Grand Prix of Germany - Compak Sporting - Germany (July 2017)

The Schießsportzentrum Suhl (SSZ Suhl), located in the scenic Thuringian Forest of Germany, is a world-renowned Olympic training base and a premier destination for shooting sports. Deeply rooted in Suhl's centuries-old gunsmithing heritage, the facility seamlessly blends historical tradition with cutting-edge sporting technology. The complex is meticulously designed to accommodate everyone from absolute beginners looking to try out a new hobby to elite Olympic athletes preparing for global tournaments.

The center boasts an expansive and highly advanced infrastructure that covers almost every shooting discipline. Key facility highlights include:

• Small-Caliber and Air Guns (10m & 50m): Both indoor and outdoor ranges are heavily equipped with Swiss SIUS electronic target systems, ensuring Olympic-level precision and instant results.

• Large-Caliber and Hunting (25m & 100m): Specialized ranges designed for sports shooting, hunting education, and zeroing rifles.

• Shotgun Ranges (Trap & Skeet): The complex features four combined ranges equipped with Laporte throwing machines, all managed by the global "Range Master" software.

• Additional Disciplines: The facility also includes dedicated archery fields and electronic running target (Laufende Scheibe) setups.

As a global hub for competitive shooting, SSZ Suhl regularly hosts massive international events, such as the ISSF Junior World Cup and the World Masters Shooting Sport Championship. Beyond hosting competitions, the complex offers rigorous training programs tailored to different skill levels. One of its standout features is the presence of three-time Olympic gold medalist Ralf Schumann, who serves as a coach, transferring his invaluable expertise and psychological resilience to the next generation of shooters.

The sheer versatility of the SSZ makes it a perfect fit for a diverse range of visitors:

• Professional Athletes: Elite national squads use the facility for intensive, long-term training camps.

• Hunters: The center is ideal for obtaining official shooting certificates (Schießnachweise) and practicing on realistic hunting simulators.

• Beginners & Families: Through the "Shooting for Everyone" program, novices can safely try air rifles, shotguns, or archery under the strict supervision of a professional instructor.

• Corporate Groups: The center easily accommodates large-scale team-building events and commercial tournaments for over 100 participants.

Logistically, the complex operates as a highly efficient, all-inclusive campus. Athletes and guests can stay directly on-site at the Olympia Hotel (formerly Sportpension) and enjoy tailored gastronomy, fitness rooms, and saunas. This tightly integrated, barrier-free ecosystem ensures that visitors can focus entirely on their training or leisure without worrying about external travel or logistics.

Working Hours:

• Monday – Saturday: 09:00 – 12:00 and 13:00 – 18:00

• Sunday: Closed (Note: Specific disciplines, such as outdoor archery in the summer, or scheduled competitions and training camps may have extended or customized hours.)