Lake Placid, New York, a storied venue steeped in Olympic history, is set to make history once again by hosting its first-ever International Biathlon Union (IBU) Cup event in 2026. This prestigious competition, scheduled to take place at the meticulously renovated Mt Van Hoevenberg from February 26 to March 1 and March 4-8, marks a significant milestone for biathlon in North America, as Lake Placid will be the only non-European location on the 2025-26 IBU Cup calendar. The event, strategically positioned after the 2026 Milano Cortina Olympic Winter Games, promises to showcase the exceptional talent of the world’s top emerging male and female biathletes, serving as the culminating event of the 2025-26 IBU Cup season.
The IBU Cup is recognized as the second-highest level of international biathlon competition, serving as a crucial platform for athletes striving to qualify for the coveted World Cup circuit and, ultimately, Olympic participation. This multi-discipline sport demands a unique blend of athletic prowess and mental fortitude, combining the endurance and speed of cross-country skiing with the precision and focus of rifle shooting. Athletes must navigate challenging courses, pushing their physical limits while maintaining the composure necessary to accurately engage targets at the shooting range. The IBU Cup provides a competitive environment for these athletes to hone their skills, gain valuable experience, and demonstrate their potential on the international stage.
The IBU Cup has a rich history, dating back to the 1982-83 winter season when it was initially known as the Biathlon European Cup. The competition underwent a name change in 2007-08, becoming the IBU Cup as it expanded its reach beyond Europe. Lake Placid’s selection as a host venue for the 2025-26 season underscores the growing popularity and global appeal of biathlon, as well as the recognition of Lake Placid’s world-class facilities and commitment to hosting international sporting events.
Mt Van Hoevenberg, the chosen venue for the IBU Cup, boasts a distinguished Olympic legacy, having served as the site for Nordic skiing and sliding events during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. The venue has undergone extensive renovations in recent years, transforming it into a state-of-the-art facility capable of hosting a wide range of Nordic events. Mt Van Hoevenberg features a homologated biathlon stadium, ensuring that the competition meets the stringent standards set by the IBU. The venue’s advanced snowmaking capabilities guarantee optimal snow conditions, regardless of the prevailing weather patterns.
The centerpiece of Mt Van Hoevenberg is the expansive 55,000-square-foot Mountain Pass Lodge, which provides exceptional amenities for athletes, spectators, and officials alike. The lodge offers comfortable accommodations, dining options, and meeting spaces, creating a welcoming and functional environment for all involved. The biathlon range at Mt Van Hoevenberg is equipped with cutting-edge technology, including a new 30-point range featuring a Kurvinen target system. Additionally, the venue boasts a 15-point range equipped with a Hora targeting system and two MegaLink target setups, providing athletes with a variety of training and competition options.
Mt Van Hoevenberg has a proven track record of hosting successful biathlon events, including the U.S. Biathlon National Championships in 2022 and the FISU Winter World University Games in 2023. The venue also hosted a biathlon World Cup in 2004, further demonstrating its capabilities and expertise in organizing and executing high-level international competitions.
The selection of Lake Placid as the only non-European host for the 2026 IBU Cup underscores the significance of this event for the development of biathlon in North America. It provides a unique opportunity for American and Canadian athletes to compete on home soil against top international talent, inspiring a new generation of biathletes and raising the profile of the sport in the region.
The IBU Cup event in Lake Placid is expected to attract a large number of spectators, both local residents and visitors from around the world. The event will provide a significant boost to the local economy, generating revenue for hotels, restaurants, and other businesses in the Lake Placid area. The event will also showcase the natural beauty and recreational opportunities of the Adirondack region, attracting tourists and outdoor enthusiasts.
Tickets for the IBU Cup in Lake Placid are now available for purchase. Fans can visit mtvanhoevenberg.com/ibu-cup for event details, ticket information, and lodging options. The event promises to be an exciting and memorable experience for all who attend, offering a glimpse into the thrilling world of biathlon and the dedication of the athletes who compete in this challenging sport.
The IBU Cup in Lake Placid represents a significant investment in the future of biathlon in North America. It provides a platform for athletes to develop their skills, inspires young people to pursue the sport, and promotes the region as a premier destination for winter sports. The event is a testament to the hard work and dedication of the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (Olympic Authority) and the local community, who have worked tirelessly to create a world-class venue for biathlon competition.
The 2026 IBU Cup in Lake Placid is not only a sporting event but also a celebration of the Olympic spirit and the enduring legacy of the 1980 Olympic Winter Games. It is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and hospitality of the Adirondack region and to inspire a new generation of athletes to pursue their dreams. The event promises to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting positive impact on the sport of biathlon and the community of Lake Placid.
The IBU Cup event will feature a variety of races, including individual, sprint, pursuit, and mass start competitions. These races will test the athletes’ skills in both cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, demanding precision, endurance, and strategic decision-making. The individual race is the longest format, requiring athletes to ski multiple laps of a challenging course and engage in four shooting stages, alternating between prone and standing positions. The sprint race is a shorter, faster-paced event, with athletes skiing fewer laps and engaging in two shooting stages. The pursuit race is based on the results of the sprint race, with athletes starting in the order they finished in the sprint and pursuing the leader. The mass start race features all athletes starting simultaneously, creating a highly competitive and exciting event.
The IBU Cup in Lake Placid will provide a valuable opportunity for athletes to earn points towards their overall IBU Cup standings. These points determine qualification for higher-level competitions, such as the World Cup. The event will also serve as a qualifying event for future international competitions, including the World Championships and the Olympic Winter Games.
The IBU Cup in Lake Placid is expected to attract media coverage from around the world, further raising the profile of the sport and the region. The event will be broadcast on television and streamed online, allowing fans to follow the action from anywhere in the world. The media coverage will also highlight the efforts of the Olympic Authority and the local community to promote biathlon and winter sports in the region.
The IBU Cup in Lake Placid is a significant event for the sport of biathlon, the community of Lake Placid, and the region as a whole. It is an opportunity to showcase the beauty and hospitality of the Adirondack region, to inspire a new generation of athletes, and to promote the values of sportsmanship, dedication, and excellence. The event promises to be a resounding success, leaving a lasting positive impact on all who are involved.