FAQ

Access Fee? Access Free!

Whether visiting in the summer or winter, there is no entrance fee to access the Whistler Sliding Center. During the summer, enjoy a free self-guided interpretive tour that guides you on a walk up the track and takes you on a journey through the lives and stories of the athletes.

Who uses the track in the winter?

The Whistler Sliding Centre offers public bobsleigh and skeleton rides during the winter season as part of the sport experience program. The rides are $149.00 respectively and can be reserved by calling the guest service desk at 604 964 0040. The track is also used for on-going athlete training, events and competitions.

Events and Spectators

As one of 15 international competition sliding tracks in the world, the Whistler Sliding Centre has hosted several national and international competitions since the 2010 Olympics. Spectators are always welcome and a small access fee will be charged for entrance. Check-out the Sliding Center Events page for upcoming races and spectator fees.

What is the difference between Public Ride tour and the ride of a professional athlete?

The public bobsleigh ride is guided by a professional who steers the bobsleigh and controls its speed. Both the public bobsleigh and public skeleton rides start 1/3 of way up the track and are significantly slower than the rides of professional athletes.

How fast will I be going on the Bobsleigh Ride?

While the speeds reached by guests are significantly slower than that of athletes, the tour has the potential to exert G-forces on your body of several times your own body weight and to reach speeds of up to 125 km/h (75 mph).    

How fast will I be going on the Skeleton Ride?

Expect to reach 85 km/hr by the time you race through the famous Thunderbird corner at the bottom of the track.

Reserving your Tour, Book in Advance

If you have a large group or if you are on a tight time-frame, reserve your public tour in advance by calling 604-964-0040. For those who prefer to 'play it by ear' drop by the Guest Service desk and book the tour of your choice. Tour availability varies; remember it is never too early to reserve!

Tour booked – What next?

Please arrive at the Sliding Centre 20 minutes before your schedule tour and check-in at the guest services counter. 

Parking

There is plenty of free parking available at the Sliding Centre Guest Services building.

How long is the track?

While the track is 1700 meters in length, the competition track measures 1450 meters from the Bobsleigh/skeleton start and 1374 meters from the men’s luge start. There are 7 official starts on the sliding track and a total of 16 corners.

How was the location of the track chosen?

Environmental impact and ice maintenance were the most crucial factors considered during the track planning and construction process. The site of the Sliding Centre was chosen because of the infrastructure already in place and the abundance of trees kept to: provide natural shading, reduce soil degeneration and maintain the area’s natural mountain beauty.

How does one become involved in Sliding Sports?

To become involved in sliding sports, you must first become a member of a recognized club. The Canadian Luge Association targets athletes of the next generation and hosts recruitment camps and training at the Whistler Sliding Centre. For those interested in bobsleigh or skeleton, the BC Bobsleigh & Skeleton Association develops amateur athletes at the Sliding Centre as well. Check out our events page for future recruitment camps.