WHISTLER, BC – Aug. 25, 2025 – Whistler Blackcomb, home to one of the largest and most revered bike parks in the world – the Whistler Mountain Bike Park (WMBP) – was today announced as a host location for the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) Mountain Bike World Series, starting in fall 2026. Next year, for the first time ever, the resort will host the best downhill mountain bikers in the world during the UCI Downhill World Cup stop at Whistler from Sept. 25-27, 2026. The downhill event will take place on the resort’s 1199 trail.
“We are honoured to serve as a host to the most prestigious biking competition in the world at one of North America’s most beloved mountain bike parks,” said Belinda Trembath, COO of Whistler Blackcomb. “Our team takes pride in delivering an incredible experience for guests and athletes alike, and I’m excited for this to be on full display next year. Our team built and designed the 1199 Downhill track for the sole purpose of hosting events of this caliber, and we are thrilled to be hosting the UCI Downhill World Cup at the WMBP starting in 2026.”
Whistler Blackcomb is proud to serve as the Local Organizing Committee for the UCI Downhill World Cup. The World Cup represents the pinnacle of global mountain bike racing and is broadcast globally through its ongoing partnership with Warner Bros. Discovery (WBD). With the series now adding a stop at the WMBP, it offers a unique opportunity to further enhance the guest experience at Whistler Blackcomb, drive additional visitation to the region, and elevate the profile of local athletes. Hosting an event of this caliber has long been part of the resort’s vision for the bike park, with the 1199 trail specifically designed to accommodate a future World Cup.
“The inclusion of Whistler Blackcomb on the 2026 UCI Downhill World Cup calendar is a landmark moment for WMBP and a tremendous boost for athlete development in Western Canada,” said Mathieu Boucher, CEO of Cycling Canada. “WMBP’s world-renowned terrain and purpose-built 1199 Downhill track offer an elite-level track that will challenge and elevate our national athletes. This event will not only spotlight Canada’s top riders on a global stage but also inspire the next generation to pursue excellence in downhill mountain biking. Cycling Canada is proud to support Whistler Blackcomb in hosting this world-class event and advancing the sport across the country.”
In addition to elevating the sport and the mountain biking industry, the UCI Mountain Bike World Series will serve as a powerful catalyst for regional tourism, driving interest, exposure, and visitation to Whistler and communities across the Sea to Sky corridor during the fall shoulder season.
“We are pleased to welcome the world to Whistler and British Columbia for the UCI Mountain Bike World Series,” said Anne Kang, Minister of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport. “Whistler and British Columbia are world-class destinations with a proven track record of hosting international sporting events, welcoming athletes and visitors from across the globe year after year. Hosting this event is a wonderful opportunity to showcase the beauty of Whistler on an international stage while boosting tourism in the region.”
The provincial endorsement underscores the importance of major events in driving tourism and international visibility. The impact of the UCI World Series is also a strategic fit for Whistler’s long-term goals. By attracting visitors during the fall shoulder season, the event will help balance seasonal demand, support local businesses, and sustain employment across the community.
“Our organization recognizes the vital role that events – aligned with our community’s rich mountain culture – play in enhancing Whistler’s appeal,” said Barrett Fisher, President and CEO of Tourism Whistler. “With mountain biking at the heart of our summer experience, the UCI Downhill World Cup aligns well with Whistler’s vibrant calendar of annual events – filling a need period, supporting local businesses, and sustaining year-round employment for our community. We look forward to sharing this world-class event with residents and visitors alike.”
As the event draws international athletes and spectators, it also reinforces Whistler’s identity as a global hub for mountain biking. That legacy is deeply rooted in the community and continues to grow with each new milestone.
“Whistler has obviously become a true centre for mountain biking,” said Mayor Jack Crompton. “We are proud of that legacy and grateful to all who have made it happen. Having the UCI Mountain Bike Series is a welcome addition to our event calendar. We wish the best to the organizers, Whistler Blackcomb, and the athletes who will compete here.”
Next September, athletes and spectators will be able to join the action from Whistler and follow along from anywhere in the world, with the event being promoted and broadcast by WBD.
For more information on the UCI Mountain Bike World Series, visit www.ucimtbworldseries.com.
For more information about UCI at Whistler Blackcomb, visit our page.
For more information about Whistler and to book accommodation and transportation, visit whistler.com
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Whistler Blackcomb
Whistler Blackcomb is North America’s premier four-season mountain resort, located in the stunning Coast Mountains of British Columbia. It offers over 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across two iconic mountains and is home to the legendary Whistler Mountain Bike Park, featuring four distinct zones and more than 80 km of trails, from technical descents and jump lines to alpine singletrack. A proud host of the 2010 Winter Olympics and the 2025 Vancouver Whistler Invictus Games, Whistler Blackcomb also boasts the once Guinness World Record-holding PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola, a marvel of engineering and sightseeing.
Cycling Canada
Cycling Canada is the national governing body for the sport of cycling in Canada, recognized by the Union Cycliste Internationale (UCI) and the Canadian Olympic Committee. Established in 1882, the organization works to foster the growth and development of cycling across all disciplines, road, track, mountain bike, BMX, cyclo-cross, and para-cycling, from grassroots participation to high-performance competition. Cycling Canada supports athletes, coaches, and organizers nationwide, with the vision of inspiring Canadians to ride, race, and embrace cycling as a lifelong activity.
Tourism Whistler
Tourism Whistler is the official member-based destination tourism organization representing Whistler, and operator of the Whistler Conference Centre, Whistler Golf Club, Whistler Visitor Centre, as well as 1.800.WHISTLER and whistler.com – Whistler’s official source for visitor information and bookings. Tourism Whistler represents more than 8,000 members who own, manage, and operate properties or businesses on Resort Lands, including hotels, restaurants, activity operators and retail shops
Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sports
The Ministry of Tourism, Arts, Culture and Sport supports British Columbia’s tourism, creative, cultural, and sport sectors to drive economic growth, build vibrant communities, and celebrate B.C.’s diversity. Working with partners such as Destination BC, Creative BC, Indigenous Tourism BC, ViaSport, and the BC Arts Council, the Ministry helps share B.C.’s unique experiences with the world.
Resort Municipality of Whistler
The Resort Municipality of Whistler (RMOW) is a vibrant mountain community known globally for its world-class outdoor recreation, sustainable tourism practices, and commitment to environmental stewardship. As a local government, RMOW works collaboratively with residents, businesses, and visitors to foster a thriving, resilient, and inclusive community.
Media Contact:
Chloe Hajjar – Communications Manager | chloe.hajjar@vailresorts.com