The Province

Slip Sliding Away

Thunder and Lightning on Ice

- GINA NOELLE DAGGETT

“The popularity of our public sliding programs is growing from season to season,” says Roger Soane, President & CEO of Whistler Sport Legacies. “It should be on everyone’s bucket list to try bobsleigh or skeleton in Whistler.”

The Whistler Sliding Centre (WSC)—which is part of Whistler Sport Legacies—was home to the Vancouver 2010 Olympic and Paralympic Games. This state-ofthe-art facility is perched above the village, a glowing beacon attracting guests and athletes from all over world.

The WSC hosts incredible internatio­nal competitio­ns and also offers unique e xperiences for visitors. This winter, WSC has several programs for those brave enough to step onto the platform.

Thunder on Ice is the bobsleigh experience. With a profession­al bobsledder as pilot, participan­ts will take a white-knuckle ride straight down the world’s fastest track—ten twists and turns, four G-forces, and speeds of up to 125 kilometres per hour.

Lightning on Ice is designed for the most intrepid winter adventuris­t. This skeleton program is a daring ride, one taken headfirst around six corners, clocking speeds of up to 100 kilometres per hour. It’s just you, the sled and the track.

New this season, WSC is offering the Discover Sliding Programs. They’re perfect for daredevils looking to learn how to pilot their own bobsleigh or the basics of skeleton/luge. The one-time beginner sessions are led by profession­al coaches. Prices vary and age restrictio­ns apply.

Beyond the public programs, there are some serious competitio­ns happening at the WSC this winter.

On Dec 9 and 10, the Viessmann Luge World Cup and Team Relay World Cup slide into town, bringing along more than 120 male and female athletes from fifteen countries who will fight for various titles. It will be a great show!

Whether you’re sliding for the first time or you want to watch competitor­s battle it out, the WSC is an exciting place to be, offering mind-bending speed and rushes of adrenalin.

Bring your cowbells to cheer on your home country this weekend! Or grab your bravado and head up the hill soon, to experience the action first-hand, taking your own ride down the track. It will be an experience of a lifetime!

For more informatio­n visit whistler.com.

 ??  ?? PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE COURTESY TOURISM WHISTLER
PHOTO BY MIKE CRANE COURTESY TOURISM WHISTLER

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