As Whistler counts down to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games in February, we’re receiving lots of questions about how the Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games will affect holidays to Whistler this season. So we’ve put together some of the most popular questions below. If you have any questions about Whistler this season, please just post a comment at the bottom of this article: Can I travel to Whistler for a ski holiday during winter 2009-2010? YES! Outside the core Olympic Winter Games dates of 12Feb-28Feb 2010, Whistler is open for business as usual at normal prices. Whistler Blackcomb during the 2009/10 season will be a fantastic place to be. People assume the mountains will be closed or too crowded or still under construction when in fact, none are the case in Whistler. With fewer guests expected on the mountains, you will have over 8000 acres of terrain to explore – one giant winter playground to yourself! Mountain access will be available all season long via: Whistler Mountain:
  • Whistler Village Gondola
  • Fitzsimmons Express
Blackcomb Mountain:
  • Excalibur Gondola
  • Wizard Express
Click here to view an interactive trail map The Creekside base is home to the Olympic and Paralympic Alpine Events. As such, this area will be the most affected by Games preparation and execution. The Creekside Gondola will be closed to the public from February 1 to early March and will provide priority loading to Paralympic athletes and officials through to the end of the Paralympic Games on March 21. Peak to Creek will remain open throughout the games as a ski-out! What terrain will be open to ski? Whistler Blackcomb terrain will be fully open for the majority of the 2009-2010 winter season, weather permitting of course. During the Olympic and Paralympic period, which begins January 25 for course set up, over 90 percent of terrain will remain open with only the runs in the area of the race course on Whistler Mountain closed and training runs on both mountains closed. During the Paralympics in March, again over 90 per cent of the terrain will be open with only the race course and training runs closed on Whistler Mountain. Whistler Mountain Run Closures (January 25 to March 27)
  • Dave Murray Downhill (race course)
  • Wild Card (race course)
  • Jimmy’s Joker (race course)
  • Upper Franz’s (above the skiers tunnel – race course)
Whistler Mountain Run Closures (January 30 to March 27)
  • Bear Paw
  • Tokum
  • Crossroads
Whistler Mountain Run Closures - other
  • Bear Cub (February 1 to February 28)
  • Raven/Ptarmigan (training run) (February 1 to March 21)
  • Crabapple (February 1 to February 17)
Blackcomb Mountain Training Run Closures (January 29 to February 28)
  • Springboard
  • Lower Cruiser
Which lifts are going to be open? The following lifts are going to be open for normal operations (subject to change) BLACKCOMB MOUNTAIN
  • Excalibur Gondola
  • Wizard Express
  • Solar Coaster Express
  • PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
  • Excelerator Express
  • Jersey Cream Express
  • 7th Heaven Express
  • Glacier Express
  • Crystal Chair
  • Horstman T-bar
  • Showcase T-bar
  • Magic Chair
WHISTLER MOUNTAIN
  • Whistler Village Gondola
  • Fitzsimmons Express
  • Garbanzo Express
  • PEAK 2 PEAK Gondola
  • Emerald Express
  • Harmony Express
  • Olympic Chair
  • Peak Chair
  • Symphony Express
  • Big Red Express
OPEN, WITH THE EXCEPTION OF SPECIFIED DATES (subject to change)
  • Creekside Gondola February 1 - March 1
  • T-Bars (Whistler) January 4 - March 6
  • Franz's January 4 - March 6
  • Olympic Station Magic Carpets January 4 - March 6
  • Catskinner January 4 - March 6
  • Timing Flats Lift Not open to general public
Can I travel to Whistler for a ski holiday during the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games? YES! There will be accommodation available in Whistler during the 2010 Olympic Winter Games (12Feb-28Feb 2010), but there will be high demand for flights and lodging will be limited, so early booking is paramount. There is NO restriction on the availability of flights and lodging throughout the 2010 Paralympic Winter Games (12Mar-21Mar 2010) – Whistler will be open as normal, at normal prices, and it will be a great time to visit the resort, experience the buzz and support Team GB! What events are being held in Whistler? Whistler is the official venue for all of the Alpine skiing (Downhill, Super G, Giant Slalom, Slalom and Combined ) and Sliding events (Luge, Bobsleigh and Skeleton). Whistler will also host the Nordic events (XC Skiing, Biathlon, Ski Jumping, Combined) at the purpose-built Callaghan Valley Nordic Centre (30 mins south of the resort). Are tickets available for the events? YES! Tickets are available, however due to the popularity of these events there is very high demand. For more information please visit www.Vancouver2010.com . There will be six ‘Celebration’ sites in Whistler Village screening the Olympic events, as well as live music and activities, which are all free of charge. If you’re looking for a quote for Whistler, call our reservations team today on 0131 243 8097 or fill in an online quote form and we’ll be in touch.
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