The Whistler Sliding Centre is one of the legacies left behind by the 2010 Olympic Winter Games. Here is where you will find the 1,450 metre long ice track with a 152-metre vertical drop over 16 corners where the World Cup Skeleton, Luge and Bobsleigh athletes compete and train regularly. Want to feel just like one of the athletes racing here? You’re in luck as the center offers visitors a chance to try their skill at these sports. I wasn’t too sure how I felt about that since speeds range around 140 KM (almost 90 miles per hour!) but more importantly the disclaimer from the Sliding Center handout read: “Participants should use the washroom before the start of the run (due to gravitational pressure on bladder during runs)” which definitely reinforced my decision.
I think I’ll stick to the sport of skiing (for now, at least).
Today at the Sliding Center, it was the second day of the 2012 IBSF (International Bobsleigh and Skeleton Federation) World Cup. We heard from locals and friends alike that this was an event that we absolutely had to see.
“Monica, you can be right there and practically feel the wind that comes off the racers as they swoosh by you at amazing speeds,” my friend Todd tells me with great enthusiasm.
Paying the $10.00 entrance fee we walked into the center and immediately felt the excitement in the air ring straight down to our bones. People were everywhere, cowbells were ringing in the anticipation of the upcoming races and in general the feeling here was one of complete, pure excitement.
Before we knew it the announcer comes across on the loud speaker and alerts us to the start of the Skeleton races and everyone gathers close to the track.
The races were breathtaking with the Canadians earning four medals in all between the Friday and Saturday races. Luckily for the spectators there were outdoor heating posts, hot chocolate, chili and the can’t-be-missed beer garden to keep everyone warm and comfortable while enjoying the races.
Soon enough it was time to head back down to the village. We downloaded from the Blackcomb gondola and began our walk through the village making our way back to our Airstream which was waiting for us at the Riverside RV Resort.
“Mommy, that was so awesome!” B tells me as we are strolling through the village.
I had to agree with him 100%.
Whistler is such a fun place to come and visit be it with your travel trailer, RV or opting to stay in the lodging within the village. There is so much to do here and explore that you will want to come back again and again. This was our first time coming here with our Airstream and to be honest, I wouldn’t travel any other way. Our home away from home is my favorite place on earth.
