The nation’s top E-Bike, ATV, and Dirt Bike racers are once again headed to Snowshoe Mountain for one of the most intense and celebrated events in off-road motorsports. From June 20 through 22, the GNCC Racing Series will test even the best athletes on one of the most rugged and demanding courses in the country.
Due to the scale of this event, several adjustments will be made to our typical summer operations. Here’s everything you need to know to plan your weekend on the mountain.
Bike Park and Activities
From Thursday, June 19, through Sunday, June 22, only the Western Territory of the Snowshoe Bike Park will be open. Please keep in mind that this section of the mountain does not include any beginner trails, so riders should be prepared for more advanced terrain. All of our backcountry terrain will remain open but, remember that Ballhooter Lift will not be able to bring you to the top if you ride Bailout or 6000 Steps.
Several of our Outdoor Adventure activities will also be paused during GNCC weekend. E-Bike Tours, Off-Road Adventure Tours, Adventure Dining Tours, and Sporting Clays will not be available during this time.
Ballhooter Lift will remain accessible on Thursday and Friday for guests with a Summer Fun Pass. However, on Saturday and Sunday, a GNCC wristband will be required to ride the lift.
If you’re looking to enjoy the full Snowshoe Bike Park experience, consider staying through Monday when all trails reopen and we shift into full, seven-days-a-week summer operations.
Parking
GNCC weekend is one of the busiest times of the year, and parking on the mountain will be limited. The main Village Lot will be reserved for pro-class racers and their support teams, and will not be available to general guests. In most cases, your lodging will include a designated parking area.
For additional parking, Village guests with passenger vehicles (no RV’s/trailers) will be guided to a parking lot near the Chapel. Guests can use the Top of the World lots C and D, as well as the lower helipad and the Silver Creek lot, which will be available starting Wednesday at 10am. Top of the World Lot A and additional Silver Creek Lots will open as other lots become full. Top of the World Lot A will be the first to open followed by the additional Silver Creek Lots. All parking lots operate on a first-come basis. Those not parked in an actual parking lot are subject to towing at the discretion of resort and GNCC management ( please obey no parking signage and barricades).
Bike Park guests should plan to park at the bottom of the Western Territory, accessible via the north end of Snowshoe Drive.
Parking will officially open at 10:00am on Wednesday morning. Campers parked prior to this will be asked to move and may be subject to towing at owner’s expense.
Once you’re parked for the weekend we recommend staying parked. Utilize our free shuttle service to get around the mountain. Please be respectful of signage and avoid parking in grassy areas or in any zone marked with barriers or ropes.
Pit Vehicles
Snowshoe permits AMA-approved pit vehicles, including pedal bikes, golf carts, and side-by-sides that are less than 65 inches in width. However, mini-ATVs, mini dirt bikes, and any throttle-powered pit vehicles are not allowed.
Please remember that Snowshoe’s roads are monitored by the West Virginia State Police, and all standard road laws apply. Pit vehicles must stay off the off-road trail network. If you’re exploring the Western Territory by E-Bike, or acoustic bike, and need to return to the top, a lift ticket is required to ride the lift. Bikes without valid tickets will not be permitted on the lift.
The Event
The racing kicks off Friday afternoon with the Specialized Turbo eMTB race followed by ATV racing on Saturday and Dirt Bikes on Sunday. The race course for Saturday and Sunday will stretch and wind across nearly the entire property.
Snowshoe is unique in that this is the only GNCC round that features a live engine start with rows of about 6 racers on the pavement of Snowshoe Drive. Don’t miss it! Another great spectating area is the infamous Howard’s Hole. This mile long mud hole is famous for being jam packed with spectators and some deep mud. You can access Howard’s Hole by following the Heisler’s Way ski trail down or riding Ballhooter Lift down to the lake and walking back up the mountain a bit.
If you’re looking for a peaceful and quiet weekend on the mountain, this is not the weekend for that. This weekend will be crowded and the air will be filled with sounds and smells of high revving machines.
We welcome everyone – racers, teams, and spectators – and we ask that everyone treat other people, and other people’s property, with the same respect and dignity that you treat your own.