LAKE PLACID, N.Y. – The New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) is set to open the combined bobsled, luge and skeleton track, tomorrow, Monday, Oct. 15, at the Olympic Sports Complex for U.S. national team training.

Workers chilled the concrete and laid ice on the 20-curve, mile-long chute on Mt. Van Hoevenberg, just five miles east from the two-time Winter Olympic village. Athletes from USA Luge as well as USA Bobsled and Skeleton will hit the ice to begin preparations for their World Cup campaigns.  The first day of sliding features skeleton team athletes from 9:30 a.m.- noon followed by the luge athletes from 12:30-3 p.m. The bobsled team hits the ice for the first time from 4-6 p.m.  

“We’ve been working on the track for a week getting ready,” remarked the track’s general manager Tony Carlino.  “Everyone is pretty excited about opening day.  For the most part, the weather’s been cooperating with us, so we’re ready to go.”

The season highlights at the famous track occur December through March when the complex plays host to two World Cups and one World Championship. The first event is the Viessmann FIL Luge World Cup. The action begins, Saturday, Dec. 15, with doubles and women’s singles luge racing, followed by Sunday’s, Dec. 16, men’s singles and sprint cup race. 

In February, IBSF World Cup Bobsled & Skeleton returns. The February 15-16 event features men and women’s skeleton, women’s bobsled and two and four-man bobsled action. Then from March 29-31, the track hosts the IBSF Para-Bobsleigh World Championships.

Throughout the winter visitors can also take bobsled rides down the track’s final 11 curves, with a professional driver and brakeman.  During the ride, passengers can feel the rumble of the sled’s blades as they pass through the tracks curves and straight-aways, including Shady, Labyrinth, and the Heart… curves recognized worldwide within the international sliding community.

Once at the bottom, visitors will receive a bobsled lapel pin, a 4x6 commemorative team photo, t-shirt, a Lake Placid Bobsled Experience sticker, membership to USA Bobsled and Skeleton and 20-percent off your second bobsled ride.

For more information about the Mt. Van Hoevenberg Olympic Sports Complex track and all of ORDA’s Olympic venues, log on to www.whitefacelakeplacid.com.

MEDIA ADVISORY: Media interested in attending the first day’s training should contact the respective media representative to make arrangements. For those interested in attending USA Luge training, please contact Gordy Sheer, gordy@usaluge.org. For USA Bobsled and Skeleton, please contact Amanda Bird, amanda.bird@usabs.com.

Mt. Van Hoevenberg Sliding Track Training Schedule (conditions and weather permitting. Schedule is subject to change.)

Tuesday, Oct. 16-Friday, October 19
U.S. Skeleton Team Training – 9:30 a.m.-Noon
USA Luge Team Training – 12:30-3 p.m.
U.S. Bobsled Team Training – 4-6 p.m.

Saturday, October 20
U.S. Skeleton Team Racing – 9:30 a.m.-Noon

USA Luge Team Training – 12:30- 3 p.m.
U.S. Bobsled Team Racing – 4-6 p.m.

Sunday, October 21

USA Luge National Team Training – 9:30 a.m.-Noon
U.S. Skeleton Team Training – 12:30- 3 p.m.
U.S. Bobsled Team Training – 4-6 p.m.

2018-2019 International Racing Schedule:

Nov. 23-Dec. 3 – IBSF North American Cup Bobsled & Skeleton Racing

Dec. 11-16, 2018 – Viessmann FIL Luge World Cup. International luge racing returns to Lake Placid. The men and women’s races are Saturday, Dec. 15, while the doubles and sprint competitions take place, Sunday, Dec. 16. (Click HERE for credentialing)

Jan. 21-25 – Intercontinental Cup Bobsled & Skeleton Racing

Feb. 11-16, 2019 – BMW IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Cup. Racing starts Friday, Feb. 15, with two-man and women’s bobsled and women’s skeleton. Saturday, Feb. 16, features men’s skeleton and four-man bobsled. (Click HERE for credentialing)

March 25-31, 2019 – IBSF Para-Bobsleigh World Championships. With its high-speed descent down a frozen twisting ice chute the sport of bobsleigh and skeleton tests an athlete’s strength, finesse and courage. The International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation now offers this same challenge to elite athletes with an impairment through its Para-bobsleigh and Para-skeleton sport disciplines and World Cup races. (Click HERE for credentialing)

-- ORDA --

Established in 1982, the New York State Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA) was created by the State of New York to manage the facilities used during the 1980 Olympic Winter Games at Lake Placid. ORDA operates Whiteface, Belleayre and Gore Mountain ski areas; the Olympic Sports Complex at Mt. Van Hoevenberg; the Olympic speed skating oval, Olympic jumping complex and Olympic arena. As host to international and national championships, the Authority has brought millions of athletes, spectator and participants to the region, resulting in significant economic development.