FEEL THE RUSH OF BOBSLEIGH, SKELETON

The managing director of the fastest sliding track in the world says he’s confident that participating in the Whistler Sliding Centre’s public bobsleigh and skeleton programs this winter will “get your adrenaline pumping” — even in COVID times.

The track, which hosted the bobsleigh, skeleton and luge events during the 2010 Winter Olympics, had a busy fall despite restrictions on some activities. The Canadian national teams were training there for much longer than expected because officials decided not to send them to Europe for competitions until early 2021. Several provincial teams were also training on the Whistler track for fall and into winter, and this fall, the track teamed up with Olympian Joe Cecchini to host the “Snipers Skeleton Club” camps for aspiring young athletes. “We’re super busy — probably the busiest we’ve ever been, actually,” said Tracy Seitz, the Sliding Centre’s managing director.

The public bobsleigh and skeleton programs, which will run on weekends when allowed under public health guidelines, offer guests the chance to experience the thrill of sliding on the lower two-thirds of the track, with maximum bobsleigh speeds of 125 km/h and skeleton speeds of up to 100 km/h. Masks must be worn during the introduction/orientation and helmet fitting. Bobsleigh rides are in four-person sleds with a pilot — two or three guests from the same “bubble” ride with just a pilot, while single participants will have to ride with at least one other guest. All participants wear balaclavas (provided), masks and gloves where necessary.

“We’ve established some pretty effective health and safety guidelines, and we encourage people to come in as a small group,” Seitz said.

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