UCI WHOOP 2026 Mountain Bike World Cup: Frequently Asked Questions

The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup takes place on the traditional unceded territory of the Lil’wat Nation and Squamish Nation. We are grateful to host this event on their territory and are committed to doing so respectfully.

Event Basics 

When is the UCI World Cup at Whistler Blackcomb? 
The UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Downhill will take place September 25–27, 2026, in the Creekside Zone at Whistler Blackcomb.  

Getting Here & Around 

How do I get to the race?  
We highly recommend arriving by foot, bike, or public transit. Limited vehicle parking is available at Creekside Base, and reservations are required for select dates. 

There is no parking or drop off available at the Timing Flats. 

Parking will not be available in the Creekside Parkade Upper Deck during the event week, September 21 to 28. This area will host the UCI Mountain Bike World Series Team’s Paddocks. This area will be open to fans and spectators. 

 Parking is available throughout the week in the lower levels of the Creekside Parkade. Parking reservations will be required for the Creekside Parkade for September 26 and 27and capacity is very limited for this weekend. Parking reservations will be released at the same time as event ticketing. 

Creekside parking is limited to vehicles under 2.28 metres.  No overheight vehicle parking will be available in Creekside from Monday, September 21 through September 28. Overheight paid parking is available in Parking Lots 1 through 5, as well as at Alpha Lake Park, Wayside Park, and Lakeside Park.  

There will be a limited amount of under height short term parking on P1 for Creekside Village patrons. 

Public transit scheduling is still to be determined. Guests travelling from the Lower Mainland can book third party bus companies or shuttles to Creekside, including Whistler ConnectionWhistler ShuttleSkylynxEpic Rides, Squamish ConnectorShred Shuttle, and Poparide 

Where/and what times are shuttles running?
Event shuttles will loop throughout the day between Legends and the top of the timing flats, with return service provided.   

A signed walking route will also be available and is approximately 800 meters, or about an 11-minute walk.  

Can I store my bike?  
A complimentary bike valet will be available at Creekside Base with limited capacity. More information will be shared closer to the event.  

Where can I park? 
Guests are encouraged to park in Parking Lots 1 through 5. Parking Lots 6 and 7 are also available but do not provide gondola access. More parking details are available through the Resort Municipality of Whistler parking page.  

What parking is available for overheight vehicles? 
Paid overheight vehicle parking is available in Parking Lots 1 through 5, Parking Lots 6 through 8, Alpha Lake Park, Wayside Park, and Lakeside Park.  

Watching the Race 

How can I view the race on-mountain? 
Spectators will have several on-mountain viewing options, including both paid and free areas. All spectators will be required to enter through the event gates through our security checkpoints. Bags will be subject to search. Outside alcohol is not permitted onsite. Information on additional prohibited items will be provided closer to the event date. 

Free spectator viewing opportunities will be available along the racetrack via designated walking access routes.  

A ticketed VIP Backyard zone will be located around the finish area and offers licensed trackside viewing.  

A ticketed Finish Line spectator zone with controlled access will also be available near the finish area. This zone is unlicensed, has no alcohol service, and capacity is limited.  

The ticketed VIP Skydeck viewing area will offer elevated viewing along with licensed food and beverage service.  

Creekside Gondola will have limited paid ticketed spectator access from September 25 to 27. 

Is the event kid friendly? 
Yes. This is a family friendly event, and spectators of all ages are welcome.  

Can I bring my dog? 
No animals are permitted on site. Certified guide and service animals are the only exceptions. Guests with guide or service dogs must present a BC government issued certificate upon entry.  

Can I bring food or alcohol on site? 
Outside alcohol is not permitted. Food and beverages, including alcohol, will be available for purchase on site in designated licensed areas. Spectators are welcome to bring their own food and non-alcoholic beverages. Please remember to pack out what you pack in.  

Will the race be livestreamed or televised? 
Yes. The race will be livestreamed globally through Warner Bros. Discovery, providing international broadcast and digital coverage.

Team paddock, merchandise and post-race

Can I meet the athletes?
Yes. Team Paddocks will be located at Creekside Base next to the Creekside Market. Teams, mechanics, and athletes will be based in this area, providing opportunities to meet athletes throughout race week. Additional athlete appearance details and autograph sessions will be shared in a secondary event calendar.  

Where can I buy event merchandise? 
Can-Ski Creekside will be the official merchandise shop for the Whistler UCI World Cup. The store will carry a full range of Whistler Mountain Bike Park, Whistler World Cup, and the 1199 Stevie Smith Collection merchandise. An event pop up merchandise shop will also be located at the Timing Flats in the finish area expo.  

What should I do after the race? Will there be any events or after parties? There will be plenty happening after the race. Additional details about official after parties will be shared closer to the event, so stay tuned. 

Bike Park & Riding 

What trails will be open at Whistler Mountain Bike Park?  
Garbanzo and Creekside zones will be open for riding until September 23. The Fitzsimmons Zone will remain open through October 12, including during UCI World Cup race weekend.  

Can I still ride while the event is happening?  
Yes. The event takes place during Whistler Mountain Bike Park’s fall operating period. The Fitzsimmons Zone will continue to operate during the event, following fall riding hours.  

Event Fan Zone and Partner Expo 

Where is the Event Fan Zone and Partner Expo located?
The Event Fan Zone and Partner Expo are located at the Timing Flats Finish Area. This space features interactive Fan Zone activations from UCI Mountain Bike World Series global partners, along with the official Event Partner Expo.

Can I apply to have an activation or booth in the Expo?
At this time, we are not accepting additional expo activations, aside from confirmed event partners. For information on expo activations, please contact odagan@vailresorts.com

Accessibility

Will there be accessible viewing areas at the event?
There will be a free accessible viewing area near the race finish area and paid licensed accessible viewing areas will be available at the venue. Accessible routes and services will be in place to help guests with mobility needs to move around the event site. The event finish area ground surface is a combination of gravel, dirt and grass with uneven terrain. More information to come. 

Creekside Village and Franz’s Trail Businesses

Will Creekside and the Parkade be closed during UCI event?
No. Creekside Village and Franz’s trail businesses remain open throughout the event. Limited short term complimentary underheight parking will be available in P1 for continued service from these businesses.
 

While You’re in Town 

Where can I stay in Whistler?  
A wide range of accommodation options are available throughout Whistler. For lodging information, availability, and travel planning resources, please visit the Tourism Whistler website 

Where can I learn more about Indigenous culture in Whistler?
Whistler sits within the traditional shared territory of the Squamish Nation and Lil’wat Nation. Visitors are encouraged to explore the Squamish Lil’wat Cultural Centre (slcc.ca) in Whistler Upper Village, where you can learn about the living cultures, languages, and histories of both peoples.

Volunteering 

How can I get involved or volunteer?
There will be many opportunities, stay close to our channels for more info.