and Anna Canesso Franci.
Prices U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo 2026
Practical information — U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo
Location
Ritten Arena, Via Paese 5, 39054 Collalbo/Klobenstein — Municipality of Renon/Ritten (Autonomous Province of Bolzano, South Tyrol).
How to reach us
The Renon plateau can be reached from Bolzano by the Renon cable car to Soprabolzano, followed by the Renon narrow-gauge railway to Collalbo, or by car along the plateau road. Ample parking is available near the arena.
Admission
Free admission to all matches. Games are also broadcast via live streaming on the official IIHF/FISG channels.
Information
Renon Tourist Association — tel. +39 0471 356100, email [email protected]. Details and updated schedules are available on the official IIHF website and at ritten.com.
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Where does it take place — U18 Women's World Championship Collalbo
Ritten Arena
Via Paese 5, 39054 Renon/Ritten