Whistler 2010 Olympics

Vancouver Whistler BC Canada

Whistler was born on an Olympic dream. Franz Wilhelmsen, the man who opened Whistler for skiing in the 1960's, did so in the hopes of hosting the Games here. After a number of unsuccessful bids for the Olympics, this dream turned to reality when on July 2nd, 2003, the International Olympic Committee selected Vancouver as the host city of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games. Along with Vancouver, Whistler Blackcomb and the community of Whistler became an official Olympic venue.

In the years leading up to the 2010 Olympics, there will be a great deal of activity preparing to host the Games. An  infrastructure improvement underway is a major upgrade to the Sea to Sky Highway connecting Vancouver to Whistler. This will enable more guests to arrive in Whistler in a quick and safe manner. The coming years will bring on-mountain improvements, nordic and bobsled facilities and other amenities.

The following venues were proposed in the Vancouver 2010 Bid Book. Locations, construction dates and facilities subject to change.

WHISTLER NORDIC CENTRE

    Location: Callaghan Valley

    Events: Cross-country skiing, biathlon, Nordic combined sports and ski      jumping.

    Details: Constructions starts in 2005, slated to finish by 2007.

ATHLETES' VILLAGE

    Location: Lower Cheakamus

    Details: This village will combine pre-manufactured, temporary facilities and permanent residences. After the Games are finished, the temporary facilities will be moved off-site and given to First Nations peoples. The remaining housing will be dedicated to affordable, staff-focused housing and an athlete training facility. Location TBA.

WHISTLER SLIDING CENTRE

    Location: Blackcomb Mountain

    Events: Bobsleigh, luge, skeleton.

    Details: Construction begins this year, to be completed by 2007.

ENTERTAINMENT COMPLEX/ MULTIPURPOSE FACILITY

    Location: To be determined

    Events: Paralympic sledge hockey.

    Details: Renovations to the current Meadow Park Sports Centre are also under consideration for this event. Construction dates TBA.