As the world came together for the 2022 Winter Olympic Games, we couldn’t help but reflect on Whistler’s rich history and feel a great sense of pride and nostalgia for the role the resort played in the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games.
In 2010, the world’s most impressive athletic stage came to British Columbia. Visitors, locals and athletes alike gathered to cheer on Olympians as Whistler played host to events in the Vancouver Games. Although the Games are long gone and the roar of the crowd has died down, their lasting impact on Whistler and its community is incredible.
But don’t take our word for it. Experience it for yourself by exploring the legacies the Games brought to Whistler. From sporting venues to authentic artifacts, we’ve pulled together a few ways to revisit the sites and excitement of the 2010 Winter Olympic and Paralympic Games in Whistler. We’ve also included suggestions for where to stay near the action.
Try Bobsleigh and Skeleton at the Whistler Sliding Centre
Located above Whistler Village on the side of Blackcomb Mountain, the Whistler Sliding Centre is one of the fastest sliding tracks in the world. The world-class venue hosted bobsleigh, skeleton and luge competitions during the 2010 Winter Games and continues to serve as a training and competition site.
The venue welcomes visitors throughout the year for sightseeing and seasonal public sliding experiences. Passenger bobsleigh is offered in winter and in a wheeled summer format, while public skeleton operates during winter. Check current dates, age and physical requirements before planning your visit.
Passenger Bobsleigh and Public Skeleton operate seasonally and have participant requirements. Review the official activity details, reserve in advance and contact our concierge team if you would like help planning your experience.
If the Whistler Sliding Centre is a not-to-be-missed stop on your itinerary, consider staying in the Blackcomb Benchlands. This quieter mountainside neighbourhood places you near Blackcomb Base, the Upper Village and the free village shuttle route. Location, ski access and amenities vary by property, so compare the available rentals before booking.
Go Cross-Country Skiing at Whistler Olympic Park
Connect with family and friends at Whistler Olympic Park in the beautiful Callaghan Valley, just south of Whistler. Built for the 2010 Winter Games, it was the first Olympic Nordic venue to include all three traditional Nordic sport stadiums on one site: cross-country skiing, ski jumping and biathlon.
Explore more than 55 kilometres of groomed cross-country ski trails through the park’s spectacular landscape. Routes range from beginner-friendly terrain to more challenging climbs and descents. Lessons, rentals, trail availability and operating dates are seasonal, so check current conditions and services before visiting.
Dogs can get in on the excitement, too. Whistler Olympic Park offers more than 12 kilometres of dog-friendly cross-country ski and snowshoe trails, including a designated off-leash area. Review the park’s current dog access rules, ticket requirements and trail status before setting out.
Unlike the other Olympic sites on this list, Whistler Olympic Park is located in the Callaghan Valley, approximately 25 kilometres south of Whistler Village, so plan for transportation. Guests who want a peaceful luxury base on the south side of Whistler can consider this contemporary Kadenwood retreat, which offers five bedrooms, generous gathering spaces and a well-equipped kitchen for group stays.
Witness the Legacy at Whistler Olympic Plaza
Whistler Olympic Plaza is where athletes stepped onto the podium to receive their medals during nightly victory ceremonies at the 2010 Winter Games. It is also where the Paralympic Closing Ceremony concluded Whistler’s role as Host Mountain Resort.
Framed by mountain views, Whistler Olympic Plaza has become a popular photo stop, with Olympic symbols including the rings and cauldron remaining in the village.
The spirit of celebration lives on at the plaza. In summer, the lawn hosts community gatherings and select events. In winter, the space transforms with snow and seasonal programming. Event and skating schedules change, so check current local information before your visit.
If staying close to Olympic Plaza appeals to you, browse Whistler Village vacation rentals. A Village location can put you within walking distance of the plaza, restaurants, shops and gondolas, although the exact distance and amenities vary by property.
Ski the Olympic Alpine Runs on Whistler Mountain
Whistler has drawn skiers for decades with its varied terrain and mountain views. With more than 8,000 acres of skiable terrain across Whistler and Blackcomb, the resort was selected to host many of the alpine skiing events during the 2010 Games.
You can follow in the tracks of Olympians on the Dave Murray Downhill, a 3.1-kilometre run on Whistler Mountain. The course hosted the men’s downhill, slalom, giant slalom, super combined and super-G events.
The Dave Murray Downhill is a black diamond run that descends toward Creekside. Terrain access, grooming and operating status depend on mountain conditions, so check the current Whistler Blackcomb trail report and ski within your ability level.
If access to Whistler Mountain is a priority, compare Whistler Creekside vacation rentals. Creekside offers its own gondola base, dining and shops, with select homes positioned for convenient ski access. Review each property’s exact location and access details before booking.
You can also connect with Whistler’s Olympic history by visiting the Whistler Museum, exploring the Village or talking with local residents. However you would like to experience the legacy, our team of Whistler locals is here to help you plan your stay.
