IBSF Bobsleigh & Skeleton World Cup Winterberg

World Cup Atmosphere in the Sauerland

When the international bobsleigh and skeleton elite travel to Winterberg on New Year's weekend, the Sauerland region becomes the hotspot of winter sports for three days. From January 2nd to 4th, 2026, the VELTINS EisArena Winterberg will host a full IBSF (International Bobsleigh & Skeleton Federation) World Cup – one of the most important dates in the 2025/2026 season's World Cup calendar. Athletes from Germany, Switzerland, Austria, Italy, Great Britain, the USA, Canada, Korea, and many other countries will compete for World Cup points on the original Olympic track.

VELTINS EisArena Winterberg — One of the Best Ice Tracks in the World

Since its opening in 1977, the VELTINS EisArena Winterberg has been Germany's only artificial ice track for bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton – and is internationally regarded as one of the most technically demanding tracks on the World Cup circuit. With a track length of 1,609 meters, 14 curves, and speeds up to 120 km/h, the ice track is a classic that athletes must conquer. It has hosted multiple World and European Championships.

Disciplines: 2-Man Bobsleigh, 4-Man Bobsleigh, Monobob, Skeleton

The Winterberg World Cup in early January 2026 features all Olympic disciplines: 2-man bobsleigh (women and men), 4-man bobsleigh (men), monobob (women, a relatively new Olympic discipline), and women's and men's skeleton. A total of five disciplines over three days – a packed, high-caliber competition program offering constantly changing action for spectators.

Local Heroes Laura Nolte and Hannah Neise

The German audience will pay special attention to the home-grown top athletes: Laura Nolte, Bobsleigh World Champion and Olympic Champion, is considered one of the dominant pilots of her generation. Hannah Neise, Skeleton Olympic Champion from Beijing 2022, is the skeleton hero of German sports. Both are expected to deliver top performances in front of their home crowd – an incentive for the numerous fans who will make their way to Winterberg in early January.

Spectator Atmosphere

An attendance of 3,000 to 5,000 spectators is expected per race day – sports enthusiasts from the Sauerland, the Ruhr area, and all of North Rhine-Westphalia, supplemented by international fans following their athletes. The atmosphere at a bobsleigh and skeleton track is special: directly at the curves, often with inclines and a clear view of the ice track, spectators experience the insane speed of the sleds up close – an impression that can hardly be conveyed through television.

Winterberg and Winter Sports in the Sauerland

Winterberg (approx. 13,000 inhabitants) is the winter sports capital of the Sauerland region and is located in the Hochsauerlandkreis district. Situated at 668 meters above sea level and in one of NRW's snow-surest regions, Winterberg is one of Germany's most important winter sports destinations outside the Alps. In addition to bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge, the program includes alpine skiing (Bobhang Winterberg), cross-country skiing, and ski jumping. The VELTINS EisArena is the most important symbol of this winter sports identity.