This blog was updated in June 2026 to reflect the 2026 UCI schedule.

The UCI Downhill World Cup at Whiteface Mountain

It’s nearly here! The adrenaline-pumping UCI Downhill World Cup is being hosted at Whiteface Mountain as part of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, October 2–4. Mountain biking enthusiasts can expect to be right in the action, feeling the wind as racers fly downhill on the newly built course. The Whiteface Region is a prime location for such an event, and planning a trip centered around this epic event is easy. To get in on the action, purchase tickets for you, your friends, and your family, and experience everything this region has to offer while you’re here!

What is the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series?

The WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series is the pinnacle of international mountain bike racing, where Elite, U-23, and Junior athletes compete across disciplines like Cross-Country and Downhill, racking up points toward the season's overall rankings. This year, that race for the title ends right here in the Adirondacks: the 2026 calendar finale means World Series champions will be crowned at Whiteface Mountain and Mt. Van Hoevenberg.

For the second year, Whiteface hosts the series' Downhill World Cup, and the energy is going to be electric. The demanding course challenges riders on world-class terrain, while spectators are directly in on the action, with viewing areas within dirt-flying distance of aggressive climbs and thrilling descents.

The course is no walk (or ride) in the Adirondack Park. Sitting at around 2 kilometers of technical terrain, the trail is designed for raw speed and power, reflecting the resurgence of mountain biking at Whiteface Mountain. It's all part of the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series, which also brings Cross-Country World Cup action to Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Purchasing tickets to this event puts you in the midst of not only world-class riders, but also world-class activities and experiences found throughout the region.

Sample the area’s mountain biking

There’s no better way to enjoy the WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series than by pedaling the Adirondack Park yourself. Just a wheel’s turn away from Whiteface Mountain, you’ll find some of the Adirondacks’ first mountain biking areas. Barkeater Trails Alliance (BETA) puts in serious work, both advocating for and building mountain biking trail networks in this region. They've got some of the best trail-specific information to help you prep for a trip.

At Flume Trails, you’ll find the greatest mileage of mountain biking in the region. Notable on this network is Poorman’s Downhill, which is often shuttled from the Whiteface Veterans’ Memorial Highway, making for a great opportunity to drive up the Toll Road and check out the views. Make a pit stop at The Twisted Raven for lunch, and it’ll be well-deserved after a day on the Flume Trails. 

Spend another day completing a Wilmington trifecta. Test your skills at the Wilmington Bike Park, then use the connector path to try out the trails at Three Sisters (Quaker Mountain), followed by some riding just down the road at Hardy Road (Beaver Brook). This trifecta puts you close to all the amenities in Wilmington. Fueling up with coffee and breakfast at Up A Creek Restaurant and grabbing a sandwich at Little Supermarket for your lunch is a pre-ride must.

What about non-mountain biking activities?

The spotlight is on the riding you can do here in the Whiteface Region, but branching out to sample more than just the singletrack is a must. Stretch out your legs at High Falls Gorge (and enjoy some food at the on-site River View Cafe), or go for a slightly longer hike by doing the Owen, Copperas, and Winch Pond loop. Sample the unique shopping in Wilmington and beyond, and don’t forget to pick up some post-ride treats at Adirondack Chocolates. Get a bird’s-eye view of the mountain biking course by taking the Cloudsplitter Gondola at Whiteface Mountain. It will put into perspective the seriousness of the steep mountain biking terrain the pro athletes will race down. If all that isn’t enough, spending a day in Lake Placid for all it has to offer, including the UCI Cross-Country World Cup action at Mt Van Hoevenberg, is a perfect addition to your itinerary.

Where can I stay for UCI weekend?

Staying in the Whiteface Region puts you close to the action, with lodging options ranging from affordable motels to scenic vacation rentals. A stay at The Hungry Trout Resort puts you two minutes from the downhill action at Whiteface Mountain, has a built-in fine dining restaurant, and the partnered Hungry Trout Fly Shop offers guided fly fishing packages. The Cadence Lodge also gets you close to Whiteface Mountain, with an outdoor firepit and covered grilling area for a post-UCI hang. Over in Upper Jay, The Ice Jam Inn does double duty as a cozy place to rest your head and a local-favorite restaurant.

If you want to sleep under the stars, set your eyes on the camping options at the Lake Placid/Whiteface Mountain KOA, Camp Whiteface Mountain, or the Wilmington Notch Campground. If you’re looking for a quiet place to stay with amenities like hot tubs and saunas to soothe those sore muscles from a day of mountain biking, check out the region's stunning vacation rentals. Before the UCI action each morning, swing through Upper Jay for a fuel-up at Adirondack Mountain Coffee Cafe, and on the way to your quiet evening at a vacation rental, grab a pie at Fratelli Pizza Restaurant and Bar II.

Bear in mind that places may be booked out for UCI weekend, so start planning now and don't hesitate to call businesses to see if they have an opening or a waitlist. While staying in the Whiteface Region offers the easiest access to the events, with convenient shuttles leaving from designated parking areas, you can also find lodging in nearby towns and regions. Check out places to stay in Lake Placid, Saranac Lake, or the Lake Champlain Region.

Start planning your UCI getaway

Ready to witness world-class mountain biking in the heart of the Adirondacks? October 2–4 is coming fast, so plan your stay in the Whiteface Region, GET YOUR TICKETS to the event, and be here for all the epic riding going on during the 2026 WHOOP UCI Mountain Bike World Series.