Fat Bike Worlds is headed back to Leadville, Colorado for January 23–25, 2026, putting the “worlds” vibe back in Colorado’s highest city with Cloud City Wheelers hosting the weekend.
If you have been waiting for an excuse to plan a winter riding trip that feels equal parts race weekend and snowy reunion, this is it. Expect groomed-route suffering, big-altitude views, and the kind of finish-line scene that makes you stick around long after your last lap.
The headline change for 2026: Sauna Fest
The big new addition is Sauna Fest, described by organizers as the first-ever sauna festival in Leadville, built around mobile saunas, cold plunges, and live music as riders roll through the finish.
The event site says the fest will feature DJ sets during the finish-line stretch and an afternoon performance by Leadville Americana band Stablehand, with racers getting access to the sauna offerings and the public able to join via a wristband.
What the weekend is shaping up to be
Cloud City Wheelers is positioning the riding experience around Leadville’s winter trail network and terrain variety. The press release highlights more than 60 miles of groomed trails, ranging from narrow singletrack to above-treeline routes with wide-open alpine views.
“Leadville’s winter trails and our welcoming community make this the perfect home for Fat Bike Worlds. We’re thrilled to bring the event back in 2026 and excited to introduce something completely new to the weekend lineup,” said Sterling Mudge, Executive Director of Cloud City Wheelers.
Local support that matters (especially if you are traveling)
Here are a couple of options for visitors:
Cycles of Life (downtown Leadville)
Tennessee Pass Nordic Center (also offers groomed ski and bike trails)
These kinds of local partners are the difference between an event that’s “for locals only” and one that’s legitimately welcoming to riders flying in or road-tripping from out of state.
“Hosting Fat Bike Worlds again highlights Leadville and Lake County as a top winter destination. Pairing it with the new Sauna Festival brings fresh energy and real benefits to our local businesses,” said Adam Ducharme, Lake County Tourism & Economic Development Director.
Quick info
When: January 23–25, 2026
Where: Leadville, Colorado
Official schedule / lodging info: on the event site
Official event links
Fat Bike Worlds 2026 (home): https://www.fatbikeworlds.org/
Registration: https://www.fatbikeworlds.org/registration
Schedule: https://www.fatbikeworlds.org/schedule
Sauna Fest: https://www.fatbikeworlds.org/new-page
Where to stay: https://www.fatbikeworlds.org/where-to-stay
If you make to the Fat Bike Worlds in Leadville, drop us a line to [email protected] and let us know your experience.
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