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David McColm
Whistler
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Mitch Winton / www.coastphoto.co
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By Silke Jeltsch
Always wanted to feel like an Olympian? This is possible in Whistler! The idyllic mountain resort about 1 ½ hours North of Vancouver was one of the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games‘ venues, staging the competitions in alpine and Nordic skiing and sliding sports. The Olympic experience has become part of Whistler’s unique culture and heritage and today‘s visitors have the opportunity to enjoy the Olympic spirit and energy that still lives on. Getting a photo in front of the famous Olympic rings in the village is certainly on every visitor’s bucket list. But why not try out some of the most exciting Olympic sports? Here are the Olympic must-dos for the adventurous at heart:
Ski, shoot, snow play - Whistler Olympic Park
Located about 30 minutes South of Whistler, Whistler Olympic Park is the region’s Nordic mecca. In 2010, it was the first Olympic venue to include all three traditional Nordic disciplines at one site: cross-country skiing, ski jumping and biathlon. Today recreational and professional Nordic enthusiasts enjoy North America’s most extensive Nordic experience with more than 130 kilometers of groomed beginner, intermediate and expert cross-country trails for both classic and skate skiing and snowshoeing, all starting at the majestic Olympic ski jumps. The venue’s ski school offers private and group lessons and 400 pairs of ski, 500 pairs of ski boots, 300 pairs of poles and 75 pairs of snowshoes for kids and adults are waiting for guests at the rental shop. Those who want to shoot a biathlon rifle can try that at the Olympic shooting range and both ski play area and toboggan hill make sure that the kids are entertained. The Park offers night skiing and special trails designated for skiers taking their dogs out for a snow adventure. A comfortable “home base” for all guests is the Park’s Day Lodge with the Brandywine Café, a big Nordic retail shop, change facilities and first aid centre. No less than 15 sport events will be staged at the park in the 2013/2014 season, with the big finale being the National Championships in Ski Jumping and Nordic Combined in March. Whistler Olympic Park is open daily from end November until the beginning of April (opening hours midweek: 9:00am - 4:30pm, weekends & holidays: 8:30am - 4:30pm, night skiing on Wednesday evenings Nov 28 - Feb 27: 9:00am - 9:00pm). For further information check www.whistlerolympicpark.com or 1-877-764-2455.
Experience the thrill of sliding – Whistler Sliding Centre
Overlooking Whistler Village from the southeast slope of Blackcomb Mountain, the Sliding Centre was the site of the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events during the Olympic Winter Games 2010. Today the venue is still home to top athletes: International top sliding events are run regularly and only recently has the venue been appointed National Sliding Sports Training Facility in order to elevate the sport of sliding in Canada. Future athletes get introduced to sliding at the early age of eight and teams of all disciplines attend the track regularly for training camps. But not only future medal contenders get to enjoy the thrill: Public sliding programs make the sport accessible for everybody on the world’s fastest sliding track. “Thunder on Ice“ is what the public bobsleigh experience is called, and those who tried it know why. With the help of a professional pilot, four amateur bobsleigh athletes start off to an exhilarating ride, reaching speeds of 120-130km/hr. G forces of 3-4G add to the adrenaline rush. Those who haven’t had enough can climb out of the bobsled and onto the next sled to try another Olympic sport: The Skeleton experience, “Lightning on Ice“, takes pilots down the track headfirst on a skeleton sled, shooting down the ice with 90-100 km/hr. The Whistler Sliding Cente is the only place in Canada where this unique sport can be tried by the public. Sliding is possible from November until March, advance booking is required under www.whistlerslidingcentre.com or by phone 1-604-964-0040.
Both Olympic venues also offer self-guided interpretive tours so guests can learn about the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games, the athletes and their stories.
After adventurous days like these on snow and ice, you’ll sleep like an Olympian.
Whistler Legacies
The best way to experience the Whistler Sliding Centre, Whistler Olympic Park and Whistler/Blackcomb is the RV Winter Warrior opportunity at the Riverside Resort. You can easily park and use your RV this winter at their stunning resort while taking their free shuttle to and from the lifts!
If the high cost of accommodations has been holding you back from experiencing the ultimate winter staycation, book one of their sites at a fraction of the price of hotel and condo rates.
Insider tip: Get 10% of your 30 day stay when you use the code: SNOWBIRD.
With exclusive member discounts, special events for members and the free shuttle to and from the ski lift – this could be your best Canadian winter ever. There are only a limited number of sites still available to book - so call (604) 905-5533 or visit riversidewhistler.com.