Olympic Authority Adds Engaging Activities for Everyone at the IBSF Bobsled and Skeleton World Championships

“Feel the rhythm! Feel the rhyme! Get on up, it’s bobsled time!”

That famous line from the movie Cool Runnings whimsically captures the joy and excitement of the sports of bobsledding and skeleton. Combining high speeds, teamwork, and a sense of danger while racing down a mountain on an ice track full of tight, twisting turns is a thrilling experience for the sport’s athletes and spectators alike.

Though Lake Placid annually hosts the best athletes on the planet in World Cup action at Mt Van Hoevenberg, this year will be even more thrilling yet. That’s because the IBSF Bobsled & Skeleton World Championships are coming, a major step up from the World Cup, and in addition to several exciting days of the absolute pinnacle of racing in these fastest sports on ice, the Olympic Authority is adding a slate of fun and engaging activities for spectators of all ages.

So, in addition to the jaw dropping experience of standing little more than an arm’s length from teams of bobsled and skeleton athletes from countries around the world whizzing by at 80 miles an hour, you’ll enjoy additional opportunities throughout each day for entertainment, learning, and cultural experiences, including these:

International Art Exhibit 

What: A retrospective exhibit showcasing vintage posters and artwork from past World Championships in the history of bobsled and skeleton. These posters capture the exhilarating motion of bobsleds and skeleton athletes on ice, emphasizing curves, movement, and velocity through abstract designs, streaking lines, and bold colors from renowned artists across the globe.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 6-9 & 14-16 – all day

Goal: To display the history of Bobsled and Skeleton art for spectators to view. Paying respect to the history of the sport while showcasing the future through creative and engaging designs.

Bobsled Tech Seminar Presented by Allianz

What: An in-depth exploration of the cutting-edge innovations that are redefining the world of bobsled and skeleton racing. This seminar will bring together engineers, designers, athletes, and sports scientists to delve into the remarkable advancements in sled technology, aerodynamics, and construction that have propelled these sports into a new era of performance.

Speakers:  

      • Bob Cuneo – Engineers for Geoff Bodine Team in NASCAR and builder of the Night Train Bobsled that won Gold in 2010 (first USA Men’s gold medal since 1948)
      • Han Debot – Owner of deBotech, who has been building carbon fiber cowlings for the USA Bobsled team since 2000
      • Michael Nitsch – CEO of FES Berlin, the institute for research and development of sports equipment in Germany. They build Olympic sports equipment for German athletes include bobsled, skeleton, and luge.
      • John Morgan – Moderator

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 14th – 1pm

Goal: Provide education to spectators interested in learning more about how sleds have developed and progressed from the 1930’s to today and beyond.

Lillehammer Booth 

What: Highlight the 2027 IBSF World Championship host city of Lillehammer This booth experience offers a glimpse into the venue’s unique history, track design, and local culture, building anticipation for the 2027 competition. Fans can explore what makes this location special while celebrating the global spirit of bobsleigh and skeleton racing.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 14-16

Goal: Inform spectators about the 2027 IBSF World Championship host site, providing key details on the track, its history, and significance in the sport.

Sled Photos 

What: Fans can pose with real bobsleds and skeleton sleds, capturing the thrill of these high-speed sports. Whether standing beside a sleek bobsled or lying in race position on a skeleton sled, this interactive opportunity brings spectators closer to the action. Perfect for creating unforgettable memories, the photo op celebrates the excitement of sliding sports and the athletes who race them. Specific times when USABS Alumni will be available to take photos with spectators in the sleds.

Where: Outside Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella /Historical Sleds located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 6-9 & 14-16

Goal: Give spectators a lasting memory of the 2025 IBSF World Championship in Lake Placid with a unique photo opportunity. This special take-home image lets them relive the excitement and spirit of the event.

Trophy Showcase 

What: The IBSF Trophy Showcase offers spectators a unique chance to view and take photos with historic IBSF trophies, celebrating the legacy of bobsleigh and skeleton. At select times, a representative from the Olympic Museum will provide expert insights into the history and significance of these prestigious awards.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 6-9 & 14-16

Goal: Connect fans with the sport’s rich heritage, offering a deeper appreciation of the champions and moments that have shaped IBSF history.

Athlete Autograph Sessions 

What: The Athlete Autograph Sessions at the 2025 IBSF World Championship offer fans a unique chance to meet in person bobsleigh and skeleton athletes from all over the world. Held at select times throughout the event, these sessions provide an opportunity for autographs, photos, and personal interactions with the world’s top competitors. It’s a special experience for spectators to connect with the athletes, celebrate their achievements, and take home a memorable keepsake.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: Thursday, March 6 from 12:30 to 1:30 pm

Goal: Connect fans with current sliding athletes to create long lasting and impactful memories while providing a take home keepsake on an official 2025 IBSF World Championship card.

Pyeongchang Friendship Exchange

What: The Friendship Ceremony between the mayors of Pyeongchang and Lake Placid symbolizes a shared commitment to preserving and developing participation in winter sports for future generations. Held in a spirit of international cooperation, the event includes brief speeches, an exchange of commemorative gifts, and a press/photo opportunity. The handshake exchange reinforces both regions’ dedication to sustainability, sports legacy, and fostering global athletic excellence in winter sports.

Where: North Lounge in the Legacy Lodge

When: March 7 at 2:00 pm

Goal: Reinforce both regions’ dedication to sustainability, sports legacy, and fostering global athletic excellence in winter sports.

Jamaican Bobsled Book Signing 

What: Book signing with Dudley Stokes, former members of the Jamaican Bobsled Team, and author Ben Stubenberg where spectators can purchase a book and have it signed.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella/ Mt Van Hoevenberg Legacy Lodge

When: March 14 at 2:00 pm (in the Legacy Lodge), March 15 at 12:00 pm (ADK for Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella), March 16 at 12:00 pm (ADK for Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella)

Goal: Drive visitation to the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella and provide spectators the opportunity to interact with the authors of this book.

Joe Ferris Art

What: Joe brings fun and excitement to events by creating exaggerated, lively portraits of guests. With quick strokes and keen observation, they highlight unique features in a humorous yet flattering way, making each drawing a memorable keepsake.

Where: Located within the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella

When: March 6 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm & 5:15-6:15pm, March 7 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm & 5:15-6:15pm, March 8 at 3:00 – 4:00 pm & 5:15-6:15pm, March 9 at 2:00 – 3:00 pm March 15 at 2:45-3:45pm, March 16 at 2:45-3:45pm

Goal: Drive visitation to the ADK For Kids Festival Tent presented by Casella and provide spectators the opportunity to receive a custom caricature

The two-weekend IBSF World Championships is the biggest, most anticipated event of the bobsled and skeleton season – the Super Bowl of the sport – crowning champions and producing career-defining moments for the best sliding athletes in the world. Hosting the event for the 11th time in its storied history, Mt Van Hoevenberg has established a reputation as the most technical track in the world. And an iconic one at that. This year, the 2025 World Championships take on added significance and notoriety as athletes and coaches set their sights on the 2026 Winter Olympic Games.

This flagship international event taking place just outside the picturesque mountain village of Lake Placid, and you won’t want to miss it. Visit this Mt Van Hoevenberg webpage for detailed information and tickets.