Nestled in the heart of the Coastal Mountains of British Columbia, Canada is Whistler, a popular and premier destination for skiers, boarders and winter sports enthusiasts alike from around the world. The great majority of visitors to Whistler come from Canada and the US with a significant number also traveling from Europe, Australia, and Asia.

A short distance from the slopes of Whistler and Whistler Village is Whistler Olympic Park, featuring the state-of-the-art facilities originally built for the 2010 Winter Olympics. With its breathtaking natural beauty and world-class amenities, the park is the perfect place to experience the thrill of a wide range winter sports in a stunning mountain setting, from family-friendly tobogganing to high-speed bobsledding for adrenaline junkies.

The Background on Bobsledding

Bobsledding has its roots in the late 19th century in Switzerland, where it was initially used as a means of transportation during the winter months. It was not until the early 20th century that it became a competitive sport, with the first bobsleigh club formed in St. Moritz, Switzerland in 1897.

It was first introduced into the Winter Olympics in 1924 as a sport, with a four-man bobsleigh event held at the inaugural games in Chamonix, France. Eduard Scherrer, Alfred Neveu, Alfred Schläppi, and Heinrich Schläppi of Switzerland took home the gold. The last team to win the four-man bobsleigh event at the Winter Olympics was the German team of Francesco Friedrich, Candy Bauer, Martin Grothkopp, and Alexander Schueller at the 2022 Winter Olympics in Beijing, China.

The all-time champion of bobsledding is Eugenio Monti of Italy, who won nine Olympic medals between 1956 and 1968, including two gold medals in the two-man bobsleigh event. Monti is considered one of the greatest bobsledders of all time and was known for his technical skills and fearless approach to the sport.

Bobsledding in Whistler Olympic Park

The Whistler Sliding Centre is the place to go for bobsledding in Whistler and feel like an Olympian! It is located in the heart of Whistler Olympic Park and was originally built as the venue for bobsleigh, skeleton, and luge competitions in the 2010 Winter Olympics. The track is 1,450 meters long and features 10 twists and turns, making it one of the most challenging tracks in the world with speeds of 125+ km/hour and acceleration of up to 4 g-forces.

I went to the Sliding Centre to bobsled with a few ski buddies as a break from skiing the slopes Whistler and riding the Peak 2 Peak Gondola in conditions that were less than ideal. No experience is required but all riding passengers must also be meet the physical requirements as the ride can be strenuous. After the pre-ride, “Know Before You Go“ orientation, I almost backed out but finally mustered up enough courage to go.

Below are the bobsledding packages available at the Whistler Sliding Centre in addition to similar experiences with the skeleton and luge.

Passenger Bobsleigh Experience: This is the most popular option and is available to anyone over the age of 14. It involves riding as a passenger in a four-man bobsleigh with a professional driver and brakeman. The ride lasts around one minute and reaches speeds of up to 125 km/hour.

Bobsleigh with a Pro Experience: For those who want to experience the thrill of driving a bobsleigh, this option is for you. You will receive expert coaching from a professional driver and will have the opportunity to drive the bobsleigh yourself.

Skeleton Experience: Skeleton is a solo sport that involves riding a small sled down the bobsleigh track headfirst. This option is available to anyone over the age of 16 and offers a unique and thrilling experience.

Luge Experience: The luge and is two adrenaline-fueled winter sport that you can experience at Whistler Olympic Park and involves sliding down the track feet-first on a small sled.

Public rides are available rain, snow or shine during varying days and times from December until mid-April. Summer bobsleigh is available July to September. Even though the bobsled ride lasts less than a minute, with check-in and orientation, the entire bobsled experience may take up to one hour and 15 minutes. Participants must be 14 years or older with 14- and 15- year-olds required to ride with an adult to bobsled and 16 years to solo skeleton. Spectators may watch free of charge.

Contact the Whistler Sliding Centre for availability, current rates, cancellation policy, and any further questions either by email or phone at 604-964-0040.

Traveling to Whistler

There are several ways to travel to Whistler and Whistler Olympic Park in British Columbia.

By Air: Vancouver International Airport (YVR) is the largest airport near Whistler, located about 83 miles south of Whistler. Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is about 192 miles south of Whistler and Abbotsford International Airport (YXX) is located about 87 miles southeast of Whistler and primarily serves regional destinations. Once visitors arrive at one of these airports, they can choose to rent a car, take a private transfer, or use a shuttle bus service to travel to Whistler. Shuttle bus services, such as the Whistler Shuttle or Pacific Coach Lines, are a popular option and offer several departures throughout the day.

By Car: Whistler is located about 75 miles north of Vancouver, and it’s easily accessible by car via the Sea-to-Sky Highway (Highway 99). There are several car rental companies available in Vancouver and at Vancouver International Airport.

By Shuttle: There are several shuttle services that operate between Vancouver and Whistler, including Pacific Coach Lines, Epic Rides, and Whistler Shuttle. These services offer frequent and convenient transportation options, and they’re a great choice if you don’t want to drive.

By Bus: Greyhound operates daily bus service between Vancouver and Whistler.

By Train: The Rocky Mountaineer operates train service between Vancouver and Whistler during the summer months. This is a scenic and comfortable way to travel to Whistler, but it can be more expensive than other options.

Once you’re in Whistler, you can take a shuttle or drive to Whistler Olympic Park, which is located about nine miles south of Whistler Village.

Additionally, travelers to British Columbia from countries other than Canada may need a passport or other travel docs to enter, depending on citizenship and purpose/length of stay. Visitors from visa-exempt countries, such as the US, are required to have an Electronic Travel Authorization (eTA) to enter by air.

Visitors from countries that require a visa to enter must obtain a valid visa before traveling. It’s always a good idea to check the latest travel requirements and restrictions before planning a trip to British Columbia or any other destination, as these requirements can change from time to time.

Accommodation Recommendations in Whistler

Riverside Resort: Located in nearby Whistler Village, Riverside Resort offers a range of accommodations, including hotel rooms, condos, and cabins and features a hot tub, sauna, and on-site restaurant. It’s a great choice for families or groups, as the cabins can accommodate up to eight people. One of the highlights of Riverside is its location. It is situated on the banks of the Cheakamus River, and it offers beautiful views of the surrounding mountains and forest.

Summit Lodge Boutique Hotel: This award-winning hotel is located in Whistler Village and has a range of accommodations, including studios, one and two-bedroom suites, and penthouses. Onsite amenities include a hot tub, sauna, and on-site restaurant. One of the standout features of Summit Lodge is its attention to detail and personalized service. The hotel staff is known for going above and beyond to ensure that guests have a memorable and enjoyable stay. They offer a range of services, such as ski valet, complimentary breakfast, and an on-site fitness center.

Pangea Pod Hotel: If you’re looking for a unique and affordable option, Pangea Pod Hotel is a great choice. This pod-style hotel is located in Whistler Village, offers compact but comfortable accommodations, and features a rooftop patio, lounge, and communal kitchen. One of the unique features of Pangea Pod is its focus on sustainability. The hotel has implemented several eco-friendly practices, such as using biodegradable cleaning products and encouraging guests to bring their own reusable water bottles. The hotel also donates a portion of its profits to local environmental initiatives.

Restaurant Recommendations in Whistler

Dusty’s Bar & BBQ: This casual and lively spot is located right at the base of the mountain, and it’s the perfect place to grab a bite to eat after a day of skiing or snowboarding. They specialize in BBQ and comfort food, including burgers, sandwiches, and nachos.

Raven’s Nest: This cafeteria-style restaurant is located inside the Whistler Olympic Park Day Lodge and offers a range of delicious and healthy options, including soups, salads, sandwiches, and baked goods. There are plenty of vegetarian and gluten-free options available, too.

Zogs Dogs: If you’re in the mood for a classic hot dog, look no further than Zogs Dogs. Located inside the Day Lodge, this quick and easy spot offers a range of hot dogs, sausages, and poutine. They also have vegetarian and gluten-free options available.

Additional Activities in Whistler

Whistler Olympic Park is surrounded by breathtaking views of snow-covered mountains and forests, making it a perfect destination for a winter adventure. In addition to bobsledding plus skiing and snowboarding in nearby Whistler, the following are other fun outdoor activities to experience.

Biathlon: Biathlon is a combination of cross-country skiing and rifle shooting, and it’s one of the most popular winter sports in the world. Whistler Olympic Park has a world-class biathlon range where you can try your hand at shooting while skiing.

Cross-country Skiing: Whistler Olympic Park has over 90 kilometers of cross-country skiing trails that are suitable for all levels. There are groomed trails for classic and skate skiing, as well as backcountry trails for those looking for a more challenging experience.

Dog Sledding: For a unique and unforgettable experience, try dog sledding. There are several companies in the area that offer guided dog sled tours through the snowy forests around Whistler.

Freestyle Ski: Park offers a variety of terrain parks and jumps for freestyle skiing enthusiasts. These include rails, boxes, and jumps of various sizes, suitable for all levels of skiers.

Ice Skating: If you want to try something different, ice skating is a great option. Whistler Olympic Plaza has an outdoor ice skating rink that is open to the public. Skate rentals are available on site.

Snowshoeing: If you want to explore the beautiful winter scenery without skiing, snowshoeing is a great option. Whistler Olympic Park offers guided tours and rental equipment for snowshoeing.

Tobogganing: Tobogganing is a fun activity for the whole family, and there are several toboggan hills near Whistler Olympic Park where you can enjoy the thrill of sliding down the snow-covered slopes on a sled. The hills vary in size and steepness, so you can choose the one that suits your skill level.

Snowmobiling: If you’re looking for a thrilling and adventurous activity, snowmobiling is a great option. There are several companies in the area that offer guided snowmobile tours.

Whether you’re an experienced athlete or a beginner looking to try something new, Whistler and Whistler Olympic Park offers a range of exciting and challenging activities for all skill levels. With its scenic mountain vistas, world-class facilities, and friendly staff, the park with its sliding center is the ideal destination for anyone looking to experience the beauty and excitement of winter sports in British Columbia.

So, pack your bags, hit the track, and get ready for an unforgettable bobsled experience at the Whistler Sliding Centre in British Columbia. Util the next fitness travel post,…

Embark. Explore. Experience.
Adriana