Lake Placid is gearing up to host its inaugural UCI Mountain Bike World Series downhill race from October 3-5, 2025. However, the race track at Whiteface Mountain has been mired in controversy due to its unauthorized construction, which violated environmental regulations.
The Department of Environmental Conservation (DEC) issued a “Notice of Violation” on September 22, 2025, to the Olympic Regional Development Authority (ORDA), responsible for overseeing the track’s development. The notice listed several legal and environmental infractions, highlighting that the lands are constitutionally protected as wild forestlands, imposing strict regulations on modifications.
Initially, ORDA submitted its plans on January 29, 2025, with a draft work plan filed on August 20, 2025, promising no new trail constructions or tree removals. Despite this, over 30 trees were cut, and the trail corridor expanded beyond the existing one, violating the documented work plan and related codes. This deviation from the filed plan indicates a lack of communication and adherence to the original proposals.
The track was initially entrusted to Jeremy Witek of Global Action Sports Solutions, who collaborated with renowned downhill racer Aaron Gwin on the design. Yet, Witek withdrew from the project citing an uncomfortable working environment and unresolved contract terms, particularly concerning the responsibility for obtaining DEC approvals, which he never agreed to handle.
After Witek’s departure, ORDA enlisted Backslope Trail Building LLC, which previously constructed the World Cup XC course at Mount Van Hoevenberg, to finalize the Lake Placid track. Despite the contractor switch, Gwin continued to offer consultations, even releasing a video showcasing the completed track. The trail deviates from standard singletrack designs with broader sections offering multiple line options, a feature typical in World Cup events.
In response to the violations, the DEC mandates a corrective plan submission by November 7, 2025. This plan should include comprehensive documentation of the work, a restoration layout for non-compliant trails, appointing a staff position for legal compliance oversight, mapping constitutionally approved trails, and ensuring communication protocols with DEC.
Despite these complications, the upcoming race will proceed uninterrupted. The future of the track and potential adjustments for next year’s event remains uncertain. ORDA has been reached for comment but has not responded at the time of publishing. Throughout the upheaval, ORDA has acknowledged the issues, attributing them to communication pitfalls and accepting accountability. Moving forward, these corrective actions aim to align ORDA’s operations with environmental compliance, ensuring the protection of Lake Placid’s cherished natural resources.