MTB Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic: A Race-Weekend Base for Teams
Highlands Nordic near Duntroon hosted the first round of the 2026 Ontario Cup mountain bike series on May 16 and 17, run by Collingwood Collective Racing with Ontario Cycling. Saturday held the XCC short-track waves and Sunday the cross-country races, with a free under-9 Little Rippers wave and on-site camping for racers. The trails are about 30 minutes from the chalets, which suits a team that wants beds, a kitchen and a washing machine instead of a campsite.
The Ontario Cup schedule at Highlands Nordic
Teams can line up chalets for mountain bike groups around the two-day format in the 2026 technical guide:
- Saturday: XCO pre-ride from 9 a.m. to dusk; XCC short-track waves from 10:15 a.m., starting with the free U9 Little Rippers, then U13, U15, women U17 and up, U17 with master men, and U19 with elite men at 1:35 p.m.
- Sunday: cross-country waves at 9 a.m. (U11 and U13), 10 a.m. (U15, U17/19 Sport, Novice 19+), 11:30 a.m. (Senior and Master) and 1:30 p.m. (Elite and U17/19 Expert), with racing finished by about 3:15 p.m.
Registration was open to Ontario Cycling members and licence holders aged 8 and up.
Fitting a mountain bike team into the chalets
One chalet sleeps 10 to 14, so a youth squad with coaches often fits in one house and families can spread across two side-by-side chalets. Each chalet allows four vehicles, every kitchen can handle pre-race pasta, and all but Aqua Villa list a washer and dryer for kit after a wet Sunday. We do not publish bike storage arrangements, so ask before booking.
In 2026 the race fell on the Victoria Day long weekend, so our Victoria Day chalets are the page to watch if the date repeats.
Highlands Nordic trails beyond the Ontario Cup
Our place check puts Highlands Nordic at 1182 Concession 10 South, about 30 minutes from 104 Brooker Boulevard. The race guide mentions the Highlands Lodge, the golf course patio next door and food on site on Sunday, so supporters have somewhere to wait between waves.
Riders staying through Monday should read our Blue Mountain mountain biking guide before planning a ride closer to the chalets, since it explains what the resort network does and does not offer.
MTB Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic: visitor questions
When is the 2027 Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic?
Not yet announced. The 2026 round ran May 16 and 17; neither Ontario Cycling nor the host club had posted a 2027 date at our October 9, 2026 review.
Who can race the Ontario Cup?
In 2026, Ontario Cycling members and licence holders aged 8 and up. Out-of-province riders needed a UCI licence bought in advance.
Is there camping at the race?
Yes, the 2026 guide offered racer camping on Friday and Saturday nights. A chalet is the alternative for teams that want beds and a kitchen.
Chalets for MTB Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic: three to compare
Three Blue View chalets sized for a MTB Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic trip, from the largest to the smallest: compare the beds first, then check the dates.
| Chalet | Bedrooms | Sleeps | Setting | Dates |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| The Aurora · Chalet 1 | 5 | 14 | Brooker cluster, 10-minute walk to the Village | Check availability |
| The Vega · Chalet 4 | 5 | 13 | Brooker cluster, 10-minute walk to the Village | Check availability |
| The Vista · Chalet 2 | 4 | 10 | Brooker cluster, 10-minute walk to the Village | Check availability |
See every chalet for MTB Ontario Cup at Highlands Nordic on Mountain Bike Groups: Chalets near the Escarpment Trails.