Whistler & the Olympics
Olympics in Whistler
On July 2, 2003, Whistler was named the Host Mountain Resort for the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. It was the fulfillment of a dream a long time in the making. Since then, Whistler has been busy preparing to welcome the world.
Whistler has a significant role in staging and hosting the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. Home to the nordic, sliding and alpine events, more than half of the Olympic medals in 2010 will be awarded in Whistler.
For 27 days, Whistler's wintery pedestrian village will pulsate from 9 a.m. to 11 p.m against the spectacular backdrop of Whistler and Blackcomb mountains. A diverse range of free and unique Whistler experiences will offer a dazzling taste of Whistler's iconic mountain culture.
Whistler is home to three Olympic venues:
Whistler Creekside
Venue for alpine skiing
As the original access to Whistler Mountain, Whistler Creekside has a long history of hosting high-performance competitions. The Dave Murray Downhill course, the second longest downhill in the world, is extremely challenging with long winding turns, big air and rolling terrain. Rated a “black diamond”, the course is naturally Olympic-caliber and few modifications needed to be undertaken.
The entire Creekside base will be transformed during Games-time to accommodate facilities such as wax cabins, athlete's lounge, and security check posts. VANOC is installing a chairlift at Creekside to carry spectators, Olympic Family and officials from the base area to the Timing Flats. In all, this venue will be prepared to host a capacity crowd of 7600 people. After the Games, much of the overlay will be removed and Whistler Creekside will be a site for future international competitions and Canadian team training.
Whistler Olympic Park
Venue for cross-country skiing, nordic combined & ski jumping
Surrounded by towering peaks, rushing waterfalls, glacial lakes and pristine forest, Whistler Olympic Park will take your breath away. Located 18 kms south of Whistler in the stunning Callaghan Valley, Whistler Olympic Park is the first Olympic Nordic venue to include all three traditional Nordic sport stadiums in one site.
Whistler Sliding Centre
Venue for bobsleigh, luge & skeleton
For the Olympic gravity-fuelled competitions of bobsleigh, luge and skeleton, the Whistler Sliding Centre was built on the lushly forested southeast slope of Blackcomb Mountain, only minutes from Whistler Village.
The 1,450 metre track is faster than any other track in the world, guaranteeing world record speeds. With a 152 metre vertical drop and 16 corners, this course starts fast and only gets faster.
Whistler in 2010/11
Why not visit Whistler and check out these Olympic venues yourself? We have some fantastic special offers available: Whistler Special Offers
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