From 11 to 13 September 2026, the Verbier Downhill Cup 2026 brings together Europe’s finest downhill riders on the legendary Tire’s Fire trail. Staged as part of the iXS European Downhill Cup series, this event once again cements Verbier’s standing among Switzerland’s premier downhill riding destinations, following on from the Verbier Bike Festival that lit up the resort back in August.
Why the Verbier Downhill Cup Draws Such a Crowd
Each season, the iXS European Downhill Cup brings the continent’s top riders together on a select circuit of technically demanding trails, alongside destinations such as Fort William, Maribor and Szczyrk. Verbier ranks among the standout stops on this European calendar, drawing a knowledgeable crowd and benefiting from years of seasoned organisation that turn the weekend into far more than a race: it’s a genuine community gathering, where thrill-seekers and families alike line the trailside together.
Local riders from Verbier Racing are typically on the start list, flying the home colours alongside some of the continent’s most accomplished specialists.
Tire’s Fire: The Trail at the Heart of the Competition
The Verbier Downhill Cup 2026 unfolds on Tire’s Fire, the trail linking Les Ruinettes to Verbier. Widely regarded as one of Switzerland’s most demanding tracks, both physically and technically, it tests riders’ precision and stamina on a line that is as fast as it is unforgiving. It’s precisely this level of challenge that draws the sport’s leading specialists back year after year, and that has made Verbier a genuine reference point in downhill mountain biking.
Verbier Downhill Cup 2026 Schedule
Friday, 11 September
Race number pick-up and registration from 9am to 1pm and 2pm to 5pm, at the Médran Café race office. Track walk from 9am to 1pm, followed by the first practice session from 1:30pm to 6pm.
Saturday, 12 September
Race office opens at 8:30am. Mandatory practice from 9am to noon, followed by non-stop practice until 1pm. A dedicated slot for top riders runs from 1pm to 2pm, before the track closes briefly for preparation. Qualifying begins at 2:30pm.
Sunday, 13 September
Race office opens at 8:30am, with morning practice for all categories, followed by a short track closure ahead of the finals, which get underway at 12:30pm. The prize ceremony follows roughly thirty minutes after the last rider crosses the line.
Whether you’re here for a single day or the full weekend, the event offers a rare chance to experience elite downhill racing up close, set against a backdrop of Alpine scenery that never fails to impress.
Extend the Experience with a Stay in Verbier
Watching the Verbier Downhill Cup 2026 live is also the perfect excuse to make the most of the resort and its surroundings, with lifts still running, mountain restaurants in full swing, and that particular late-summer energy that settles over Verbier in September. To enjoy the three days at their best, without relying on daily commutes, a chalet or apartment rented on-site makes all the difference: you’re steps from the race venue, free to set your own schedule, and able to unwind in comfort after a day spent cheering riders on, whatever the Valais weather throws at you.
We offer a curated selection of properties in Verbier suited to every kind of stay, from studios for two to family chalets sleeping up to twelve. Contact our agency for any enquiries or booking requests!
Practical Information for the Verbier Downhill Cup 2026
Access and paddock
Due to limited space in Verbier itself, the paddock, rider area and spectator parking will once again be located at the St-Marc car park in Le Châble, as with the previous edition. The Le Châble–Verbier gondola runs from 5:30am to 11:50pm, with a journey time of around fifteen minutes.
Bookings
No reservation is required to attend: there is ample capacity for all spectators. The full schedule and latest updates are available on the official Verbier Bikepark website.
Trail closure
Tire’s Fire closes from 31 August for race preparation and remains largely inaccessible during the two weeks leading up to the event.
Accommodation
Several hotels in Verbier offer preferential rates to riders and their entourage during the competition. For a more independent stay, a vacation rental remains a comfortable alternative, particularly well suited to groups or families travelling to support an athlete.
Photo banner : © European DH Cup – verbier4vallees.ch
from 8:30 am to 12 pm and
from 2 pm to 6 pm
Sunday closed
Route des Creux 24, 1936 Verbier
from 8:30 am to 12 pm and
from 2 pm to 6 pm
Sunday closed
Route des Creux 24, 1936 Verbier