Search
Close this search box.

Outdoor Updates: UCI Mountain Bike World Cup at Snowshoe + Gauley Season is Here

Photo by Kurtis Schachner at Snowshoe Mountain Resort

UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Finals at Snowshoe

Snowshoe Mountain’s bike park will reopen tomorrow, 9/13 after hosting the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup Finals on Sept. 6-8, where athletes from around the world competed for the gold. This year marks the first time the event has been held in the United States since 2015 and is expecting more than 13,000 people total.

Photo by Kurtis Schachner at Snowshoe Mountain Resort

Snowshoe is a world-class mountain biking destination and has recently received the International Mountain Bicycling Association (IMBA) Ride Center designation. The Snowshoe Highlands Ride Center has been awarded the designation in recognition of its exceptional mountain biking experience, which makes it one of just 40 IMBA Ride Centers in the world.

“Unique trails, unmatched beauty and an adventure of a lifetime await athletes at the Mercedes-Benz UCI Mountain Bike World Cup,” Ruby said. “We’re excited to welcome mountain bikers 4,848 feet into the mountains to find their own version of Almost Heaven”

Gauley Season is here!

Photo by Molly Wolff Photography of Lost Paddle on the Upper Gauley, Third Drop

For 23 days during the fall, the Gauley River is home to some of the best whitewater rafting in the world. Every September beginning the weekend after Labor Day, the Summersville Dam executes a series of scheduled releases into the Gauley River, which creates action-packed whitewater rafting conditions.

Photo by Molly Wolff Photography of water release

The U.S. Army Corps of Engineers’ scheduled water releases from the Summersville Dam into the Upper Gauley River will start on Sept. 6, marking the first official day of Gauley Season 2019. Twenty-three releases are scheduled this season, with an extra hour of release scheduled for Sept. 21-23.

Photo courtesy of West Virginia Tourism

“Whitewater Rafting in West Virginia is truly almost heaven. To celebrate Gauley Season, I invite everyone to come experience the adventure for yourself by taking on Class V rapids,” said Tourism Commissioner Chelsea Ruby. “For those looking for a more relaxed whitewater rafting experience, try the New River with one of our local outfitters, who are offering discounts all season long.”

Share this post:

Discover more in the Blue Ridge:

Join our newsletter!

Subscribe to receive the latest from Blue Ridge Outdoors Magazine sent directly to your inbox.

EXPLORE MORE: