Events
Exciting: UCI Downhill World Cup Canada at Whistler Bike Park
In short: Whistler Bike Park, in British Columbia (Canada), hosts a UCI Downhill World Cup round for the first time ever on 25-27 September 2026, as part of the UCI World Series. The race runs on the 1199 trail in the Creekside zone, a professional course of about 2.4 km and 489 m of descent that the world's fastest riders complete in just over 3 minutes.
Mark your calendar: 25-27 September 2026 will go down as one of the most exciting weekends in mountain biking history. Whistler Bike Park hosts the UCI Downhill World Cup Canada for the first time ever.
The F1 of mountain biking debuts in British Columbia, offering spectators, fans and riders an unforgettable adrenaline weekend on the legendary Whistler terrain.
What makes the World Cup at Whistler Bike Park special?
Elite downhill racing on the 1199 trail
The highlight of the Downhill Whistler Bike Park experience is the 1199 trail, a professional downhill course in the Creekside zone of Whistler Mountain Bike Park.
- Length: ~2.4 km (1.49 miles)
- Descent: 489 m (~1,604 ft)
- Elite performance: the world's fastest riders complete the course in just over 3 minutes.
This trail was designed for the World Cup stage, with high-speed sections, technical rock gardens, big drops and challenging features: exactly what downhill purists and spectating fans dream about.
A historic first for Canadian MTB: the first UCI Downhill World Cup in Whistler
The 2026 event marks the inaugural UCI World Cup Downhill stop in Whistler, an extraordinary milestone for mountain biking in Canada. For the first time in history, the best bike park in the world hosts a UCI downhill race.
World Cup races are traditionally held at venues in Europe and a few select North American stops like Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. Whistler Bike Park officially joins that elite roster as part of the UCI World Series schedule.
What to expect on and off the course at Whistler
Race weekend atmosphere at Whistler Bike Park
It doesn't matter if you are new to the sport or a strong rider: watching a live World Cup in Whistler delivers an unforgettable experience. Festival energy, scenic natural beauty and the unique Whistler vibe. Walk the spectator paths alongside the course, witness head-to-head elite competition and soak up the excitement with other fans and riders.
Epic mountain setting
Whistler is one of the most iconic mountain destinations in the world. During your trip, you can pair the World Cup in Whistler with:
- Riding Whistler Bike Park's famous downhill and freeride trails outside of the race course.
- Exploring the scenic Squamish granite slabs, flow trails and backcountry singletrack.
- Enjoying local eateries, nightlife and mountain culture in Whistler Village.
The best way to enjoy the race weekend: riding Squamish and Whistler
If you're serious about mountain biking and want the ultimate Whistler adventure, there's no better way to experience it than with a 10-day bike holiday in Squamish and Whistler. Here's why it's perfect for World Cup attendees:
- Extended riding time in two of Canada's top mountain biking destinations: Squamish and Whistler.
- World-class trail access and insider tips from local guides.
- The chance to ride Whistler Bike Park and witness the sport's elite athletes in action at the UCI Downhill World Cup Canada.
- A well-rounded itinerary built for intermediate to advanced riders.
Plan ahead: the Whistler World Cup will be huge
With Whistler hosting the World Cup and bringing top downhill racers from around the world to British Columbia, this is the mountain biking event of the year. Accommodation, travel and raceside viewing areas will fill fast, so booking early is essential.
Don't just watch history, make it part of your next great ride. Whistler Mountain Bike Park appears among the UCI venues on our map of bike parks, and you'll find the upcoming World Cup rounds, Crankworx and the Canadian Open in our MTB events calendar.
Frequently asked questions
When is the UCI Downhill World Cup at Whistler Bike Park?
The first UCI Downhill World Cup round at Whistler Bike Park was scheduled for 25-27 September 2026, as part of the UCI World Series. It is the first time Whistler hosts a UCI Downhill World Cup.
What is the 1199 trail at Whistler?
The 1199 trail is the professional downhill course of the World Cup, in the Creekside zone of Whistler Mountain Bike Park. It is about 2.4 km (1.49 miles) long with 489 m (~1,604 ft) of descent, and the world's fastest riders complete it in just over 3 minutes.
Has Canada hosted Downhill World Cups before?
Yes. Besides venues in Europe, World Cup races have traditionally visited a few North American stops such as Mont-Sainte-Anne in Quebec. Whistler Bike Park joins that roster for the first time in 2026.
What else can you do in Whistler during the World Cup weekend?
You can ride Whistler Bike Park's downhill and freeride trails outside the race course, explore the Squamish granite slabs, flow trails and backcountry singletrack, and enjoy the eateries, nightlife and mountain culture of Whistler Village.
Ride Whistler and Squamish
Would you like to ride Squamish and Whistler around a race weekend? Write to us and tell us about your plans.
