Whistler Sliding Centre : Interesting Facts, Information & Travel Guide

Welcome to the Whistler Sliding Centre! Whether you’re a die-hard fan of winter sports or just looking for a fun-filled day on the slopes, there’s something for everyone at this iconic venue. Located in the heart of beautiful British Columbia, the venue provides the perfect blend of scenic surroundings and thrilling action for a jaw-dropping experience. But the fun doesn’t just stop there; we’ve got a host of interesting facts, information, and travel guides to help you plan the perfect trip to one of the world’s most exciting winter sports venues. Read on to learn more about this one-of-a-kind facility and get the inside scoop on what it has to offer!

Interesting Facts About Whistler Sliding Centre

1. The Whistler Sliding Centre was originally built to host the 2010 Winter Olympic Games.
2. The centre is located in the Callaghan Valley, one of the most epic natural locations in North America.
3. The track is the longest in North America and the fastest in the world!
4. The track has hosted many international competitions, including the 2013 World Cup, the 2012-13 Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge World Championships, and the 2014-15 Bobsleigh, Skeleton and Luge World Cup events.
5. The track features 15 curves, some as tight as 16 degrees, and speeds of up to 140 km/h (87 mph).
6. The track also features a roller-coaster ride style curve known as the “Toaster”.
7. The track is technically known as the Symbolview Whistler Sliding Centre, named for the companies which built and now operate the track.
8. The track is powered entirely by hydro-electricity from the nearby Callaghan Station.
9. The track also features a Retum Curve, which simulates the aerodynamic drag of a real bobsled course.
10. The track is constantly inspected and maintained, ensuring the highest safety standards are met.

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History & Information About Whistler Sliding Centre

The Whistler Sliding Centre is an ice sliding track located adjacent to the village of Whistler in British Columbia, Canada. It opened in late 2007, and hosted the bobsleigh, luge and skeleton events during the 2010 Winter Olympics and Paralympics in Whistler, and subsequently became North America’s fastest track.

The Whistler Sliding Centre has a 1,450-metre-long (4,757 ft.) track, 12 curves, a vertical drop of 107.5 m (353 ft.) and as many as 16 G-forces depending on the turn. The centre gives athletes a simulated certification run every Friday. The track is maintained by the Whistler Sliding Centre staff and hosted the 2018 FIL World Luge Championships in February.

The track was designed and constructed by the Swiss-based company IvoRizzi Sport Constructions AG1 with the input of over sixty coaches, athletes and officials from the luge, bobsleigh and skeleton disciplines. Construction of the track was completed in the 2007/2008 season and was approved for international competition in late 2007.

The track has been recognized as dangerous due to the large number of incidents involving high-speed crashes and injuries to athletes. As a result, the track has been redesigned with a number of improvements targeted at increasing athlete safety. For instance, the track’s total length has been extended to 1,675.7 metres, the vertical drop increased to 110.3 metres, the curve radii made larger in certain areas, and the walls of the curves have been made taller and steeper.

Notable athletes to have raced the Whistler Sliding Centre include 2010 Winter Olympic gold medallist in the luge and skeleton events, Alexander Tretiakov; 2010 Winter Olympic gold medallist in the bobsleigh two-woman event, Kaillie Humphries; and Canadian bobsleigh pilot and 2014 bobsleigh two man gold medallist, Justin Kripps.

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Travel Guide For Visiting Whistler Sliding Centre

Whistler Sliding Centre is a world-class bobsled, luge, and skeleton track located in Whistler, British Columbia. The track was used for the bobsleigh, luge, and skeleton events of the 2010 Winter Olympics, and has since become a popular destination for recreational and competitive sledding alike.

Getting There:

The Whistler Sliding Centre is located approximately 96 kilometers (60 miles) north of Vancouver, British Columbia. It is accessible by car, public transportation, or a combination of both. For those traveling by car, the quickest route is to follow the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99) from Vancouver to the Callaghan Valley Road turnoff. Follow Callaghan Valley Road for 16 kilometers (10 miles) to arrive at the Whistler Sliding Centre.

When to Visit:

The Whistler Sliding Centre is open year-round for recreational sledding. This makes it a great destination in the winter for winter sport enthusiasts, as well as in the summer for those looking to try something different. However, the venue is also host to competitive events throughout the year. Before planning a visit, it is important to check the centre’s calendar of events to make sure an event is not taking place during your visit.

What to Bring:

Visitors coming to the Whistler Sliding Centre should make sure to bring a helmet and closed-toe shoes while on the track. If a sledding session is booked in advance, it might include rental of equipment.

Before, During, and After the Visit:

The Whistler Sliding Centre offers both basic and advanced sledding experiences. Visitors to the track can book a basic session to learn the basics of sledding, or they can take a course for more advance instruction. The track also has a café and a variety of restaurants nearby that visitors can visit before, during, or after their sledding session. Visitors will also find restrooms, showers, and changing rooms onsite to make their experience more enjoyable and comfortable.

Before leaving the track, visitors should make sure to check out the Olympic memorabilia exhibits that honor the venues successful Olympic history. The center is also a great place to pick up souvenirs and Olympic paraphernalia to commemorate their visit.

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Frequently Asked Questions About Whistler Sliding Centre

Q1. What is the Whistler Sliding Centre?

A1. The Whistler Sliding Centre is a world-class multi-purpose venue located on Blackcomb Mountain in the Resort Municipality of Whistler, British Columbia, Canada. The Centre is used for the luge, skeleton, and bobsleigh sliding sports and features a certified 19-corner track with a 1720 metre length and up to 1576 metres of sliding distance. It was the primary venue for the sliding sports at the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Q2. How long has the Whistler Sliding Centre been in operation?

A2. The Whistler Sliding Centre has been in operation since 1996. It underwent a major renovation and upgrade to become the primary venue for the sliding sports at the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.

Q3. Who is allowed to ride the Whistler Sliding Centre?

A3. The Whistler Sliding Centre is open to the general public, as well as competitive athletes. Underaged riders must be accompanied by a parent or guardian.

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