Bobsleigh Experience

It can be hard to place yourself in an athletes shoes while watching the Olympics or World Championships. This is largely due to the level of athleticism being witnessed but the other part could be because you just haven't experienced the sport before. Bobsleigh is a perfect example. It is not a common sport that many of us have access to trying. But this is not the case in Whistler. Here, we are lucky to have access to an Olympic legacy, The Whistler Sliding Centre. Not only does this venue still host national and world Luge, Skeleton, and Bobsleigh events, it is also open to the public for them to give the sports a go too! Here is everything you need to know about the one-of-a-kind experience, bobsleigh!

The Location

The Whistler Sliding Centre was built in 2007 between Whistler and Blackcomb Mountains for the 2010 Olympic games. It continues to be a used venue today as a result of the organization, Whistler 2010 Sports Legacies which operates the Sliding Centre as well as Whistler Olympic Park.

What To Bring And What To Wear

Preparing for your experience will lead to a more enjoyable time. The Whistler Sliding Centre website has listed the following as what to wear and what to bring:

• Slim fitting winter clothing
• Government issued ID
• Shoes with good tread (winter boots or runners)
• Gloves
• Tie back long hair
• Remove loose jewellery
• Personal point of view cameras (GoPro, Hitcase etc.) are not permitted during the ride
• Own helmets are not permitted, only Whistler Sliding Centre helmets allowed
• No ski & snowboard boots or high heels

The Experience

First thing is first, participants are taken through a quick safety orientation. This outlines what's going to happen on the experience, what to do, and what not to do. It also prepares participants for what it will feel like while traveling down the bobsleigh track. After the orientation, participants are given a helmet and weighted with heavy vests. The extra weight is crucial for making the bobsleigh go down the track at a safe speed.

Following this step, everyone is driven up to the Lower Ladies Start in staggered groups. And again, a quick run through is performed so that there are no surprises. Then, it is time to load the bobsleigh. The attendant gives the bobsleigh a quick push and it's all downhill from there! You and your team will coast through 10 corners at speeds of 125+ km/hr. At the famous Thunderbird Corner, you will feel the acceleration of up to 4 g forces. And then, the bobsleigh will continue uphill and come to a graceful stop.

Just like that, you will have experienced bobsleigh in Whistler! Once the sliding is complete, you and your group will be driven back down to the bottom where your top speed results are provided.  

Ready to experience for yourself bobsleigh in Whistler? Book the activity here!