Stifel Lake Placid Finals Bring Cross-Country Skiing World Cup to Mt Van Hoevenberg

Elite Nordic racing returns to Lake Placid.

XC ski racing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg — Photos courtesy ORDA.

For three thrilling days in March, the Adirondacks will once again take center stage in the world of winter sports. The Stifel Lake Placid Finals, a Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup event, will bring the planet’s fastest Nordic skiers to Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid from March 20–22, 2026.

The Stifel Lake Placid Finals will bring the world’s best cross-country skiers to Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, one of the premier Nordic skiing venues in the Adirondacks.

Coming just weeks after the 2026 Winter Olympic Games in Milano-Cortina, the event promises Olympic-level intensity as the world’s top athletes battle for season-ending titles on the legendary trails of the Adirondacks.

It’s a landmark moment for American skiing. The Stifel Lake Placid Finals mark the first Cross-Country World Cup Finals ever held in the United States and the return of World Cup racing to Lake Placid for the first time since 1979.

For spectators, it’s a rare opportunity to watch elite international competition in one of North America’s most iconic winter destinations.

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The Stifel Lake Placid Finals will transform Mt Van Hoevenberg into one of the premier cross-country skiing World Cup venues in North America, drawing international athletes and winter sports fans to the Adirondacks.

What the Stifel Lake Placid Cross-Country World Cup Finals are all about.

The Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup is the premier international circuit for Nordic skiing, drawing the best athletes from across Europe, North America, and beyond. Each season culminates in a dramatic final weekend where overall champions are crowned, and the coveted Crystal Globes are awarded to the season’s top performers.

At Mt Van Hoevenberg, fans will see three marquee races featuring both men and women competitors:

Friday, March 20
10 km Interval Start Classic

Saturday, March 21
Sprint Freestyle

Sunday, March 22
20 km Mass Start Freestyle

Each race showcases a different format of cross-country skiing—from tactical sprint battles to endurance-driven mass starts—giving spectators a full picture of the sport’s speed, strategy, and athleticism.

Watch: World Cup cross-country skiing comes to Lake Placid.

Before the world’s fastest Nordic athletes race through the Adirondacks this March, get a preview of the speed, strategy, and electric atmosphere that define a Cross-Country World Cup event at Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid.

Elite cross-country skiers race through stadium climbs and high-speed turns during a Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup event, offering a glimpse of the intensity fans can expect when the Stifel Lake Placid Finals arrive at Mt Van Hoevenberg in March 2026.

The Stifel Lake Placid Finals will bring this same world-class Nordic racing atmosphere to Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, New York, as the Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup season concludes in the Adirondacks.

Olympic champions and global stars expected to compete.

The event is expected to feature many of the sport’s biggest names, including Jessie Diggins, the most decorated cross-country skier in U.S. history. Diggins has captured three Olympic medals, three overall World Cup titles, and multiple podiums at World Championships, making her a fan favorite wherever she races.

Image of Nordic skis and poles used in XC skiing

American standouts Rosie Brennan, Sophia Laukli, Gus Schumacher, Ben Ogden, and Julia Kern are also expected to compete, representing a rising generation of U.S. Nordic talent.

International rivals will bring serious firepower as well. Norway’s Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, a five-time Crystal Globe winner and one of the most dominant skiers of the modern era, headlines a formidable European field. Sweden’s Jonna Sundling, Germany’s Victoria Carl, Norway’s Astrid Slind, and Olympic champion Simen Hegstad Krüger are also expected to contend for podium spots.

In short: if you want to see the fastest Nordic skiers on earth, this is the place to do it.

Why Mt Van Hoevenberg is the Adirondacks’ premier cross-country skiing venue.

Few venues in North America can match the winter sports pedigree of Mt Van Hoevenberg. The site hosted Nordic skiing and sliding events during the 1980 Winter Olympics, when Lake Placid became forever linked to Olympic history.

Today, the facility has been transformed into a modern multi-sport complex featuring:

55 kilometers of groomed cross-country trails
A World Cup–level stadium
Advanced snowmaking infrastructure
The impressive Mountain Pass Lodge

Recent upgrades have helped the venue host major events, including the 2023 FISU World University Games, NCAA Championships, and the U.S. SuperTour Finals.

For fans, the stadium layout offers excellent viewing opportunities, allowing spectators to watch athletes charge through climbs, sprint through stadium sections, and fight for the finish line in dramatic fashion.

Nordic skiers competing at Mt. Van Hoevenberg

What spectators can expect.

Even if you’ve never followed cross-country skiing before, the World Cup Finals promise an exciting spectator experience.

Expect:

Fast-paced racing with athletes passing within feet of fans
Energetic stadium crowds and live commentary
Stunning Adirondack mountain scenery
A festival-like winter sports atmosphere

Between races, visitors can explore the Mountain Pass Lodge, enjoy food and warm drinks, and soak in the electric energy of a world-class sporting event.

Who should attend.

The Stifel Lake Placid Finals will appeal to a wide range of visitors:

Winter sports fans eager to see Olympic-level athletes
Families looking for an exciting Adirondack winter outing
Nordic skiing enthusiasts and recreational skiers
Travelers visiting Lake Placid during late winter

Mt. Van Hoevenberg Mt. Pass Lodge in winter. — Mountain Pass Lodge at Mt Van Hoevenberg (iStock).

For many spectators, it may be the only opportunity to see a Cross-Country World Cup race without traveling to Europe.

Event details.

Stifel Lake Placid Finals – Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup

Dates:
March 20–22, 2026

Location:
Mt Van Hoevenberg
31 Van Hoevenberg Way
Lake Placid, NY 12946

Tickets are available now. For schedules, ticketing, and updates, visitors should check the official website.

For travelers looking for a world-class winter sporting event in the Adirondacks, the Stifel Lake Placid Finals promise three days of elite cross-country skiing at one of North America’s most iconic Olympic venues.

With Olympic stars, historic Adirondack trails, and the world’s fastest Nordic skiers racing for glory, the Stifel Lake Placid Finals promise to be one of the most exciting winter sporting events in the Adirondacks this season.

Frequently asked questions about the Stifel Lake Placid Finals.

What are the Stifel Lake Placid Finals?

The Stifel Lake Placid Finals is the closing event of the 2025–26 Coop FIS Cross-Country World Cup season, bringing the world’s best Nordic skiers to Mt Van Hoevenberg in Lake Placid, New York. The three-day competition features Olympic champions and international stars racing on one of North America’s premier cross-country skiing venues.

When are the Stifel Lake Placid Finals?

The event takes place March 20–22, 2026, with races scheduled across three days at Mt Van Hoevenberg.

Where are the races held?

All competitions will take place at Mt Van Hoevenberg, located at 31 Van Hoevenberg Way in Lake Placid, New York. The venue hosted Nordic skiing events during the 1980 Winter Olympics and now features a modern World Cup stadium and more than 55 kilometers of cross-country ski trails.

Who will compete in the Lake Placid World Cup races?

The event is expected to feature some of the world’s top cross-country skiers, including American superstar Jessie Diggins, Norway’s dominant champion Johannes Høsflot Klæbo, and Sweden’s Olympic medalist Jonna Sundling, along with many other international competitors.

Can spectators attend the Cross-Country World Cup races?

Yes. Spectators are welcome, and tickets are available for fans who want to watch the races live at Mt Van Hoevenberg. Visitors can expect a high-energy stadium atmosphere with excellent viewing opportunities along the course.

Where can I buy tickets for the Lake Placid World Cup event?

Tickets and additional information are available on the official Mt Van Hoevenberg website at mtvanhoevenberg.com.

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