Last Updated April 2, 2024
The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking is THE event to be at. If you are an enduro rider, downhill rider, or like to ride a slalom on your mountain bike against an opponent, this is the one time of the year you must go to Killington, Vermont. At Strambecco, we consider it to be one of the Best Mountain Bike Events in New England.
The Fox US Open of Mountain Biking was established in 2003 to infuse an adrenaline rush into the American mountain biking scene. With its Open Pro/Am format, it has successfully become the nation’s toughest competition and an undisputed platform for both emerging talents and the elite. Its uniqueness lies in its openness – anyone can throw their hat in the ring and compete shoulder to shoulder with pros, striving not just for glory, but for a chunk of the sizable cash prize. On top of that, the ambience of Killington Resort in September, with its warm days and cool nights, makes it a paradise for freeriders and families. The Fox US OPEN transforms it into a festive gala, teeming with food, music, and mountain biking passion.
Event & Course Info
As autumn leaves begin to rustle and the crisp mountain air fills our lungs, the biking world gears up for one of the most exhilarating mountain biking festivals in the USA. Mountain bikers, from amateurs to Red Bull-sponsored pros, have their sights set on Killington, VT for the 2023 Fox US OPEN of Mountain Biking. There is a bike event for every specialty:
Downhill Racing: A heart-pounding open-class race off the top of Ramshead Peak awaits downhill racers. With parts of the trail “Goat Skull” and some custom-built sections exclusively for this event, it’s not for the faint-hearted. The icing on the cake? The first-place champions, both men and women, are awarded a whopping $15,000!
Dual Slalom: The Dual Slalom track, nestled in the main venue, promises thrills with its mix of grassy turns, jumps, and berms. And yes, your enduro bike can handle this!
Enduro: The multi-stage race boasts Killington’s classic tracks and a few surprises. The course maps, however, will be unwrapped during the US OPEN week.
Next Gen Youth Downhill: Catering to the future of mountain biking, this event has courses for novices on “Rabbit Hole” and expert tracks on the main USO Downhill Track. Note, this isn’t an event for first-timers, but for young riders with some off-road biking experience.
Red Bull Best Whip: Right in the heart of the Ramshead venue, this crowd-pleaser will see bikers soaring off a brand-new set of jumps, custom-made for the USO.
On top of this mountain bike goodness, there will be the addition of a great festival with a very large expo that will host all of the major bike-related brands, tons of food options and vendors, and lots of music and fun. Spectating is free and encouraged, and for $15 you may purchase a one-way ticket up Ramshead to get a front row seat on all of the action – be sure to check out the full competition schedule.
If you need any work done on your bike prior to your event, check out local bike shops such as Alpine Bikeworks or Base Camp for support.
Area Accommodations & Things to Do
The Killington Group is the Official Lodging Partner of the Fox US Open of Mountain Biking, while there are many vacation rental options in the area for those that prefer a more home-like experience from chalets to resort condos. Free camping and RV parking is available on site, in designated areas or at nearby Gifford Woods State Park, as well as one of a kind campsites.
Culinary enthusiasts will revel in Killington’s food scene, where farm-to-table restaurants serve up delectable dishes that capture the essence of New England flavors, complemented by a range of craft breweries that quench the thirst with their innovative brews. Some local favorites to check out while in town for the event include The Garlic for Italian, Back Country Cafe for breakfast, and the Lookout Tavern.
Nestled in the heart of the Green Mountains, Killington, Vermont is a charming town synonymous with outdoor adventure and natural beauty. The region comes alive especially in mid-September when the foliage offers a scenic backdrop to the town’s various activities.
The town of Killington has recently built new bike trails off of the resort property perfect for XC and ebike riding. There is also a variety of hiking options around the picturesque landscape including the famed Appalachian and Long Trails that pass through Killington, offering panoramic views of the Green Mountains. For the golfers of the crew, the Killington Golf Course, with its challenging layout and breathtaking mountain vistas, provides athletes a perfect blend of sport and serenity.
Related Events
While this is the only event by the organizer, there are many other top mountain bike events in Vermont and the broader New England area, including Vermont 50 MTB by Vermont Adaptive Ski and Sports, the Bear Brook Classic organized by State 9 Racing, as well as Wilmington Whiteface, a premier event from Life Time Events and part of the Leadville Race Series MTB.
For multi-sport athletes, check out other Strambecco best-rated events taking place in Vermont, such as The Vermont Overland and Rasputista Dirt two of the Best Gravel Cycling Events in New England, as well as the Vermont Gran Fondo one of the Best Road Cycling Events in New England. Trail runners of the group will appreciate the epic Vermont 100 Endurance Race as well as the Vermont Overland Trail, produced by The Overland, both we consider two of the Best Trail Running Events in New England.
