In addition to the World Cup races, the 15th America-Pacific Championships will be held in race-in-race mode. The second of three mixed World Cups is also on the program for Saturday.

Luge athletes last competed on the challenging track at Mount Van Hoevenberg in 2023. The track is approximately 1,455 meters long, has 20 curves and a vertical drop of 294 feet. It is known for its challenging curves and high-speed sections, which make it a very attractive track for bobsleigh, luge and skeleton.

In 2029, Lake Placid will host the FIL World Championships for the third time after 1983 and 2009, exactly 20 years after the last World Championships at Mount Van Hoevenberg.

“We were last in Lake Placid two years ago. Some will now notice that it looks completely different there because the renovation work, which is actually scheduled to take four years and be completed in time for the 2029 World Championships, is already in full swing,” FIL Sports Director Matthias Bhmer said in a press release. “You can see significant changes because, for example, new roofing and curve formwork have been created, and what were previously small curves are now large curves thanks to the roofing. Lake Placid will be another challenge shortly before Christmas. Then everyone can take a short breather before continuing in Sigulda.”

USA Luge fans will be reunited with their local heroes, led by Summer Britcher, Ashley Farquharson and the men’s doubles team of Zachary Di Gregorio and Sean Hollander, who recently took the podium in Park City and finished third in the team relay. Britcher in particular had reason to celebrate: She claimed her sixth World Cup victory and the 50th for USA Luge in front of her home crowd, exactly 10 years after her first World Cup victory, which she also achieved in Park City.

“I feel so good. It’s been quite a while since I’ve stood on top of the podium, so I can’t even describe it; it’s just incredible,” Britcher said in a press release about last weekend’s gold medal. “And to do it here with my family and to share the podium with Ashley, the only thing better than getting a podium is sharing the podium with a teammate. One thing I realized over my lengthy career, is, that every Olympic experience, every Olympic season and trials has been very different. In some ways they are similar, but they are all unique. This year I am really trying to focus on just being present. Sounds cliche, but enjoying the process, enjoying each race. We had a very long pre-season, and then found ourselves finally racing in Cortina. It felt like what? We are here, we are racing already? How did this happen? Like, we just started sliding. So, taking that in, and instead of looking ahead and looking at the future, I am trying to enjoy each moment, because I think its going to be making the team or not making the team. Cortina is going to come to the blink of an eye, and its going to be time for team USA to race and show up. Thats why I am trying to make the most of every moment.”

With a total of eight top 10 finishes, Team USA can look back on a successful race weekend and hopes to continue this success in Lake Placid, the official U.S. training center.

Those interested in seeing the World Cup action at Mount Van Hoevenberg can purchase tickets at tinyurl.com/ys6ckx7s.

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Friday, Dec. 19

3 p.m. — Men’s Doubles — Run 1

3:49 p.m. — Women’s Doubles — Run 1

4:45 p.m. — Men’s Doubles — Run 2

5:27 p.m. — Women’s Doubles — Run 2

6:30 p.m. — Women’s Singles — Run 1

8:05 p.m. — Women’s Singles — Run 2

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Saturday, Dec. 20

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Noon — Men’s Singles — Run 1

1:25 p.m. — Men’s Singles — Run 2

2:45 p.m. — Mixed Doubles

3:49 p.m. — Mixed Singles