North American Cup Bobsled & Skeleton | Lake Placid | January 2-10, 2026
- Mt. Van Hoevenberg 31 Van Hoevenberg Way Lake Placid, NY, 12946 United States (map)
Future Olympians Take the Ice: North American Cup Bobsled & Skeleton at Mt. Van Hoevenberg
Team USA.
This January, the world-famous sliding track at Mt. Van Hoevenberg once again becomes a proving ground for the next generation of winter sports stars. The North American Cup (NAC) Bobsled & Skeleton races return to Lake Placid, drawing nearly 200 athletes from 25 countries to compete on one of the most storied tracks in the world.
For spectators, this is a rare opportunity to see elite-level sliding sports up close—often for free or at a very low cost—while experiencing the electric atmosphere of an Olympic venue steeped in history.
What is the North American Cup?
The North American Cup is an international development series sanctioned by the International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation (IBSF). Think of it as the critical stepping stone between grassroots competition and the World Cup circuit. Many athletes who now compete—and medal—on the global stage sharpened their skills in NAC races.
For competitors, NAC events offer vital international experience, ranking points, and exposure. For fans, it’s a chance to spot future Olympians before their names are splashed across primetime broadcasts.
Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s legendary track.
Why Lake Placid matters—especially with 2026 on the horizon.
Lake Placid’s legacy in sliding sports is unmatched in North America. The Mt. Van Hoevenberg track has hosted countless international competitions and remains one of only a handful of world-class bobsled, skeleton, and luge tracks in the United States.
As the world looks ahead to the 2026 Winter Olympics, events like the North American Cup play an essential role in athlete development. Many racers competing this January are actively working toward Olympic qualification cycles beyond 2026—making these races a preview of what’s to come in 2030 and beyond.
Hosting the NAC also reinforces Lake Placid’s ongoing role as a training and competition hub for winter sports, ensuring the Olympic flame here never truly goes out.
What you’ll see on the track.
Over multiple race days, athletes will compete in:
2-Man Bobsled
2-Woman Bobsled
4-Man Bobsled
Men’s & Women’s Skeleton
Mono Bobsled
Each run is a test of explosive power at the start, razor-sharp precision through the curves, and sheer nerve at speeds that can top 80 mph. Skeleton racing, in particular—headfirst and inches above the ice—is a fan favorite for its intensity and drama.
How to experience the event as a spectator.
Watching sliding sports in person is unlike anything else. You’ll hear the sleds before you see them—an echoing roar that builds as they rocket down the chute. Spectator areas around the track offer different vantage points, from explosive start zones to high-speed straightaways.
Dress warmly—Lake Placid in January means true Adirondack winter conditions.
Arrive early to explore Mt. Van Hoevenberg’s facilities and trails.
Bring binoculars or a camera with a zoom for dramatic action shots.
Between races, head into Lake Placid village to warm up, shop, and dine local.
Support local businesses while you’re here.
Events like the North American Cup bring athletes, coaches, and fans from around the globe—and that energy spills into the community. Make the most of your visit by supporting Lake Placid’s locally owned restaurants, cafés, shops, and lodging. Whether it’s a post-race coffee, a hearty Adirondack dinner, or a night at a local inn, your dollars help sustain the year-round vitality of this Olympic village.
Event schedule at a glance.
Friday, January 2, 2026
• NAC 2-Man & Mono — 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 3, 2026
• NAC 2-Man & Mono — 2:00 PM
Monday, January 5, 2026
• NAC Men’s & Women’s Skeleton — 9:00 AM
• NAC 2-Woman & 4-Man — 2:00 PM
Tuesday, January 6, 2026
• NAC Men’s & Women’s Skeleton — 9:00 AM
• NAC 2-Woman & 4-Man — 2:00 PM
Wednesday, January 7, 2026
• NAC/PACH 2-Man & Mono — 2:00 PM
Saturday, January 10, 2026
• PACH Men’s & Women’s Skeleton — 9:00 AM
• NAC 2-Woman & 4-Man — 2:00 PM
Why this is an ADK Taste–approved winter outing.
Whether you’re a die-hard winter sports fan or simply looking for a thrilling Adirondack experience, the North American Cup delivers speed, spectacle, and serious Olympic vibes—without the Olympic-sized crowds.
It’s high-performance sport in one of North America's most iconic settings, and a reminder that in Lake Placid, history is always being made.
For more information, visit the Mt. Van Hoevenberg website.
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