Whistler: Olympic Venues

It may not be the main host city, but there are plenty of Olympic events being held at an array of v

By Seattle Mag December 31, 1969

Category: Winter Olympics Guide

 

Our northern neighbors are gearing up for the Big Event—the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. But with venues ready to go and open for touring, there’s really no reason to wait until February to head north

Our northern neighbors are gearing up for the Big Event—the 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Winter Games. But with venues ready to go and an exchange rate that’s once again in our favor, there’s really no reason to wait until February to head north (and with tickets largely sold out and hotel rooms hard to come by during the festivities, pre-Games trips may be a better bet). From exploring new neighborhoods to checking out venues open now for touring (and Olympic racing slopes that will soon be covered with snow), you can head north for an Olympic-size experience long before the Games begin.

TOUR OR TRY WHISTLER’S RACE COURSES

Franz’s Run, Whistler Mountain
Sporting event: Women’s downhill skiing
What you’ll experience: An inkling of the strength and skill needed to maintain top speed through the twists and turns of this dynamic line. From the top at Wildcard, the course bobs and weaves its way down the mountain, joining the lower Dave Murray to finish at Timing Flats.
What you’ll need: Alpine skis, boots, bindings, poles and intermediate skiing skills. Bring your own equipment or rent at Whistler Blackcomb.

Dave Murray
Downhill, Whistler Mountain

Sporting event: Men’s downhill skiing
What you’ll experience: You don’t need to be a ski racer to drink in the adrenalin rush of flying down a course that drops some 2,600 feet in a little less than two miles. The Dave Murray Downhill run descends Whistler’s south side from the top of the new Garbanzo chair to Timing Flats above Whistler Creekside. With steeps, flats, drop-offs and compressions, the Dave Murray run will challenge even the world’s best downhillers.
What you’ll need: Alpine skis, boots, bindings, poles and advanced skiing skills. Bring your own equipment or rent at Whistler Blackcomb.

SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE OLYMPICS!
Whistler Olympic Park, Callaghan Valley
Sporting Event: Biathlon and cross-country courses
What you’ll experience: Fire a .22-caliber rifle at five targets 50 meters away. If you hit all five, then ski several kilometers and see if you can repeat your score; biathletes have to stop and do this while covering up to 20 kilometers. Kick and glide through 15 kilometers of cross-country trails winding through the forest.
What you’ll need: Cross-country skis, boots, bindings and poles as well as the ability to fire a .22-caliber rifle while your heart is pounding from exertion. Bring your own equipment or rent at the park.

SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE OLYMPICS!
Whistler Olympic Park, Callaghan Valley
Sporting event: Ski jumping
What you’ll experience: Take a tour to understand the construction of the site, the design of the specialized suits and skis, and the amazing mettle of the participants, who launch themselves into the air, assume a V-style ski position to maximize lift, fly hundreds of feet and land in a controlled telemark stance.
What you’ll need: Warm clothes and ability to ride a chairlift.

SPECIALLY BUILT FOR THE OLYMPICS!
Whistler Sliding Center
Sporting

 

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